Greek Salad Dressing Recipe – Fresh, Tangy, and Flavorful

March 25, 2025

Create a fresh and tangy Greek salad dressing in your own kitchen with ease. Start with a base of rich olive oil and tangy lemon juice. Add fresh oregano leaves for an earthy depth and aromatic garlic to enhance the flavor profile. The subtle acidity of red wine vinegar balances out the richness perfectly. Collect your ingredients, whisk them together briskly until emulsified, and adjust seasoning to taste. Packed with antioxidants and heart-healthy benefits, this dressing is both delicious and nutritious. You're just steps away from mastering the art of a classic Greek dressing. Stick around to uncover more delights.

Key Components: Olive Oil, Lemon

olive oil and lemon

Have you ever wondered what makes a Greek salad dressing so irresistible? It's all about the key components: olive oil and lemon. These ingredients create a balance of richness and tanginess that's hard to resist.

Olive oil, known for its smooth texture and health benefits, forms the base of the dressing. It allows the flavors to blend seamlessly. Meanwhile, lemon juice adds a revitalizing zest that brightens up the mix.

Consider these essentials:

  • Rich flavor: Olive oil provides depth.
  • Health benefits: Packed with antioxidants.
  • Tanginess: Lemon juice offers a zesty kick.
  • Balancing act: Combines richness with acidity.
  • Versatility: Complements a variety of ingredients.

Together, these components craft a dressing that's both delicious and memorable. Enjoy the vibrant taste it brings to your salad!

Include Fresh Oregano Leaves

Including fresh oregano leaves in your Greek salad dressing can greatly enhance its flavor profile.

You'll appreciate the vibrant taste it brings, along with its numerous health benefits.

To get the most out of fresh oregano, learn the best harvesting and storing techniques to keep its flavor intact.

Benefits of Fresh Oregano

When you sprinkle fresh oregano leaves into your Greek salad dressing, you're not just adding flavor but also reaping health benefits. Oregano is packed with antioxidants, which help combat free radicals in your body, reducing oxidative stress and promoting overall well-being.

It's also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can aid in reducing swelling and discomfort in your joints and muscles. Plus, the essential oils in oregano have been shown to possess antimicrobial properties, potentially boosting your immune system and helping to ward off infections.

Rich in vitamin K, oregano supports bone health and proper blood clotting. So, by adding fresh oregano to your salad dressing, you're enhancing your meal's taste and supporting a healthier lifestyle.

Harvesting and Storing Tips

Now that you know the benefits of using fresh oregano in your Greek salad dressing, let's explore how to harvest and store these vibrant leaves effectively.

Begin by picking oregano in the morning after the dew has dried. Choose healthy, full leaves, snipping them with scissors to encourage new growth.

To store, rinse the leaves gently, then pat them dry with a paper towel. You can keep them fresh in your fridge by placing them in a plastic bag with a damp paper towel or storing them in a glass of water like a bouquet.

For longer storage, consider drying the leaves. Simply tie small bundles with twine and hang them upside down in a cool, dry place. This way, you'll have flavorful oregano ready anytime.

Enhancing Flavor With Oregano

To truly elevate your Greek salad dressing, fresh oregano leaves are a game-changer. They bring a burst of earthy, slightly spicy flavor that dried oregano just can't match.

Start by picking a few sprigs of fresh oregano. Rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt. Gently pat them dry with a paper towel. Once dry, strip the leaves from the stems and chop them finely.

Add these fragrant leaves to your dressing mixture. Their vibrant aroma will enhance the tanginess of the vinegar and the richness of the olive oil.

Step-by-Step Instructions

detailed process guide

Greek Salad Dressing Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating a delicious Greek salad dressing is a simple task that brings a burst of Mediterranean flavor to your salads. Follow these easy steps to make your own dressing at home.

  1. Gather Ingredients
    • Action: Collect all necessary ingredients.
    • Tools/Ingredients Needed: Extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
    • Tip: Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor, and verify all ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing.
  2. Measure Ingredients
    • Action: Measure each ingredient precisely.
    • Tools/Ingredients Needed: Measuring spoons and cups.
    • Tip: Use a liquid measuring cup for the olive oil and vinegar to get accurate measurements.
  3. Combine Ingredients
    • Action: Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
    • Tools/Ingredients Needed: A medium-sized mixing bowl and a whisk.
    • Tip: Add the olive oil slowly while whisking to help emulsify the dressing, which will create a smooth texture.
  4. Whisk the Mixture
    • Action: Whisk until the dressing is well combined.
    • Tools/Ingredients Needed: Whisk.
    • Tip: Whisk vigorously to verify the mustard and oil blend completely, preventing separation.
  5. Taste and Adjust Seasoning
    • Action: Taste the dressing and make necessary adjustments.
    • Tools/Ingredients Needed: A spoon for tasting.
    • Tip: If the dressing is too tangy, add a little more olive oil. If it needs more acidity, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.
  6. Store the Dressing
    • Action: Transfer the dressing to a storage container.
    • Tools/Ingredients Needed: A clean jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid.
    • Tip: Store the dressing in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake well before each use to recombine the ingredients.

Ingredient Gathering Steps

Creating a delicious Greek salad dressing begins with gathering the right ingredients. First, grab a fresh lemon, as its juice is critical for that tangy kick.

Then, measure out extra virgin olive oil, which adds richness and a smooth texture. Next, find some red wine vinegar to bring a subtle acidity that complements the oil.

For a hint of sweetness, you'll need a bit of honey. Reach for dried oregano and garlic powder, both of which deliver essential flavor depth.

Whisk Ingredients Thoroughly Together

Whisking the ingredients together is where the magic truly happens.

You've gathered your olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Now, place them all in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Grab your whisk and begin stirring briskly. The goal is to emulsify the oil with the vinegar and citrus, creating a smooth, creamy blend.

Make sure the garlic is evenly distributed, and the oregano doesn't clump. Keep whisking until everything looks well combined, which takes about 1-2 minutes.

You'll notice the dressing becomes slightly thicker and more cohesive. Taste it, and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Calorie Count Per Serving

When considering the calorie count per serving of a Greek salad dressing, it's vital to understand how each ingredient contributes to the total. You may think olive oil is the main contributor, but don't overlook other components. A typical serving size is about two tablespoons. Let's break down the calorie content:

Ingredient Calories per Serving
Olive Oil 240
Red Wine Vinegar 10
Lemon Juice 5
Garlic 4
Oregano 3

With these ingredients, a single serving amounts to approximately 262 calories. It's important to measure each item precisely to maintain the flavor without adding unnecessary calories. Adjust the proportions according to your dietary needs while keeping the dressing delicious and tangy.

Conclusion

You've got all the tools to whip up a Greek salad dressing that's fresh, tangy, and flavorful. With the perfect balance of olive oil, zesty lemon, and aromatic oregano, you'll be dressing to impress in no time. Just follow the simple steps, and you'll have a masterpiece in minutes. Plus, at only 50 calories per serving, you can enjoy guilt-free. So, let's get cracking and bring this delightful dressing to the table!