Greek Salad Dressing

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Elevate your salads and marinades with this vibrant Greek Salad Dressing. It’s bursting with the fresh flavors of lemon, red wine vinegar, and oregano, bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to your kitchen.


Greek vinaigrette salad dressing in a clear serving jar


 

This dressing is great for drizzling over a crisp Greek salad or even marinating your favorite chicken or shrimp. With simple ingredients and a quick shake in a jar, you’ll have a delicious dressing that’s ready to enhance any meal. Make sure to check out my other easy and tasty dressings and vinaigrettes including Ladolemono (Greek Lemon Olive Oil Sauce), Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette (Quick and Easy), and Balsamic Vinaigrette.

Recipe Highlights: Greek Salad Vinaigrette

Cultural Influence: Classic in Greek cuisine, known for its vibrant, tangy flavor profile that complements Mediterranean dishes beautifully

Primary Cooking Technique: Quick and easy – Whisk, Shake, or Blend

Dominant Flavor Profile: Zesty and aromatic blend of earthy and tangy

Skill Level Required: Beginner-friendly


Key Ingredients

Greek vinaigrette ingredients
  • Olive Oil is the base of this dressing. Olive oil provides a rich, smooth texture and a fruity, slightly peppery flavor. Opt for extra virgin olive oil for the best taste and health benefits.
  • Lemon Juice adds a bright, tangy acidity that balances the richness of the olive oil. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for its vibrant flavor.
  • Red Wine Vinegar is a staple in Greek cuisine, this vinegar adds a robust, slightly sweet tartness that enhances the overall depth of the dressing.
  • Salt and Pepper are essential seasonings that bring out the flavors of all the ingredients. Adjust to taste.
  • Oregano is aromatic and earthy. It’s is a key herb in Greek cooking. It adds a savory, herbal note to the dressing.
  • Garlic is grated and adds a kick that complements other flavors. Fresh garlic is best for this recipe.

How to Make Greek Salad Vinaigrette

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

First, in a small jar or bowl, combine ¼ cup olive oil, the juice of 1 lemon, 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 grated garlic clove, salt, and pepper.

combine Greek vinaigrette ingredients

Step 2: Shake or Whisk

Next, seal the jar and shake well until the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Alternatively, you can whisk the ingredients together in the bowl until emulsified. Furthermore, you can blend the ingredients using an immersion blender.

shake, whisk, or blend the Greek dressing

Step 3: Store and Use

Finally, you can pour the dressing into a jar or bowl and use immediately or refrigerate for later use. The dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to one week. Shake or whisk again before serving.

pour and serve

Versatile Uses for Greek Salad Dressing

You can use this Greek dressing on various salads such as green bean salad, beet salad, Mediterranean orzo salad and chickpea salad. However, this Greek vinaigrette is more than just a salad enhancer; its tangy, herbaceous profile makes it a versatile addition to various dishes.

Here’s how you can make the most of this flavorful dressing:

Marinade for Proteins

  • Chicken: Marinate chicken breasts or thighs in the Greek vinaigrette for at least 30 minutes before grilling or baking. The acidity from the lemon juice and red wine vinegar helps tenderize the meat, while the garlic and oregano infuse it with a robust Mediterranean flavor.
  • Shrimp: Toss raw shrimp in the dressing and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Skewer the shrimp and grill for a quick and tasty appetizer or main course.

Drizzle Over Roasted Vegetables

  • Roasted Veggies: Drizzle your favorite roasted vegetables them with the Greek Salad Dressing. This adds a burst of fresh, tangy flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the roasted vegetables.
  • Grilled Vegetables: Similarly, grilled vegetables benefit from a light coating of this dressing. It not only enhances the taste but also provides a beautiful sheen, making your dish more visually appealing.

Pasta Salad

Greek vinaigrette salad dressing in a clear serving jar

Recipe Tips

  • Olive Oil: The quality of olive oil can significantly impact the flavor of your vinaigrette. Use extra virgin olive oil for a rich, fruity taste. Look for cold-pressed and organic options for the best quality.
  • Lemon Juice and Red Wine Vinegar: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is preferable over bottled for its vibrant flavor. Ensure your red wine vinegar is of good quality to avoid a harsh or overpowering taste.
  • Adjust to Taste: The acidity in Greek salad dressing comes from lemon juice and red wine vinegar. If the dressing tastes too sharp, add a touch more olive oil or a small pinch of sugar to balance it out.
  • Mellow the Flavor: If you find raw garlic too pungent, consider infusing it in the olive oil first. Heat the olive oil with the grated garlic on low heat for a few minutes, then let it cool before mixing with the other ingredients. This mellows the garlic flavor and adds a subtle depth to the dressing.
Greek vinaigrette salad dressing in a clear serving jar

Variations and Substitutes

Vinegar Variations

  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Swap red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a slightly tangy and fruity note. It’s a great option for a milder, more nuanced taste.

