Authentic Greek Salad Dressing Recipe (Easy & Homemade)
Make authentic Greek salad dressing at home using this easy recipe. This homemade dressing includes olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, oregano, mustard and salt and pepper. It is perfect for salads, drizzled over vegetables and marinades.
What is traditional Greek salad dressing?
A traditional Greek salad dressing is typically made with just a few simple ingredients, including olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, oregano and garlic. Mustard is typically added in order to emulsify the ingredients.
Greek salad dressing ingredients
Making an authentic Greek salad dressing is easy and only requires a few basic ingredients.
Olive oil I only use Greek olive oil to make this dressing. I love the flavour and fragrance of Greek olive oil over all others!
Red wine vinegar I love the subtle flavour and acidity of red wine vinegar. It goes great in this recipe.
Lemon juice I only use fresh lemon juice – it is so much better than bottled lemon juice.
Greek oregano Dry Greek oregano cannot be compared to anything else! The aroma is so intense and the flavour is so wonderfully unique.
Garlic When I buy garlic I always try to find locally grown garlic. The flavour is so much better than garlic that comes from far away, which has potentially been bleached in order to keep it fresh longer. I avoid that garlic as much as I can.
Mustard The mustard is not so much for flavour as it is for emulsification. The mustard helps to combine the oil and the acid. I like to use Dijon mustard, but honestly, even yellow mustard will do just fine.
Salt & pepper I add these basic but essential seasonings to my salad dressing. You can add them to taste.
How to make homemade salad dressing
Easy, 5 minute prep
Making this authentic homemade Greek salad dressing is so easy! Once all the ingredients are prepared all you have to do is whisk them all together in a bowl until combined. Alternatively, combine all ingredients in a jar, cover and shake until well combined.
Tips for the best flavour
Use the best olive oil
When a recipe has only a few ingredients, I make extra certain that they are top quality. That is why I only use the best Greek olive oil I can find. If you cannot find Greek olive oil, then a good quality extra virgin olive oil will do.
Only fresh lemon juice
Sure, you can find bottled lemon juice, and this is often easier, but it is not nearly as good as freshly squeezed lemon juice. It is worth the effort (minimal effort) to use fresh lemons.
Use dry oregano versus fresh oregano
Oregano is one herb that I almost always use dry. The flavour and fragrance is so much more intense than with fresh oregano. I also always use dry Greek oregano. I find it is superior to all others!
Balance the acidity
This authentic Greek salad dressing uses both lemon juice and vinegar for the acidity. This balance, in the proportions listed, gives you a salad dressing that is not overwhelmingly acidic, but has the perfect level of zing!
Serving ideas – more than just for salad
Of course, this authentic Greek salad dressing is amazing over all sorts of salads, but it is great for so much more! Pour it over grilled vegetables or roasted potatoes, or use it as a marinade for chicken, fish or vegetables.
Salads that would be great with Greek salad dressing
Maniatiki Salad (Potato salad with oranges and fennel)
Squash and pearl couscous salad
Greek salad dressing FAQ
How long does Greek salad dressing last?
I typically keep my homemade Greek salad dressing in the refrigerator for up to five days. Honestly though, it rarely lasts that long.
Can I make this salad dressing without vinegar?
Traditionally, Greek salad dressing is made with vinegar but if you would prefer to omit it simply add extra lemon juice to taste.
Is Greek salad dressing healthy?
This is actually a healthy salad dressing. It is made with simple ingredients, and the olive oil is the only fat, and it is a healthy fat.
How to store
Prepared salad dressing will keep well in the refrigerator for up to five days. Store in a jar or container with a cover.
It is normal for the olive oil and vinegar / lemon juice to separate after the dressing has been sitting for a while. That is fine, simply whisk it or shake it so that the dressing emulsifies again.
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Bite size salad appetizer These adorable bite size appetizers could be served with a small container of this authentic Greek salad dressing. People can dip them into the dressing right before enjoying them.
Tahini salad dressing This is an amazing oil free dressing. The flavour of tahini is nutty and wonderful!
Olive oil and lemon sauce Greeks love to pour this amazing olive oil and lemon sauce over grilled meats and veggies. The flavour is amazing!
Grilled fennel This is a beautiful presentation for fennel. Consider serving it with the traditional Greek salad dressing drizzled over top.
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Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Olive oil
- 3 tbsp Red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- ½ tsp Greek oregano, dry
- 1 Garlic clove finely minced
- ½ tsp Mustard Yellow or Dijon
- ¼ tsp Salt
- ⅛ tsp Pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients together in a bowl and whisk until well combined. Alternatively you can combine all ingredients in a jar and shake well until combined.
- Serve this amazing Greek salad dressing over a variety of salads and vegetables.