Greek Salad Dressing

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Greek Salad Dressing is the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and aromatic flavors. The combination of red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard creates a sharp and zesty base, while the oregano and basil bring a subtle Mediterranean flair. The richness of extra virgin olive oil ties everything together into a smooth and creamy dressing. Whether you’re using it for a Greek salad, as a marinade, or as a dip, this dressing is sure to enhance any dish.

Ingredients

• ⅔ cups extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 minced garlic clove
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Combine the ingredients: In a small bowl or jar, add the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk or shake: Whisk the ingredients together until fully combined. Alternatively, place all ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously.
3. Taste and adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preferences.
4. Refrigerate: For the best flavor, refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes before using. This will allow the flavors to meld and develop.
5. Serve: Drizzle over a fresh Greek salad or use it as a marinade for grilled meats or vegetables.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes about 1 cup of dressing, enough for 4-6 servings of salad.
• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes (including refrigeration time)

Variations

• Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a spicy kick.
• Herb variations: You can use fresh herbs like basil or oregano instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor.
• Vegan option: This dressing is already vegan-friendly, so it can easily be used in plant-based recipes.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the dressing in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Be sure to shake or whisk it again before using, as the ingredients may separate when stored.
• Reheating: There’s no need to heat this dressing, as it is served cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dressing ahead of time?

Yes, this dressing is even better after sitting for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator, as the flavors will meld together.

2. Can I use a different type of vinegar?

You can substitute red wine vinegar with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a slightly different flavor, though red wine vinegar is ideal for a classic Greek flavor.

3. Can I use fresh garlic instead of minced garlic?

Yes, fresh garlic can be used, but be sure to mince it finely to ensure it blends well with the other ingredients.

4. How long can I store this dressing?

This dressing will last for up to a week when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

5. Can I use a different mustard instead of Dijon?

Yes, you can substitute Dijon mustard with yellow mustard, although the flavor will be milder.

6. Is this dressing gluten-free?

Yes, all of the ingredients in this dressing are gluten-free, so it can be safely enjoyed on a gluten-free diet.

7. Can I adjust the amount of lemon juice?

Yes, you can add more or less lemon juice depending on your preference for tanginess. Start with 2 teaspoons and adjust to taste.

8. Can I make this dressing without Dijon mustard?

Yes, you can omit the Dijon mustard if you prefer, but it adds a nice tang and helps to emulsify the dressing.

9. Can I add honey or sugar to this dressing?

Yes, if you prefer a sweeter dressing, you can add a small amount of honey or granulated sugar, but this is optional.

10. Can I use this dressing for marinating meat or vegetables?

Yes, this Greek Salad Dressing works wonderfully as a marinade for chicken, lamb, or vegetables. Simply marinate for 30 minutes to an hour before grilling or roasting.

Conclusion

This Greek Salad Dressing is an easy-to-make, vibrant addition to any Mediterranean-inspired dish. With its rich olive oil base, tangy vinegar, and fragrant herbs, it brings a burst of flavor to salads, grilled meats, and vegetables. Whether you’re making a classic Greek salad or using it as a marinade, this dressing will elevate any dish with its fresh and zesty taste.

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