If you’ve ever wondered how to elevate your salad game with a burst of authentic Mediterranean flavor, this Greek Salad Dressing Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s vibrant, tangy, and perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness and herbs that transport you straight to the sunny shores of Greece. Whether you’re tossing it with crisp veggies or drizzling it over grilled chicken, this dressing will quickly become your go-to secret weapon for brightening up any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up this delightful dressing, you only need a handful of pantry staples that come together effortlessly. Each ingredient plays a key role, offering intensity, depth, or freshness to the dressing’s character and ensuring every bite tastes fresh and flavorful.
- ½ cup olive oil: The rich, fruity base that lends smoothness and authentic Mediterranean flair.
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Adds the perfect tangy brightness to balance the oil.
- 2 teaspoons honey (optional): A touch of natural sweetness to mellow out the acidity.
- 1 garlic clove (finely minced): Infuses a savory punch that elevates the overall depth.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing and gives a subtle sharpness.
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano, parsley, and basil: These classic herbs bring an earthy, aromatic essence typical of Greek flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste): Enhances all the ingredients, making the flavors pop.
- â…› teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste): Adds gentle heat and complexity.
How to Make Greek Salad Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Start by adding all the ingredients into a 16-ounce mason jar. This jar method is perfect because you can close the lid tightly and shake everything vigorously until it’s beautifully combined. If you prefer a smoother texture, toss the ingredients into a high-speed blender or food processor and blend for 10 to 20 seconds until velvety smooth.
Step 2: Store or Use Immediately
Your Greek Salad Dressing Recipe is now ready to transform any dish, but if you’re not using it at once, simply store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to one week. When you’re ready to drizzle it on your salad or dish, bring it to room temperature and give it a good shake to reincorporate the flavors perfectly.
How to Serve Greek Salad Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
This dressing pairs beautifully with fresh garnishes like crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, or even a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts. These toppings add an inviting texture and authentic flair, making any simple salad feel like a Mediterranean feast.
Side Dishes
Don’t stop at salad—this dressing also complements roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or even as a marinade for shrimp. Its bright, herbaceous qualities make it a versatile partner for many dishes, keeping your meals vibrant and mouthwatering.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try using this Greek Salad Dressing Recipe as a dip for warm pita bread or drizzle it over grain bowls with quinoa and fresh veggies. You can even mix it into creamy hummus to give it an extra kick of zest and character.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Always shake or stir well before using, as the olive oil may separate over time, but your flavors will remain just as vibrant as day one.
Freezing
Freezing this dressing isn’t recommended because the olive oil and vinegar might separate and affect the texture and flavor after thawing. It’s definitely best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This dressing is served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat it. If the dressing has been chilled, just leave it out for a few minutes to take the chill off, then shake well and enjoy.
FAQs
Can I make this Greek Salad Dressing Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan since it contains no animal products. Just make sure to skip any optional honey or substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan-friendly touch.
How long does this dressing last in the fridge?
Stored properly in a sealed container, the dressing will stay fresh and flavorful for up to one week. Always give it a good shake before use, especially after refrigeration.
Can I adjust the acidity or sweetness?
Definitely! One of the joys of this Greek Salad Dressing Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Add more vinegar if you want extra tang or a bit more honey if you prefer a sweeter dressing. Just adjust to your personal taste.
Is fresh garlic necessary or can I use garlic powder?
Fresh garlic really brightens the dressing with its distinctive, robust flavor. If you’re out of fresh cloves, you can use garlic powder, but use about ¼ teaspoon and add it gradually to avoid overpowering the other flavors.
Can I use other herbs instead of dried oregano, parsley, and basil?
These herbs are signature to the Greek flavor profile, but you can experiment with fresh herbs if you have them on hand. Just remember that fresh herbs are more potent, so reduce the quantity accordingly to keep a balanced taste.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Salad Dressing Recipe is one of those rare finds that’s both incredibly simple to make and endlessly versatile. It transforms everyday salads and dishes into something special with authentic Mediterranean charm. I genuinely encourage you to give it a try—not only will it brighten your meals, but it’s also a little love letter to fresh, wholesome flavors you’ll want to share with everyone around your table.
Print
Greek Salad Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 6.6 servings
- Category: Salad Dressing
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A classic Greek salad dressing made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, garlic, Dijon mustard, and a blend of dried herbs. This versatile dressing is easy to prepare, perfect for salads, marinades, or adding a Mediterranean flair to your dishes.
Ingredients
For the Greek Salad Dressing
- ½ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons honey (optional)
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- â…› teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, parsley, basil, salt, and black pepper to a 16-ounce mason jar.
- Mix Dressing: Secure the lid tightly on the mason jar and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and emulsified. Alternatively, pour the ingredients into a high-speed blender or food processor and blend for 10-20 seconds until smooth.
- Store or Use: Use the dressing immediately on your salad or store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Before each use, bring the dressing to room temperature and shake well to recombine the ingredients.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of honey based on your preference for sweetness.
- Shaking the dressing well before each use ensures the oil and vinegar don’t separate.
- This dressing can be used as a marinade for chicken, fish, or vegetables.
- Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Let the dressing come to room temperature before shaking if refrigerated, to better emulsify the ingredients.
