Fresh and Zesty Greek Salad Dressing

No more boring salads! This Greek salad dressing is bright and tangy and made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

I initially whipped up this Greek salad dressing for a classic Greek salad, but I quickly realized it’s delicious and much more! Its tangy, bright, and zesty flavor makes it perfect for adding life to side salads or giving roasted veggies a flavorful boost. The best part? This recipe uses just a few essential ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, making it quick and easy to whip up quickly. It also keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days.

This dressing is an essential recipe for any home cook. It’s incredibly versatile, healthy, and delicious, whether you’re using it to elevate a weeknight grain bowl or to enhance a salad for a special occasion. Give it a try, and it’ll quickly become a kitchen staple!

What is the Greek salad dressing?

A classic Greek salad dressing usually features olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, and oregano. I like adding a splash of fresh lemon juice and a hint of basil to enhance and brighten the flavors. This extra touch brings a fresh twist to the classic recipe!

How do you put the dressing on a salad?

Starting with the dressing at the bottom of the bowl helps keep your salad crisp by preventing most of the toppings from directly contacting the liquid. This method also makes it easier to coat the greens evenly, requiring a few tosses to distribute the dressing throughout the salad.

Ingredients for Greek Salad Dressing

This Greek salad dressing is made with just seven essential ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your pantry:

• Red Wine Vinegar and Dijon Mustard give the dressing a tangy and bright flavor.
• Fresh Garlic: Brings a bold, rich flavor to the blend.
• Dried Oregano: Provides an aromatic, herbaceous note.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Balances the acidity and adds a rich, smooth texture.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances and brings together all the flavors.

Mix everything in a small bowl, adjusting the seasoning to your taste, and your dressing is ready!

The full recipe with precise measurements can be found below.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ quarts of olive oil
• ⅓ cup garlic powder
• ⅓ cup dried oregano
• ⅓ cup dried basil
• ¼ cup ground black pepper
• ¼ cup salt
• ¼ cup onion powder
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard
• 2 quarts red wine vinegar

This blend of traditional herbs and spices, olive oil, and red wine vinegar creates a bold, flavorful dressing.

Directions

Step 1:
Gather all the ingredients.

Step 2:
Combine the olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, basil, black pepper, salt, onion powder, and Dijon mustard in a large mixing container. Gradually add the red wine vinegar while stirring continuously until the mixture is thoroughly combined. Store it in a tightly sealed container at room temperature.

Step 3:
Drizzle over your favorite salad, toss, and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

1. Kalamata olives are the traditional choice for Greek salads. I prefer using olives with the pits still in, as they retain more juice. However, feel free to use pitted olives if that’s easier. The darker the olive, the better! Fresh black olives in olive oil from the deli are ideal, but if you’re buying pre-packaged, opt for plump, dark black olives. You’ll notice some jarred olives lose their color. While in LA, I searched multiple stores until I found good-quality Delallo olives, which I highly recommend. You can find great plump Kalamata olives in most major supermarkets in Australia.
2. If you find raw red onions too strong (though they are milder than other onions), soak the sliced onions in water for about 15 minutes. This will tone down their sharpness.
3. The nutrition information is based on five servings. Using low-fat feta reduces the calorie count to about 300 calories per serving.

conclusion

In summary, Greek salad dressing is a must-have in any kitchen. It is celebrated for its bright, bold flavors that can elevate a variety of dishes. This dressing’s beauty lies in its simplicity, using ingredients like extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, oregano, and sometimes a splash of fresh lemon juice. This blend of ingredients offers a harmonious mix of tangy, rich, and herbal flavors, delivering a refreshing Mediterranean touch to any salad.

Beyond the classic Greek salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta, this versatile dressing can do much more. It works wonderfully as a marinade for grilled chicken or fish, infusing them with a zesty layer of flavor that complements the proteins. You can also drizzle it over roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or potatoes, transforming them into a delicious side dish. Grain bowls and pasta salads also benefit from this tangy dressing, offering a fresh, light, and flavorful touch.

A significant advantage of Greek salad dressing is its ease and convenience. You can prepare a batch in minutes with just a few pantry ingredients and minimal effort. It stores well in the refrigerator for several days, allowing you always to have a flavorful, homemade dressing on hand. You can also tweak the basic recipe to suit your taste—adding a hint of sweetness with honey, a dash of spice with crushed red pepper, or an extra punch of citrus with fresh lemon juice.

This dressing’s simplicity and versatility make it a must-have recipe for any home cook. It’s not just for salads; it’s a multi-purpose flavor booster that can enhance various dishes. Whether you’re looking to prepare a quick weeknight meal, impress guests at a dinner party, or enjoy a refreshing salad, Greek salad dressing will always be a reliable choice. Once you’ve mastered this dressing, it’s likely to become a permanent fixture in your meal planning, celebrated for transforming ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.