If you love the fresh, tangy flavors of Mediterranean cuisine, you are going to fall in love with this Greek Salad Dressing Recipe. It’s a vibrant, perfectly balanced blend of olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and fragrant herbs that instantly transforms any salad into something truly special. Whether you’re tossing together a traditional Greek salad or looking to add a zesty punch to your greens, this dressing brings brightness and depth with every drizzle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, yet each one plays an essential role in creating the signature bright, robust flavor of the Greek Salad Dressing Recipe. The combination of rich olive oil, aromatic oregano, and sharp mustard delivers a perfect harmony of taste and texture.
- ¾ cup olive oil: Provides a silky texture and fruity richness that’s fundamental for this dressing.
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Adds tangy acidity that lifts all the flavors and balances the richness.
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice: Brings fresh citrus brightness for a vibrant kick.
- 1 tablespoon honey: A touch of sweetness to mellow out the acidity and create harmony.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds subtle sharpness and helps emulsify the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and ties them together.
- ½ teaspoon dried garlic powder: Gives a gentle garlic punch without overwhelming the dressing (feel free to increase to 1 teaspoon for more bite).
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic herb that evokes the Mediterranean spirit.
- Black pepper: Adds a final touch of mild heat and complexity to taste.
How to Make Greek Salad Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients in a medium bowl or directly into a clean jar. The simplicity of this dressing means you don’t need any fancy tools—just a whisk or a spoon will do.
Step 2: Whisk Until Emulsified
Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, garlic powder, oregano, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The mustard acts as a natural emulsifier, helping to blend the oil and vinegar into a creamy dressing that clings to your salad ingredients beautifully.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Give your dressing a taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. Add more lemon juice or vinegar if you want it tangier, or a pinch more honey if you prefer it sweeter. This flexibility allows you to tailor the dressing just the way you like it.
Step 4: Store Properly
Transfer the dressing to a clean, airtight jar and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a good shake before each use, as the ingredients may settle or separate over time.
How to Serve Greek Salad Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
This dressing pairs beautifully with traditional Greek garnishes like crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and sliced red onions. The acidity of the dressing complements the salty feta perfectly, creating a harmonious burst of flavor in every bite.
Side Dishes
Serve this dressing alongside fresh pita bread, grilled chicken, or lamb to add a Mediterranean flair to your meal. It’s also fantastic drizzled over roasted vegetables or even used as a marinade for seafood to brighten those flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a unique twist, try tossing the dressing with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers for a colorful Greek-inspired chopped salad. You can also use it as a vibrant dipping sauce for veggie sticks or drizzle it over quinoa or couscous bowls to amp up the zest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Greek Salad Dressing Recipe can be stored in a tightly sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Always give it a good shake before serving since the ingredients naturally separate after sitting.
Freezing
Freezing this dressing is not recommended because the olive oil can solidify and change texture, affecting the smooth consistency and flavor balance.
Reheating
This dressing is best served cold or at room temperature. Reheating is unnecessary and may degrade the fresh flavors, so just let it sit out for a few minutes if too chilled from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Absolutely! Mince one small garlic clove finely and add it to the dressing. Fresh garlic will give a stronger, more pungent flavor, so start with a little and adjust to your taste.
Is this dressing suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this Greek Salad Dressing Recipe is naturally vegan, as it contains no animal products. It’s a perfect, plant-based way to add bold flavor to your salads.
Can I substitute the honey with another sweetener?
Definitely. If you prefer a different sweetener, maple syrup, agave nectar, or even a pinch of sugar will work well to balance the acidity in this recipe.
How long does the dressing last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, this dressing will stay fresh for up to 3 days. After that, it may start to lose its vibrant flavor, so it’s best to make it fresh in small batches.
Can I use this dressing on other dishes besides salad?
Yes! This dressing is wonderfully versatile. Try it as a marinade for grilled veggies, a drizzle over grain bowls, or even a flavorful dip for fresh bread or roasted potatoes.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to try this Greek Salad Dressing Recipe as I am to share it with you. It’s such a simple recipe yet offers a bright, delicious flavor that elevates any dish it touches. Give it a whirl and bring a little sunshine from the Mediterranean straight to your table. Trust me, once you try this dressing, it will quickly become your go-to for salads and beyond!
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Greek Salad Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 tablespoons
- Category: Dressing
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Greek Salad Dressing is a vibrant and tangy blend of olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and traditional Mediterranean herbs and spices. Perfect for drizzling over fresh salads or marinating vegetables, this dressing balances acidity and sweetness for a classic Greek flavor that is quick to prepare and naturally gluten free.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- ¾ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or more to taste)
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon dried garlic powder (or more to taste, up to 1 teaspoon)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, dried garlic powder, dried oregano, and black pepper.
- Whisk Thoroughly: Whisk all the ingredients together vigorously until the mixture is fully emulsified and has a smooth, cohesive consistency.
- Store Properly: Transfer the dressing to a clean, well-sealed jar and refrigerate. The flavors will meld beautifully if allowed to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving. Use within 3 days for the freshest taste.
Notes
- Adjust vinegar and lemon juice amounts to your preferred level of acidity.
- Honey can be substituted with agave syrup or maple syrup for a vegan alternative.
- The dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; always shake well before use.
- Fresh garlic can be used instead of garlic powder but be mindful of the stronger flavor.
- This dressing is naturally gluten free and can suit many dietary preferences.
