Making a simple, homemade Greek Salad Dressing is easier than you think and the key to elevating any salad to restaurant-quality. With just a few ingredients like olive oil, fresh herbs, and tangy vinegar, you can create a flavorful dressing that brings a Mediterranean touch to your meals. This creamy Greek Salad Dressing recipe not only complements your favorite Greek salad, but it can also be used as a marinade for meats or drizzled over roasted vegetables. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch or serving guests at a dinner party, this dressing will become a go-to in your kitchen. Keep reading for the full recipe and discover how versatile and delicious this simple dressing can be!
Overview Greek Salad Dressing
This Healthy Greek Salad Dressing is the perfect solution for anyone craving a tangy, herby dressing made from simple ingredients. Whether you’re making a Greek salad or preparing an olive oil dressing for salad, this quick recipe delivers bold Mediterranean flavors. It’s versatile, easy to make, and works wonderfully as a Greek dressing marinade for meats and veggies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy greek salad dressing is a game-changer for anyone who loves fresh, flavorful salads. What makes it so special is how effortlessly it comes together using just a few pantry staples—olive oil, vinegar, and fresh herbs like oregano and garlic. Unlike store-bought dressings that can be loaded with preservatives, this homemade version delivers a natural, vibrant taste that brings out the best in your salads.
The best part? It’s completely customizable! You can adjust the vinegar or add a touch of lemon juice for extra zing. If you’re craving something creamy, swap in a bit of Greek yogurt for a smooth, rich texture—making it a delicious creamy Greek salad dressing alternative.
What’s more, this dressing isn’t limited to just salads. It doubles as a Greek dressing marinade for chicken, lamb, or even roasted vegetables. Whether you’re preparing a classic Greek salad recipe or grilling your favorite veggies, this dressing adds a Mediterranean flair that works in nearly every dish!
What You’ll Need to Make Greek Salad Dressing Recipe
Creating the perfect 5-minute Greek Salad Dressing is quick and easy, with just a handful of key ingredients that bring Mediterranean flavor to your kitchen. Here’s a breakdown of the essential components and how each one contributes to the dish:
Ingredients Needed
- 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.
Each of these ingredients plays a critical role in balancing the flavors, and you can adjust the quantities to suit your personal preference. Whether you like it extra tangy, herby, or with a creamy twist, this dressing is super customizable!
How to Make Homemade Greek Salad Dressing
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!
Nutrition Information
Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Sodium: 210mg | Potassium: 45mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 20IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 0mg
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required!)
- Course: Salad Dressing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Kitchen Type: Easy, beginner-friendly
- Number of Servings: Approximately 6-8 servings
Recipe Tips to Perfect Greek Salad Dressing
Making the perfect 5-minute Greek Salad Dressing is all about the right balance of flavors and ingredients. Here are some practical tips and tricks to help you avoid common mistakes and achieve the best results every time:
- 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.
Creative and Delicious Ways to Use Your Greek Salad Dressing
- Greek Salad
Drizzle your Greek Salad Dressing over a classic Greek salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. The dressing ties everything together with its zesty tang and herbaceous notes. Quick and easy for a refreshing meal! - Marinated Chicken
Use this dressing as a Greek dressing marinade for chicken. Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to an hour, then grill or bake for a tender and flavorful main dish. The olive oil and vinegar work their magic, infusing the chicken with vibrant Mediterranean flavors. - Roasted Vegetables
Toss your favorite vegetables—like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots—in the Greek Salad Dressing before roasting them in the oven. The dressing adds a delicious, herbaceous glaze that caramelizes in the oven, creating a savory side dish perfect for any meal. - Grilled Shrimp
For a quick and healthy seafood dish, marinate shrimp in the Greek dressing marinade for about 15-20 minutes before grilling. Serve with a side of rice or a Greek salad for a delicious, light dinner. - Pasta Salad
Toss cooked pasta with the Greek Salad Dressing along with fresh veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers. Add feta and olives for an easy, Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad that’s perfect for picnics or light lunches. - Grilled Vegetables and Halloumi
Try drizzling the Greek Salad Dressing over grilled halloumi and vegetables for a deliciously charred and savory dish. The dressing enhances the smoky flavors of the halloumi while providing a tangy contrast. - Dip for Pita Bread or Veggies
Use your Greek Salad Dressing as a dip for pita bread or raw veggies like cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers. Its creamy texture, especially with the optional Greek yogurt, makes it an irresistible snack or appetizer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this Greek salad dressing ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it up to a week in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a good shake before using.
2. Can I substitute the olive oil in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different oil, you can use avocado oil, walnut oil, or even a light vegetable oil as a substitute.
3. Can I use fresh oregano instead of dried oregano?
Yes, fresh oregano works great! Use about three times the amount of fresh oregano as you would dried, as fresh herbs are less concentrated.
4. Can I make this dressing without garlic?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of garlic, simply leave it out. You can also try adding a small amount of shallots for a milder flavor.
5. How long will this Greek salad dressing last in the fridge?
The dressing will last up to a week in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. Before each use, make sure to shake it well.
Greek Salad Dressing Recipe Card
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!
Video
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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