Greek Salad Dressing

Name: Greek Salad Dressing
Prep time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 small garlic clove, minced; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Optional: 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (for a touch of sweetness)

This homemade Greek salad dressing is a must-have in any kitchen. It’s the perfect balance of tangy, zesty, and rich flavors, elevating any salad, even the simplest greens. Whether you’re putting together a quick weeknight dinner or prepping for a big family meal, this dressing is both a time-saver and a crowd-pleaser. I always find that it brings a sense of freshness and vibrancy to every bite, making it a staple for busy days and cozy evenings alike.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Greek salad dressing is so much more than just a salad topping. It’s simple, yet packed with flavor, and can be used in a variety of ways. Not only is it perfect for salads, but it can also be drizzled over roasted veggies or used as a marinade for chicken. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s easy to make, keeps well for leftovers, and doesn’t break the bank. You’ll love how it can be stored and pulled out whenever you need it whether for a healthy meal or to add a bit of zing to a lunch. Cozy, weeknight-friendly, and made with pantry staples, it’s a dish that always feels like home.

Ingredients

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (for a touch of sweetness)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Mince the garlic, squeeze the lemon, and measure out the olive oil, vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Fresh ingredients give this dressing its signature vibrancy.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, and honey (if using).

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Whisk the mixture vigorously until everything is well combined. The Dijon mustard will help emulsify the oil and vinegar, creating a smooth and creamy dressing. Taste, and adjust with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Let the dressing sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it sits, the more intense the flavor becomes. If you’re in a hurry, it’s still delicious right away!

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This dressing is ideal for those days when you need something quick and easy but still want to eat something full of flavor. It’s great for meal prep, as you can make a big batch and store it in the fridge. Plus, the ingredients are all common pantry items, so you don’t need a last-minute grocery run. Even better, it’s versatile enough to pair with whatever you have in the fridge or pantry.

Tips & Tricks

Whisk well: Make sure to whisk the dressing thoroughly to emulsify the oil and vinegar. This will keep your dressing smooth.
Add sweetness: If you like a sweeter dressing, add a small amount of honey or maple syrup for balance.
Scaling up or down: This recipe can easily be halved for two people or doubled for a big batch. It keeps well in the fridge for up to a week.
Fresh lemon: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor, as bottled lemon juice can be overly tart or artificial.

Variations

Meaty Version
Use this dressing as a marinade for grilled chicken or lamb for a Mediterranean-inspired meal. It pairs perfectly with hearty meats.

Vegetarian Option
This dressing is fantastic on a simple Mediterranean quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta. Add some chickpeas for extra protein.

Ingredient Swap
Try swapping red wine vinegar for balsamic vinegar if you prefer a sweeter, darker flavor. This variation works well with roasted vegetables.

Flavor or Herb Boost
For a more complex flavor, try adding finely chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley. These will bring a fresh, bright note to the dressing.

Serving Suggestions

Greek Salad: Toss this dressing with cucumbers, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onions, and feta cheese for the ultimate Greek salad.
Roasted Veggies: Drizzle this over roasted potatoes or Brussels sprouts for a Mediterranean-inspired side dish.
Grilled Chicken: Use this as a marinade for chicken breast or thighs, then grill for a delicious, zesty protein.
Sandwiches and Wraps: Add a spoonful of this dressing to wraps or sandwiches to bring an extra layer of flavor to your lunch.

Storage Instructions

Fridge storage: Store the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. The oil may solidify when chilled, so simply warm it up before using.
Reheating: While you don’t need to heat the dressing, if the oil solidifies, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes, then shake or stir before serving.
Freezing: This dressing doesn’t freeze well due to the oil. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge for short-term use.
Make-ahead tips: This dressing only improves as it sits. Make it ahead of time and let it marinate for a few hours, or even overnight, to enhance the flavors.

Recipe Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 120–150 per serving
Protein: 0–1g
Key nutrients: Healthy fats, Vitamin E

FAQs

Yes! It keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before using.

You can substitute with any mustard you have on hand, or skip it entirely for a more straightforward vinegar-based dressing.

If you prefer a thicker dressing, add more mustard or a little extra honey. For a thinner consistency, add a bit more olive oil or vinegar.

If it’s too tangy for your taste, add a bit of honey to balance out the acidity.

Conclusion

This Greek salad dressing is the perfect go-to for busy days when you want something quick, easy, and full of flavor. Its versatility means it’s just as great on a salad as it is on roasted veggies or grilled chicken. Whether you make it ahead of time or whip it up fresh, it’s a reliable, cozy dressing you’ll keep coming back to. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep a jar on hand at all times!