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This Greek salad dressing is a simple oil and vinegar dressing that comes together in less than 5 minutes! It’s the perfect easy vinaigrette for salads of all kinds.
After traveling to the Greek island of Santorini, Alex and I were struck by the effortless simplicity of the food. The bright sun and ocean breeze really makes everything you eat taste better. That classic combination of tomatoes, cucumbers and feta in a Greek salad is simple yet a revelation at the same time.
For this Greek salad dressing, we wanted to capture the simplicity of the flavors and approach to life in this sun-drenched country. It’s zingy, lemony and altogether the perfect versatile dressing for salads of all kinds.
Ingredients for Greek salad dressing
We love making homemade salad dressings since they are tastier than store-bought without preservatives or added ingredients. This Greek salad dressing is the perfect easy vinaigrette for salads. The flavor is nuanced and subtle; it doesn’t overpower a salad, but accentuates it. The ingredients are usual suspects of a Mediterranean vinaigrette recipe:
- Olive oil: Extra-virgin olive oil is the basis of this healthy dressing.
- Vinegar and lemon juice: This dressing uses two types of “acids”: both red wine vinegar and fresh lemon juice, which make regular appearances in Greek cuisine. Using both gives an added complexity.
- Dijon mustard: A touch of Dijon mustard to gives a little more zing.
- Oregano: The main flavor herb-wise is dried oregano. It’s also very common in Greek cuisine and gives it that Greek flair. If desired, you can substitute za’atar, a Middle Eastern spice blend that’s a mixture of herbs, seeds, and spices.
- Garlic (optional): If desired, add grated garlic or garlic powder for even more savory flavor.
How to make Greek salad dressing: step by step
This Greek salad dressing recipe is incredibly simple. The flavor is zesty and bright, tangy from the vinegar, balanced with a touch of maple syrup. Then it’s mixed together with extra virgin olive oil to form a creamy emulsion. We’ve also added a touch of Dijon mustard to give a little more zing and to help the creamy dressing stay emulsified. Here’s how to make this balsamic vinaigrette dressing (or go to the full recipe):
Step 1: Whisk the red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, oregano, optional garlic, and salt in a medium sized bowl (make sure the bowl is large enough to enough movement of the whisk).
Step 2: Add the olive oil gradually. We typically add it tablespoon by tablespoon and whisk in between until the oil fully incorporates.
Step 3: Enjoy on the salad of your choice!
Storing Greek salad dressing
In this Greek salad dressing recipe, the olive oil and vinegar do tend to separate after the initial whisking and during storage. This is okay: simply whisk again before serving! If you prefer a vinaigrette that doesn’t separate, try our Italian Dressing, Homemade Vinaigrette, or Balsamic Vinaigrette dressings.
Ways to serve Greek salad dressing
This Greek salad dressing recipe is perfect on any type of salad that you throw together! Here are a few ideas of how to use it:
- Make a make-shift salad with romaine, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta crumbles.
- Use it to top a Greek salad, though traditionally it’s just a few drizzles of oil and vinegar.
- Drizzle it over a grilled chicken salad, Greek salmon salad, or a Mediterranean salad with crunchy vegetables, olives, and feta.
- Use it for a homemade salad bar.
How would you serve this Greek salad dressing recipe? Let us know in the comments below!
More Mediterranean recipes
A salad with this dressing would be perfect alongside some of our Mediterranean diet recipes! Here are a few of our favorites:
- Make a falafel burger and serve it with tzatziki, or make this fresh and tasty falafel salad.
- Make a Greek pizza or Mediterranean pizza topped with feta cheese, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach.
- Mix up baked salmon or lemon salmon.
- Try Mediterranean bowls, full of colorful vegetables.
Dietary notes
This Greek salad dressing recipe is vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free.
Frequently asked questions
The foundation of Greek salad dressing is high-quality extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Some variations may also include fresh herbs like basil or parsley, or a touch of honey for sweetness.
Absolutely! To make a creamy version, add a dollop of Greek yogurt, crumbled feta cheese, or even tahini for a richer texture and flavor.
Homemade Greek salad dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Give it a good shake before using, as the ingredients may separate.
Greek salad dressing is most commonly used on a classic Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. However, it’s also delicious on roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or as a dip for pita bread.
Greek Salad Dressing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: About ½ cup 1x
Description
This Greek salad dressing is a simple oil and vinegar dressing that comes together in less than 5 minutes: the perfect easy vinaigrette for salads.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or za’atar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, oregano, kosher salt and black pepper.
- Gradually whisk in the olive oil, adding 1 tablespoon at a time and whisking until it incorporates, until an emulsion forms. Serve immediately. Store refrigerated and bring to room temperature before serving (keeps at least 2 weeks). The dressing may separate after sitting which is okay; simply whisk again before serving.
- Category: Salad Dressings
- Method: Whisked
- Cuisine: Greek
