Greek Salad Dressing Recipe Card
That's why this Healthy Greek Salad sauce is great for anyone who wants a simple, spicy, herb-filled sauce. This quick recipe gives you strong Mediterranean tastes whether you're making a Greek salad or an olive oil dressing for salad. It can be used for many things, is simple to make, and is great as a Greek dressing sauce for meats and vegetables!
Ingredients
- Olive Oil: The base of any great Greek salad dressing olive oil offers a smooth, rich texture and a light, fruity flavor. It’s full of healthy fats, making this dressing not only delicious but also nutritious. If you’re looking for a substitute, avocado oil or walnut oil can work well.
- Red Wine Vinegar: This gives the dressing its signature tang and acidity. If you don’t have red wine vinegar on hand you can substitute it with white wine vinegar or lemon juice for a zesty twist.
- Dried Oregano: A hallmark of Greek cuisine oregano adds an earthy, aromatic quality that really brings the Mediterranean flavor forward. If you want a fresh touch, you can use fresh oregano, but the dried version provides a more intense flavor.
- Garlic: A clove of garlic adds sharpness and depth to the dressing. Fresh garlic is best but garlic powder can be used if you’re in a pinch.
- Salt & Pepper: These are your basic seasonings to taste balancing the acidity and richness of the olive oil. You can also experiment with adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Lemon Juice optional: Adding fresh lemon juice gives the dressing an extra pop of citrus and brightens up the flavor. This is an optional addition if you prefer a tangier taste.
- Greek Yogurt optional for creamy version: If you prefer a creamy Greek salad dressing, adding Greek yogurt will create a smooth, rich texture. It also adds protein to the dressing, making it a more substantial addition to your meal.
Instructions
- Mix the dry ingredients: Start by adding your dried oregano, salt, and pepper into a small bowl. This allows the herbs and seasonings to evenly distribute in the dressing, ensuring that each bite is full of flavor.
- Add garlic and vinegar: Next, finely chop your garlic or crush it with a garlic press and add it to the bowl along with your red wine vinegar. Give it a quick stir to combine the vinegar and garlic, letting the flavors meld for a few moments. If you’re using lemon juice, this is the perfect time to squeeze it in as well.
- Whisk in the olive oil: Slowly add the olive oil to the bowl, whisking continuously to create an emulsified mixture. This helps the dressing stay well-blended instead of separating. The olive oil is what gives the dressing its rich, smooth texture.
- Adjust seasonings: Taste the dressing and add more salt, pepper, or oregano if needed. If you prefer a creamy Greek salad dressing, this is the moment to mix in a spoonful of Greek yogurt, which will thicken the dressing and make it velvety smooth.
- Serve or store: Once you’re happy with the flavor, your dressing is ready to serve! Drizzle it over a Greek salad recipe or use it as a marinade for meats or vegetables. You can also store any extra dressing in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week. The flavors will continue to deepen, making it even tastier the next day!
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Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: While you can certainly use dried herbs, fresh garlic and fresh lemon juice will give your dressing an extra burst of flavor. Fresh ingredients make all the difference, so opt for them when you can!
- Whisking is Key: To achieve a smooth and well-blended dressing, whisk the ingredients vigorously while adding the olive oil slowly. This helps emulsify the dressing and prevents the oil and vinegar from separating.
- Adjust to Taste: The beauty of homemade dressing is that you can adjust it to suit your preferences.Add more vinegar or lemon juice to the sauce if you want it to be sour. If you want it richer, increase the amount of olive oil or mix in Greek yogurt for a creamier texture.
- Avoid Overpowering Garlic: Garlic adds great depth to the dressing, but it can quickly overpower the other flavors if you add too much. Stick to one small clove for the perfect balance.
- Try Different Vinegars: While red wine vinegar is traditional, feel free to experiment with other varieties like balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar. Each will give your dressing a slightly different flavor profile, so have fun with it!
- Make it a Marinade: This Greek dressing marinade works wonderfully on meats like chicken, lamb, or even fish. Let the proteins marinate for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor infusion.
- Double the Recipe: If you’re hosting a dinner party or meal prepping for the week, consider doubling the recipe. This dressing stores well in the fridge for up to a week, so you’ll always have it on hand for quick salads, roasted veggies, or as a dipping sauce.
- Keep It Simple: If you’re short on time, skip the optional ingredients like Greek yogurt or fresh herbs. The dressing will still taste amazing with just olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and oregano.
- Taste Before Serving: Before you drizzle the dressing over your salad or use it in a marinade, give it a taste! Sometimes, a little extra pinch of salt or pepper is all you need to elevate the flavor.
- Add a Sweet Touch: If you find the dressing a bit too tart, add a small pinch of honey or maple syrup. This subtle sweetness can help balance the acidity of the vinegar and create a harmonious flavor profile.
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