How to Make Homemade Greek Dressing (Easy Recipe)

I love making homemade salad dressings! Not only is this more cost and time-effective, but it’s much healthier too. Commercially produced dressing includes a bunch of preservatives and additives to keep it shelf stable, including added sugars. Homemade dressings are usually very easy to make, often include ingredients you already have, and take less than 5 minutes to whip up. So why not? Continue reading to learn how to make homemade Greek dressing!

What is Greek Dressing?

Homemade Greek salad dressing is a type of vinaigrette that captures the tastes of the Mediterranean. With a base of extra-virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar, it is typically enhanced with fresh lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, and a mix of herbs like oregano. Often, it can include feta cheese to add some depth of flavor.

Why Make It at Home?

This Classic Greek salad dressing recipe allows you to control the quality of ingredients and adjust the flavors to your preference. Unlike store-bought salad dressings, homemade versions are free from preservatives and artificial additives. Plus, a homemade Greek dressing can be customized with your favorite herbs and spices!

Seasonality

Salad season is in the spring and summer when the weather is warm and the greens are abundant. Mediterranean food features some great spring flavors like artichokes, chickpeas (hummus), dill, oregano, parsley, and lamb (gyro meat). Greek salads with fresh tomatoes, crisp romaine lettuce, briny kalamata olives (preserved), beets, cucumbers, and red onion are all staple crops of the summer. Add in some feta cheese (dairy is in season in spring/summer) and toum (garlic sauce) and you’ve got yourself the perfect seasonal dish! Add this dressing to your salads or marinate some chicken. It’s a must this time of year! 

Ingredients

• Extra virgin olive oil (1/2 cup): The base of your dressing, providing a rich, smooth texture.
• Red wine vinegar (3 tablespoons): Adds acidity and a slight tang.
• Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): to brighten the dressing.
• Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Helps emulsify the dressing and adds depth.
• Fresh garlic (2 garlic cloves, minced): For a punch of flavor.
• Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): A key ingredient for that traditional Greek flavor.
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley or dill, finely chopped, 1 tablespoon): For an added layer of freshness.
• Maple syrup or honey (optional, 1 teaspoon): To balance the acidity with a touch of sweetness.
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)

How to Make the Best Greek Salad Dressing

1. Prepare Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature to help them mix more easily.
2. Mix in a Bowl or Jar: In a small bowl or mason jar, combine the red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, fresh herbs, and maple syrup or honey (if using).
3. Add Olive Oil: Slowly whisk in the extra-virgin olive oil, or if using a jar, give it a good shake to combine all the ingredients until emulsified.
4. Season: Add salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Taste and Adjust: Adjust the seasoning if necessary. If the dressing is too tangy, add a bit more olive oil or a touch of honey.

How to Store Greek Dressing

Store your homemade Greek dressing in an airtight container, such as a mason jar, in the refrigerator. It can last up to a week. Before using, bring back to room temperature and give it a good shake, as the oil and vinegar will separate over time.

Ways to Enjoy Greek Dressing

• Greek Salad: Toss it with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, briny kalamata olives, and crisp romaine lettuce for a classic Greek salad.
• Greek Pasta Salad: Mix it with cooked orzo or pasta, artichoke hearts, and feta cheese for a hearty salad.
• Marinade: Use it as a marinade for chicken, adding Mediterranean flavors to your protein.
• Green Salad: Drizzle it over a green salad with romaine and fresh herbs.
• Mediterranean Recipes: Incorporate it into various Mediterranean dishes, you can’t really go wrong!

Other Homemade Dips and Dressings:

Homemade Hummus

Chipotle Dip

Ranch Dressing

Homemade Greek Dressing

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Servings: 8 servings

Author: Jodie Van Huysen

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Extra virgin olive oil
• 3 Tbsp Red wine vinegar
• 2 Tbsp Fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves Fresh garlic
• 1 tsp Dried oregano
• 1 Tbsp Fresh herbs Optional: such as parsley or dill
• 1 tsp Maple syrup or honey optional, to balance the acidity
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

• Mix in a Bowl or Jar: In a small bowl or mason jar, combine the red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, fresh herbs, and maple syrup or honey.
• Add Olive Oil: Slowly whisk in the extra-virgin olive oil, or if using a jar, give it a good shake to combine all the ingredients until emulsified.
• Season: Add salt and black pepper to taste.
• Taste and Adjust: Adjust the seasoning if necessary. If the dressing is too tangy, add a bit more olive oil or a touch of honey.