There is something irresistibly vibrant and fresh about a well-made Greek salad, and the heart of this classic dish truly lies in the dressing. The Classic Greek Salad Dressing Recipe brings together the bright acidity of red wine vinegar and lemon juice, the rich, fruity depth of extra virgin olive oil, and a perfect balance of herbs and seasoning. This dressing is refreshingly tangy yet smooth, effortlessly elevating every ingredient it touches with its bold, Mediterranean charm. Whether you’re tossing it with crisp cucumber, ripe tomatoes, briny olives, or creamy feta, this dressing delivers that authentic taste of Greece in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this dressing is delightfully straightforward. Each component plays a vital role, combining simple pantry staples to create a dressing bursting with flavor, texture, and color that’s true to its Mediterranean roots.
- Extra virgin olive oil: The foundation of the dressing, its fruity richness ensures a smooth and silky mouthfeel.
- Red wine vinegar: Adds a sharp, tangy acidity that brightens the dressing and complements fresh vegetables wonderfully.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Introduces a zesty brightness that enhances the overall freshness.
- Dijon mustard: Works as a natural emulsifier, bringing all the flavors together and adding a subtle tang.
- Garlic clove (minced): Infuses a bold punch of savory depth without overpowering the delicate balance.
- Dried oregano: This herb is quintessentially Greek, giving the dressing an aromatic, earthy note.
- Salt: Enhances and elevates every ingredient’s natural flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity to the mix.
How to Make Classic Greek Salad Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Start by pouring the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and freshly squeezed lemon juice into a small bowl or jar with a lid. These liquids create the perfect base for your dressing’s tang and richness.
Step 2: Add the Flavor Boosters
Next, stir in the Dijon mustard, which helps emulsify the dressing, so olive oil and vinegar don’t separate. Then add the minced garlic and dried oregano, the herbs and aromatics that bring that unmistakably Greek character to life.
Step 3: Season Well
Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper to taste. This final seasoning step is where you balance all your bright, savory flavors. Taste as you go—sometimes a little extra salt or pepper is just right.
Step 4: Whisk or Shake Until Emulsified
Using a whisk or by shaking the sealed jar vigorously, combine the ingredients until the dressing becomes smooth and slightly creamy in appearance. This emulsification process is what unites the oil and acid into one harmonious dressing.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Give it a taste. The perfect Classic Greek Salad Dressing Recipe has a lively balance of acidity, richness, and herbaceous notes. Adjust with a touch more lemon juice or salt if desired.
How to Serve Classic Greek Salad Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
This dressing shines brightest when paired with fresh Greek salad ingredients like crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, and creamy cubes of feta cheese. Sprinkle fresh oregano or a bit of freshly cracked black pepper on top to finish with a beautiful touch.
Side Dishes
The dressing is also a fantastic accompaniment to simple grilled chicken or vegetables, adding Mediterranean flair to your meal. Drizzle it over roasted potatoes, or toss with a quinoa salad for extra zest and moisture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try using this dressing as a marinade before grilling skewers or roasted veggies. You can even stir in a little Greek yogurt or crumbled feta to make a creamy dip that’s perfect for fresh pita and crudités.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can prepare the Classic Greek Salad Dressing Recipe up to a week in advance and keep it refrigerated in a sealed container. The flavors tend to deepen over time, but always give it a good shake before serving to re-emulsify the ingredients.
Freezing
Freezing this dressing is not recommended because the olive oil can solidify and change in texture once thawed, which impacts the overall consistency and flavor.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh, no-cook vinaigrette, it’s best served cold or at room temperature. Simply let it sit out for a few minutes after refrigeration, then shake well before use.
FAQs
Can I use fresh oregano instead of dried?
Absolutely, fresh oregano adds a delightful brightness, but since fresh herbs are less concentrated, you might want to use about three times the amount compared to dried for the same flavor impact.
Is Dijon mustard necessary in the recipe?
Dijon mustard helps emulsify the dressing and adds a subtle tang, but if you don’t have it, you can omit it or substitute with a small amount of honey mustard; just be mindful of how it changes the flavor.
Can this dressing be used on salads other than Greek?
Definitely! It works beautifully on any salad with hearty vegetables or mixed greens, especially those featuring olives, cucumbers, or strong cheeses.
How long does the dressing last once made?
Stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container, the Classic Greek Salad Dressing Recipe stays fresh for up to one week.
Can I make this dressing vegan and gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan, as all ingredients are plant-based and free of gluten-containing additives.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Greek Salad Dressing Recipe is a wonderful addition to your culinary repertoire. It’s simple, flavorful, and so versatile that you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again to brighten up salads, marinate grilled dishes, or even as a dip base. Give it a try—you just might discover your next favorite homemade dressing that brings a touch of Greece to your table.
Print
Classic Greek Salad Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: About 3/4 cup (6 servings)
- Category: Salad Dressing
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Description
This Classic Greek Salad Dressing is a simple, vibrant vinaigrette that brings authentic Mediterranean flavors to your salads. Made with extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and traditional herbs and spices, it’s perfect for drizzling over a traditional Greek salad or using as a marinade for grilled vegetables and meats. The dressing emulsifies beautifully for a balanced tangy and savory taste, ready in minutes with no cooking required.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl or jar, add 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Emulsify Dressing: Whisk vigorously with a fork or use a jar with a tight lid and shake vigorously until the dressing is well combined and emulsified into a smooth vinaigrette.
- Taste and Adjust: Sample the dressing and adjust seasoning if necessary by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice according to your taste.
- Store or Use: Use the dressing immediately or transfer it to a sealed container and refrigerate for up to one week. Always shake well before each use to re-emulsify the ingredients.
Notes
- This dressing pairs perfectly with traditional Greek salads featuring tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, feta cheese, and olives.
- It also works well as a flavorful marinade for grilled vegetables or chicken, adding a zesty Mediterranean flair.
- For a creamier variant, blend in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or crumble some feta cheese into the dressing.
- Make sure to use fresh lemon juice and high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
