Greek Dressing Made Easy for Vibrant Salads

Greek salad dressing with herbs

Greek dressing is one of my favorite condiments, known for its zesty, bright, and herbaceous flavor. This makes it an excellent complement to salads featuring fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives.

Greek dressing recipe

Greek dressing originates from Greek cuisine. It is typically used to dress salads, most famously the Greek salad, which includes ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese. The dressing is characterized by its use of olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, and dried oregano, which contribute to its tangy and aromatic flavor profile.

Homemade greek dressing

In traditional Greek cooking, the dressing may also be referred to as ladolemono, a simple mixture of lemon juice and olive oil, often enhanced with garlic and oregano. Here is how to make the Greek dressing:

Greek salad dressing with herbs

Greek dressing

A tangy, herb-infused vinaigrette featuring olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs. Perfect for salads, marinades, and dips.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Course Condiment
Cuisine European, Greek, Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 clove minced garlic
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, oregano, and garlic powder.
  • Whisk or shake well until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to one week.
Keyword Greek dressing, healthy salad dressing, homemade condiment, homemade salad dressing, olive oil dressing

If you don’t have those ingredients on hand, you can replace them with the following:

IngredientVariationEffect
Olive OilAvocado OilMilder flavor, heart-healthy
Red Wine VinegarBalsamic VinegarSweeter, more complex flavor
Greek YogurtCoconut YogurtVegan-friendly, slightly sweet
HerbsFresh instead of dried (dill, mint, parsley)More vibrant flavor
GarlicRoasted instead of rawMellower, sweeter taste
Lemon JuiceLime JuiceBrighter, more tropical notes

Greek yogurt dressing

For those who prefer a richer consistency, the Greek yogurt salad dressing recipe calls for the following components:

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

This homemade Greek dressing recipe involves blending all ingredients until smooth. The resulting creamy Greek salad dressing should be refrigerated for at least an hour before use to allow the flavors to develop fully.

How to use

1. As a Salad Dressing

Greek dressing excels as a vibrant topping for various salads. Beyond the classic Greek salad, this dressing enhances these salad types:

  1. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
  2. Grilled Vegetable Salad
  3. Chickpea and Feta Salad
  4. Watermelon and Arugula Salad
  5. Orzo Pasta Salad

2. As a Dip for Vegetables and Pita

Greek yogurt salad dressing serves as an excellent dip for fresh vegetables and warm pita bread. It pairs exceptionally well with these dipping options:

  • Carrot sticks
  • Bell pepper slices
  • Cucumber rounds
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Warm pita triangles
  • Grilled zucchini strips

My favorite way to enjoy Greek yogurt dressing as a dip is to create a colorful crudité platter, arranging a rainbow of fresh vegetables around a bowl of creamy dressing.

3. As a Marinade for Meats and Vegetables

Greek dressing functions as a flavorful marinade for various proteins and vegetables. The acidity in the dressing helps tenderize meats, while the herbs and garlic infuse them with delicious Mediterranean flavors.

Here’s a table showcasing optimal marinating times for different foods:

Food ItemMarinating Time
Chicken Breast2-4 hours
Lamb Chops4-6 hours
Firm Tofu1-2 hours
Shrimp30 minutes
Zucchini30 minutes
Eggplant1 hour

4. In Mediterranean-inspired Dishes

The dressing elevates a wide array of Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Some creative applications include:

  1. Drizzling over roasted vegetables
  2. Using as a sauce for gyros or souvlaki
  3. Incorporating into Mediterranean-style grain bowls
  4. Adding to Mediterranean-inspired wraps or sandwiches
  5. Using as a base for Greek-inspired pasta salads

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