Greek Salad Dressing (Greek Vinaigrette)
Add extra flavor to any salad by making your own Greek Salad Dressing in minutes. Super quick to make, it’s perfect for any salad or use as a marinade for chicken or pork.
Greek Vinaigrette Dressing
I like to make homemade dressings because I know what’s in them and they taste better in my opinion. And I don’t have to worry about any extra “stuff” that they put in the bottled dressings.
Any one of my favorites is this Greek Vinaigrette. It’s easier than you think and delicious on so many things.
Toss it over a salad, like this Caprese Pasta Salad, use it as a chicken marinade, or just drizzle over some toasted bread for a light snack.
Ingredients Needed
Red wine vinegar – If you don’t have this you can use white wine vinegar and add a little red wine to it. Or you can just use white vinegar.
Oregano – Dried oregano is best as fresh can turn brown after a day or two. You can also use Greek seasoning for more flavor!
Garlic – Fresh is best just be sure to mince it fine. No one likes big chunks of garlic.
Lemon juice – Fresh or bottled lemon juice will work. Try it with lime juice if you like!
Olive oil – Extra virgin olive oil is best as it has a light flavor and won’t overpower the other flavors.
Best Olive Oils For Salad Dressings
I always lean toward an Extra Virgin Olive Oil for my homemade vinaigrette dressings. This will have the most pure olive flavor and be the least processing so you get the first run of the process.
I also like the health benefits of this type of olive oil, so it tends to be the bottle you will see in my pantry.
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How to Make Greek Salad Dressing from Scratch
First: In a medium sized bowl, combine the garlic, spices, lemon juice, and vinegar. Whisk to combine. Drizzle in the olive oil and whisk to completely combine.
Second: Taste and season with salt and pepper if desired. Store in the refrigerator, in an air-tight container for up to 3 weeks.
For the full recipe and detailed baking instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.
How long is it good for?
Leftovers are good for up to five days if kept in an airtight bottle in the refrigerator. Shake well each time you use it.
What is the difference between Italian and Greek salad dressing?
The main difference between the two is the amount of sweetness. Italian dressing tends to have a small amount of a sweetener like sugar or honey to balance out the tartness of the vinegar.
What is a vinaigrette dressing?
A vinaigrette dressing is a basic mixture of 3 parts olive oil and 1 part acid such as vinegar or lemon juice. Of course, once you start with the basics, you can add whatever flavors you like!
Serving Suggestions
- On your chopped Greek salad, of course (or any salad you like!)
- As a marinade for chicken, shrimp, and pork
- Toss on an easy pasta salad
- Drizzle over feta cheese and broil for a quick appetizer
- Dip pita bread in it for an easy snack
- Drizzle over tomatoes cucumbers for a quick salad
Tips for No Leftovers
- Use dried herbs. Fresh herbs aren’t as strong so you will need to use double the amount and they fresh leaves can turn brown after a day or two.
- Make it a creamy version by adding 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Add in 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard for more flavor.
- Using fresh garlic can be strong for some so make sure that your garlic is minced very fine so you don’t get a large chunk. A garlic press is best!
- If your dressing is too tangy or acidic, add a teaspoon or two of honey or sugar.
- Add the spices to the vinegar first to combine. If you add them to the olive oil they will be stuck in that and won’t mix with the vinegar very well.
- Serve close to room temperature. The olive oil can solidify if too cold.
If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!
If you haven’t tried this Greek Vinaigrette yet, I want you to try it instead of Italian dressing next time. It is very similar but you can taste the difference for sure.
Greek Vinaigrette Dressing
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- juice of half lemon
- 1 cup olive oil
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the vinegar, garlic, lemon juice, and spices. Stir to combine.
- Drizzle in olive oil while whisking vigorously.
- Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- use dried herbs. fresh herbs aren’t as strong so you will need to use double the amount and they fresh leaves can turn brown from the acidity which doesn’t look pretty.
- make it a creamy version by adding 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- add in 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard for more flavor.
- using fresh garlic can be strong for some so make sure that your garlic is minced very fine so you don’t get a large chunk. A garlic press is best!
- if your dressing is too tangy or acidic, add a teaspoon or two of honey or sugar.
- add the spices to the vinegar first to combine. If you add them to the olive oil they will be stuck in that and won’t mix with the vinegar very well.
- serve close to room temperature. The olive oil can solidify if too cold.
Nutrition
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