Citrus Alternatives

  • Lime Juice: Use lime juice instead of lemon juice for a zesty twist. Lime adds a fresh and vibrant flavor that pairs well with Mediterranean ingredients.
  • Orange Juice: For a hint of sweetness, replace lemon juice with fresh orange juice. This variation adds a unique flavor profile and balances the dressing’s acidity.

Herb Substitutes

  • Basil: Replace oregano with fresh or dried basil for a slightly sweet and aromatic twist. Basil adds a different layer of flavor, complementing the other ingredients.
  • Thyme: Use thyme instead of oregano for an earthy and savory note. Fresh thyme can be particularly fragrant and adds a subtle complexity.

Garlic Adjustments

  • Garlic Powder: If you don’t have fresh garlic, use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. It’s a convenient substitute that still provides the desired garlicky flavor.
  • Roasted Garlic: For a milder, sweeter flavor, use roasted garlic instead of fresh. Roasting garlic softens its bite and adds a caramelized note.

Additional Flavor Enhancers

  • Dijon Mustard: Add 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a tangy depth and to help emulsify the dressing. Mustard can enhance the flavor and create a smoother texture.
  • Honey: For a touch of sweetness, add 1 teaspoon of honey. It balances the acidity and rounds out the flavors, making the dressing more harmonious.
Greek vinaigrette salad dressing in a clear serving jar

How to Store Greek Salad Vinaigrette

Refrigeration

  1. Container: Store your Greek salad vinaigrette in an airtight container, preferably a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. This helps maintain the freshness and prevents any unwanted odors from the fridge from seeping in.
  2. Duration: When stored properly, the dressing can last for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Shake well before each use to recombine any separated ingredients.

Freezing

  1. Method: While not commonly recommended for most vinaigrettes, you can freeze Greek salad dressing in small portions if necessary. Use ice cube trays to freeze individual servings and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
  2. Usage: Thaw frozen dressing cubes in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before use. Note that the texture may change slightly, so whisk well before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use if I don’t have red wine vinegar?

If you don’t have red wine vinegar, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or rice wine vinegar. Each of these will slightly alter the flavor profile but will still make a delicious dressing.

How can I make the dressing less tangy?

If you find the dressing too tangy, you can balance it by adding a small amount of honey or sugar. Start with a teaspoon and adjust to taste.

Can this dressing be used as a marinade?

Absolutely! This Greek salad dressing works wonderfully as a marinade for chicken, shrimp, and vegetables. Marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to overnight for the best flavor.

Why do you recommend using a glass jar to store the dressing?

Using a glass jar is recommended because it doesn’t absorb odors or flavors, and it’s easier to shake and mix the ingredients well. Glass also helps keep the dressing fresh for a longer period.


More Dressings and Condiments To Try

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Greek vinaigrette salad dressing in a clear serving jar with whisk
5 from 5 votes

Greek Salad Dressing (5 Minutes!)

Ready in 5 minutes, this Greek salad dressing can be enjoyed as a marinade as well! It's zesty, bright and so delicious!
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Servings: 16
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Ingredients 

Instructions 

  • Place the olive oil in a jar and add the lemon juice, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic, salt and pepper.
  • Seal the jar and shake well for a minute until completely combined.
  • Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Shake well before serving.

Video

Notes

Olive Oil: The quality of olive oil can significantly impact the flavor of your vinaigrette. Use extra virgin olive oil for a rich, fruity taste. Look for cold-pressed and organic options for the best quality.
Lemon Juice and Red Wine Vinegar: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is preferable over bottled for its vibrant flavor. Ensure your red wine vinegar is of good quality to avoid a harsh or overpowering taste.
Adjust to Taste: The acidity in Greek salad dressing comes from lemon juice and red wine vinegar. If the dressing tastes too sharp, add a touch more olive oil or a small pinch of sugar to balance it out.
 
 

Nutrition

Calories: 33kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 0.5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 73mg | Potassium: 13mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 4IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 0.1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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About Shadi HasanzadeNemati

I'm here to show you how to make delicious Persian, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food at home. My easy to follow recipes will bring exciting new flavors to your table!

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5 from 5 votes

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Recipe Rating




7 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I had this over a salad a lunchtime and I’m already craving more. Will incorporate it somehow into dinner tonight too. YUM!

  2. 5 stars
    This quick, easy and fabulous Greek Dressing will go perfect on my grilled chicken salad. I can’t wait to try it.