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.
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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.
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 dressing
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.
If you don’t have those ingredients on hand, you can replace them with the following:
Ingredient | Variation | Effect |
Olive Oil | Avocado Oil | Milder flavor, heart-healthy |
Red Wine Vinegar | Balsamic Vinegar | Sweeter, more complex flavor |
Greek Yogurt | Coconut Yogurt | Vegan-friendly, slightly sweet |
Herbs | Fresh instead of dried (dill, mint, parsley) | More vibrant flavor |
Garlic | Roasted instead of raw | Mellower, sweeter taste |
Lemon Juice | Lime Juice | Brighter, 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:
- Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
- Grilled Vegetable Salad
- Chickpea and Feta Salad
- Watermelon and Arugula Salad
- 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 Item | Marinating Time |
Chicken Breast | 2-4 hours |
Lamb Chops | 4-6 hours |
Firm Tofu | 1-2 hours |
Shrimp | 30 minutes |
Zucchini | 30 minutes |
Eggplant | 1 hour |
4. In Mediterranean-inspired Dishes
The dressing elevates a wide array of Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Some creative applications include:
- Drizzling over roasted vegetables
- Using as a sauce for gyros or souvlaki
- Incorporating into Mediterranean-style grain bowls
- Adding to Mediterranean-inspired wraps or sandwiches
- Using as a base for Greek-inspired pasta salads