Greek Salad Dressing

The sun was just starting to dip below the horizon, casting a warm glow over my kitchen, as I stood by the counter, surrounded by the fragrant ingredients that would soon become a delightful Greek salad dressing. There’s something truly magical about making something from scratch — it connects me to the generations before who passed down recipes like precious heirlooms. This Greek Salad Dressing recipe is a testament to that rich tradition. It brings back memories of summer days at my grandma’s house, where the air always smelled of fresh herbs and love.

What makes this recipe special, you ask? Well, let me share a few secrets. First, it’s the simplicity of the ingredients — each one carefully chosen to create a balance of flavors that dance on your palate. Then there’s the way it elevates any salad, turning it into a masterpiece of taste and texture. And let’s not forget the joy of creating something so delicious with your own hands, knowing exactly what goes into it. Finally, I love how it transforms even the most ordinary meal into a shared moment of joy and nostalgia.

So, come join me in my cozy kitchen, and together we’ll whip up a dressing that will not only enhance your salads but also bring a touch of Greek sunshine to your meals.

Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table

This Greek Salad Dressing isn’t just a condiment; it’s a celebration of flavors and simplicity, ready to elevate your meals:

1. Authentic Taste: The combination of garlic, olive oil, and oregano captures the essence of Greek cuisine, bringing a genuine Mediterranean flair to your table. This dressing is reminiscent of the flavors you would experience on a sun-drenched terrace overlooking the Aegean Sea, with each ingredient contributing to a symphony of taste that feels both exotic and familiar. Try it with classic Greek dishes or even a simple green salad to transport your senses to the vibrant streets of Athens.

2. Versatile Use: Not just for salads, this dressing can double as a marinade for chicken or drizzle over roasted vegetables, adding a burst of flavor to any dish. Imagine marinating a piece of chicken in this dressing, then grilling it to perfection — the result is a juicy, flavorful main course that is as easy as it is delicious. Or picture a medley of roasted vegetables, each piece coated in this tangy dressing, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. It’s perfect for adding a Mediterranean twist to your favorite dishes.

3. Quick and Easy: With just a few minutes and simple ingredients, you can create a dressing that tastes like it took hours to perfect. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; with minimal effort, you can achieve a result that feels gourmet. This means more time to enjoy your meal and less time spent in preparation. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is foolproof and rewarding.

4. Healthy Choice: Packed with heart-healthy olive oil and fresh lemon juice, this dressing is a nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on taste. Olive oil, a staple of the Mediterranean diet, is known for its health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease. Paired with lemon juice, which is rich in vitamin C, this dressing not only enhances the flavor of your dishes but also contributes to your overall well-being. It’s a delicious way to incorporate more healthful ingredients into your diet without sacrificing flavor.

Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy

To whip up this delightful dressing, you won’t need much — just a few trusty kitchen tools, much like the ones my grandma used when teaching me the joy of homemade snacks:

• Jar with a Tight-Fitting Lid: Perfect for shaking and emulsifying the dressing ingredients quickly. Using a jar allows you to mix the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring that every drop of oil is perfectly blended with the vinegar and other flavors. Plus, it makes storage a breeze, allowing you to easily store any leftovers for later use.

• Garlic Press: Ensures the garlic is minced finely, releasing its full flavor. A good garlic press is invaluable for this recipe, as it extracts the most flavor from each clove, ensuring that your dressing is aromatic and delicious. If you don’t have a garlic press, mincing the garlic by hand with a sharp knife will do just fine.

• Measuring Spoons and Cups: Essential for getting the right balance of ingredients. Precision is key in any recipe, and having the right tools ensures that your dressing has the perfect balance of tangy and savory elements. Accurate measurements will help you recreate this dressing consistently every time.

• Whisk: If you prefer to mix in a bowl, a whisk will blend the ingredients smoothly. A whisk is particularly useful if you want to make a larger batch and need to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined. It’s also great for making sure the mustard and oil are well mixed for a creamy, cohesive dressing.

How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy

Ingredients

• 1 large clove garlic, finely minced
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Measure all ingredients into a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake vigorously until well-blended and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt and pepper if necessary. The shaking process not only mixes the ingredients but also helps in creating a silky, emulsified dressing that clings beautifully to any salad or dish. You can also blend the dressing in a small blender for a smoother texture.
2. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Allow to come to room temperature and shake well before using. Over time, the dressing may separate, but a quick shake will re-emulsify it, restoring its original texture and flavor.

Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: Greek • Preparation Time: 5 minutes • Cooking Time: 0 minutes • Total Time: 5 minutes • Calories: 200 per serving • Servings: 6

Note: For a milder garlic flavor, roast the garlic before adding it to the dressing. Roasting mellows the intensity of the garlic, imparting a sweet, caramelized note that adds depth to the dressing without overpowering it. This small adjustment can transform the dressing into something uniquely yours, with a subtle twist on the traditional flavors.

Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients

These Greek Salad Dressing ingredients not only promise delightful flavors but also come with some surprising benefits:

• Olive Oil: Rich in monounsaturated fats, it supports heart health and adds a smooth, fruity flavor. This liquid gold is the foundation of the dressing, providing a luscious mouthfeel and a subtle fruity note that complements the acidic components. Its high antioxidant content also helps fight inflammation and lower cholesterol levels.
• Garlic: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, it also adds a pungent, savory kick. Garlic is a powerhouse ingredient, offering both flavor and health benefits, including boosting the immune system and reducing blood pressure. Its natural compounds, such as allicin, have been shown to have medicinal properties.
• Lemon Juice: Packed with vitamin C, it brings a refreshing tanginess that brightens the dressing. The acidity of the lemon juice balances the richness of the olive oil, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Additionally, lemon juice aids in digestion and helps cleanse the body of toxins.
• Oregano: Offers antioxidant properties and a robust, earthy flavor that enhances the dressing’s complexity. This herb is often associated with Greek cuisine, adding authenticity and a fragrant aroma to the dressing. Oregano is also known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great addition to your diet.

Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish

This Greek Salad Dressing is a versatile companion to various dishes, making it perfect for any occasion:

• Grilled Chicken: Use as a marinade or drizzle over grilled chicken for a zesty finish. The acidity in the dressing helps tenderize the chicken, while the herbs infuse it with a burst of flavor. Pair it with a side of couscous or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: Toss vegetables in this dressing before roasting for an extra dimension of flavor. The high heat caramelizes the natural sugars in the vegetables, creating a sweet and savory combination that is irresistible. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy seasonal produce with an added touch of Mediterranean flair.
• Pasta Salad: Mix with your favorite pasta, olives, and feta for a Mediterranean-inspired dish. This dressing adds a bright, tangy note that complements the briny olives and creamy feta, resulting in a dish that is both satisfying and refreshing. Perfect for picnics or potlucks, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit.

Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way

This Greek Salad Dressing is a keeper, and storing it correctly ensures you can enjoy it again and again. Keep it in a sealed container in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for up to two weeks. Before using leftover dressing, let it come to room temperature and give it a good shake to re-emulsify the ingredients.

If you find yourself with extra dressing and a bit of creativity, try using it as a marinade for meats or a base for a tangy dip by adding some Greek yogurt. The possibilities are endless, and each leftover spoonful brings another opportunity to create a new culinary delight. Consider using it as a dressing for grain bowls or as a flavorful addition to sandwiches and wraps.

As you savor the taste of this homemade Greek Salad Dressing, remember that cooking is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. Each time you mix those simple ingredients, you’re not just creating a dressing; you’re crafting a memory, a connection to the past, and a promise of shared meals to come. In every drop of this dressing, there’s a story waiting to be told — of family, love, and the simple joys of home cooking. I hope this recipe brings as much warmth and happiness to your table as it has to mine.

Greek Salad Dressing

A delicious and easy-to-make dressing perfect for any salad, featuring a blend of olive oil, vinegar, and herbs.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings: 1 cup

Course: Condiment

Cuisine: Greek

Calories: 162

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dressing Ingredients

• 1 large clove garlic finely minced
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

• Jar with lid

Method

 

1. Measure all ingredients into a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake vigorously until well-blended and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt and pepper if necessary. (Alternatively, you may whisk the ingredients together in a bowl, process the ingredients in a mini food processor, or blend them together in a blender.)
2. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Allow to come to room temperature and shake well before using.

Notes

This Greek salad dressing is versatile and can be adjusted to taste. For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more mustard or blending with Greek yogurt. Always shake well before serving.