Tangy Homemade Greek Dressing Recipe

Zippy Greek Dressing Recipe: A Fresh Burst of Mediterranean Flavor

Drizzling a homemade greek dressing over crisp salad greens brings instant Mediterranean magic to your plate.

This tangy homemade greek dressing recipe captures summer’s vibrant essence with just a few simple ingredients.

Fresh herbs and zesty lemon create a delightful flavor profile that dances on your palate.

Whisking together olive oil, vinegar, and aromatic spices transforms an ordinary salad into a restaurant-worthy experience.

Store-bought dressings pale in comparison to this bright, authentic blend.

Each spoonful promises a burst of Mediterranean sunshine that elevates your greens from mundane to extraordinary.

You’ll want to keep this recipe close for endless salad inspiration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 5 minutes

Calories: 130 kcal

Servings: 5

Zesty Ingredients For Greek Salad Dressing

For Liquid Base:
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Provides rich, smooth foundation with authentic Mediterranean character, choose cold-pressed for best flavor intensity.
  • Red Wine Vinegar: Delivers tangy brightness and helps balance the dressing's profile, select high-quality aged vinegar for deeper taste.
For Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Dried Oregano: Introduces classic Greek herbal essence, look for vibrant green color indicating fresh herb quality.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds subtle pungent undertones without raw garlic's sharpness, opt for pure powder without additives.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Elevates overall taste complexity, use freshly ground pepper for maximum aromatic impact.
For Sweetness and Binding:
  • Honey: Creates gentle sweetness and helps emulsify ingredients, select raw local honey for enhanced nutritional benefits.
  • Lemon Juice: Provides zesty citrus notes and natural acidity, fresh-squeezed gives most authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.

Tools To Mix Up Greek Dressing Fast

  • Small jar or measuring cup: Perfect for mixing and storing the dressing, with clear sides for easy measuring.
  • Whisk or fork: Helps blend ingredients smoothly and creates a creamy emulsified texture.
  • Measuring spoons: Ensures precise amounts of herbs, vinegar, and honey for consistent flavor.
  • Sharp knife: For finely chopping fresh herbs if using.
  • Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for herb preparation.

Instructions For Quick Greek Dressing

  • Collect Your Mixing Container

Grab a small jar or bowl that has a tight-fitting lid for creating your zesty Greek dressing.

  • Combine Flavor Powerhouses

Pour all your selected ingredients into the container, ensuring each component gets ready to dance together.

  • Whip Up the Magic

Shake vigorously or whisk enthusiastically until the mixture transforms into a smooth, harmonious blend that looks glossy and well-integrated.

  • Taste and Tweak

Sample your creation and adjust the flavor profile by adding extra lemon juice, vinegar, or honey until it hits that perfect tangy-sweet spot.

  • Store and Preserve

Transfer your freshly made dressing to the refrigerator in a sealed container, where it’ll stay delicious for up to one week. Remember to give it a quick shake before each use to re-emulsify the ingredients and awaken those vibrant flavors.

Flavor Boosters For Easy Homemade Greek Dressing

  • Flavor Boost Tip: Crush dried oregano between your fingers before adding to release its aromatic oils and intensify the herb's flavor profile in the dressing.
  • Texture Perfect Trick: Use a tight-sealing mason jar to mix ingredients, which allows for vigorous shaking and creates a smoother, more well-blended emulsification.
  • Dietary Swap Option: Replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly version, ensuring the dressing remains creamy and maintains its balanced sweetness.
  • Storage Hack: If you prefer a longer shelf life, swap fresh garlic with garlic powder, which can help the dressing stay fresh up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator without compromising taste.
  • Olive Oil Quality Tip: Choose extra virgin olive oil for the most authentic Greek flavor and highest nutritional benefits, as it provides a richer, more robust taste compared to regular olive oil.

Creative Pairings For Easy Homemade Greek Dressing

  • Zesty Salad Companion: Drizzle this vibrant Greek dressing over crisp romaine lettuce, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes for an authentic Mediterranean-style salad.
  • Marvelous Marinade Magic: Use the dressing as a quick marinade for chicken, lamb, or vegetables before grilling to infuse rich, tangy flavors into your protein or produce.
  • Dip and Delight: Serve as a delicious dipping sauce for warm pita bread, grilled vegetables, or as a flavorful condiment alongside roasted meats and fresh bread.
  • Meal Prep Wonder: Prepare a batch at the start of the week and store in the refrigerator, using it to instantly elevate simple green salads, grain bowls, or as a quick sandwich spread.

Stash & Serve Tips For Easy Homemade Greek Dressing

  • Flavor Refresh: Stir or shake the dressing vigorously before each use to redistribute settled herbs and seasonings.
  • Refrigeration Zone: Store in an airtight glass container, keeping the dressing cold to maintain its crisp taste and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Smart Timing: Consume within 7 days for optimal flavor and quality, ensuring the freshest taste in your salads and marinades.
  • Ingredient Separation: If olive oil solidifies when chilled, simply let the dressing sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving, then shake well to restore its smooth consistency.
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Tangy Homemade Greek Dressing Recipe

Tangy Homemade Greek Dressing Recipe


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4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Greek dressing from Mediterranean kitchens brings zesty Mediterranean flavors to salads and meals. Tangy olive oil, bright herbs, and classic ingredients create a simple yet delicious condiment you’ll crave on countless dishes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup (120 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp honey or a pinch of sugar (optional, for balance)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Vessel: Select a compact, sealable glass container for crafting a robust Greek-style vinaigrette.
  2. Build Base Layers: Pour olive oil, red wine vinegar, and freshly squeezed lemon juice into the container, establishing a vibrant acidic foundation.
  3. Infuse Herbal Notes: Sprinkle dried oregano, crumbled basil leaves, and minced garlic to introduce complex Mediterranean aromatics.
  4. Season Dynamically: Add salt, black pepper, and a drizzle of honey to balance flavors, creating depth and nuanced sweetness.
  5. Emulsify Dressing: Seal the container and shake vigorously until ingredients transform into a smooth, unified vinaigrette.
  6. Refine and Store: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then refrigerate. Before each use, shake thoroughly to recombine separated elements, ensuring maximum flavor intensity for up to one week.

Notes

  • Shake Vigorously: Ensure ingredients are fully combined by shaking the container powerfully for 15-20 seconds to create a perfect emulsion.
  • Select Quality Olive Oil: Choose extra virgin olive oil for authentic flavor and maximum health benefits, avoiding refined or processed varieties.
  • Manage Garlic Intensity: Adjust garlic quantity based on personal preference – fresh minced garlic provides stronger flavor compared to garlic powder.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Transform the dressing into vegan-friendly version by replacing honey with agave nectar or maple syrup for similar sweetness profile.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 130
  • Sugar: 0.5 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 0 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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