Greek salad dressing {better than the restaurant! }

This Greek salad dressing combines bright lemon juice, a dash of red wine vinegar, earthy oregano and just the right amount of garlic to keep things interesting. A splash of Dijon ties it all together, and a spoonful of Greek yogurt gives it a creamy flavor while keeping it light.

I love making a big batch and using it throughout the week in salads, marinades, grain bowls, or even drizzled over grilled vegetables. It’s one of those “jack of all trades” spices that makes any meal taste special!

before starting

Here are some helpful tips to make your Greek salad dressing taste like your favorite restaurant:

• Good olive oil to use: Since this is an oil-forward dressing, use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
• Fresh lemon = bright flavor: Bottled lemon juice works great, but fresh lemon juice makes a big difference.
• Let it rest: If you have time, chill the dressing for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can meld.
• Adjust to taste: Add more lemon for flavor, olive oil for richness, and a little sugar if you like it less acidic.
• Shake it: Store it in a mason jar so you can just shake and eat, which makes cleanup easy too!

How to Make Greek Salad Dressing

Making Greek salad dressing at home couldn’t be easier! Just stir together a few simple ingredients and you’ll have a bright, flavorful dressing in minutes.

1. Mix it up

Whisk or shake together Greek yogurt, olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, onion powder, salt and pepper until smooth.

2. Taste and cool

Adjust seasoning if needed. For best flavor, refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving.

How to use Greek dressing

This dressing isn’t just for salads! Here are some other fun ways I like to use it:

• salad: Make a big salad, with or without lettuce, and use it as a dressing. It works on a Greek-style salad as it is intended, but it can be used on any salad you like. The neutral flavor goes well with everything.
• bowl: Make a Greek-style bowl with grilled Greek chicken thighs, grains, your favorite toppings and veggies, and plenty of Greek dressing!
• Marinade: This is a great marinade for chicken and pork. Lemon juice and red wine vinegar help tenderize the meat. It adds tons of flavor before you toss your protein on the grill, in a pan, or in the oven.
• Pasta Salad: Make a Greek-style pasta salad by combining cooked pasta, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, green peppers, feta cheese, and two batches of this dressing. If you like it a little spicy, add some sliced ​​chili peppers.
• pizza: Combining the flavors of pizza and Greek salad, spread a thin layer of melted cheese on a traditional pizza crust and top a big pile of Greek salad with this dressing. The perfect summer meal.
• vegetable: Make some roasted vegetables and drizzle them over the top before serving. You can also soak the vegetables in the dressing before cooking.

How to Make a Classic Greek Salad

There are actually several schools of thought when it comes to Greek salad and what it should contain. At issue is whether lettuce should be included. Most classic recipes don’t include lettuce. Here’s how to prepare them:

• Chopped cucumber
• chopped tomatoes
• thinly sliced ​​red onion
• Green peppers sliced ​​into thin slices
• Greek Kalamata Olives
• Sliced ​​or diced feta cheese (not shredded)
• Drizzle with Greek olive oil, red wine vinegar and lemon juice (do not mix in the Greek sauce)
• Sprinkle generously with oregano

American Greek salads also typically include chopped romaine lettuce, pepperoni, and are topped with a Greek dressing mix rather than the individual ingredients.

Recipe Ideas and Tips

Make these simple changes for the perfect Greek salad dressing:

• Make it creamy: Make a creamy version of this dressing by adding Greek yogurt, plain yogurt, light mayonnaise, or sour cream to the dressing mixture.
• Add feta cheese to mixture: Crumble some feta cheese into the dressing instead of into the salad. This is a really delicious addition to roasted vegetables.
• Enhance saltiness: Adding some chopped olives or tapenade to the dressing creates a more vibrant flavor.
• Swap salt for umami: Spray a little anchovy paste into the dressing instead of salt to add depth and flavor.
• Strengthening herbs: Add more herbal flavor by adding some Italian seasoning or dried basil to the dressing.
• Try fresh oregano: Use fresh oregano instead of dried oregano. You’ll need about twice the amount. Condiments made with fresh oregano are best eaten immediately.
• Soften the garlic: If you don’t like the strong smell of garlic, you can use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic for a milder flavor.

How to make this outfit lighter

There are a few ways to make this dressing lighter if you wish, but this will change the consistency and flavor since olive oil is an essential component of any classic Greek salad dressing.

• Use broth: Substitute chicken or vegetable broth for some or all of the olive oil for an oil-free option.
• Make it creamy: Substitute Greek or plain yogurt for the oil for a creamier dressing with less fat.
• Make it oil-free: Just make the dressing oil-free. Many people like to put lemon juice or vinegar on their salads.

storage tips

Storing Greek salad dressing is the easy part! Here’s how to do it:

• Shop: Store in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Shake well before use: The oil may separate. Just give it a quick shake or stir!