Zesty Greek Salad Dressing Recipe: Bright & Tangy Perfection

Mediterranean winds whisper secrets about crafting the perfect greek salad dressing that dances with vibrant flavors.

Fresh ingredients create magic in just minutes.

Zesty herbs and smooth olive oil blend seamlessly to unlock incredible taste potential.

Crisp vegetables await their delectable companion that will elevate every bite.

Simple preparation means you can become a culinary artist without complicated techniques.

Rich textures and bright notes promise a refreshing experience for your palate.

Crunch into a salad that transports you straight to sunny greece with each delightful forkful.

Greek Salad Dressing That Adds A Zesty Punch

• Savor Mediterranean Simplicity: Dive into a classic Greek salad that captures the essence of sun-drenched coastal cuisine with minimal preparation and maximum flavor.
• Master Quick Culinary Skills: Learn an authentic dressing technique that transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish, perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Boost Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and heart-healthy olive oil, this recipe delivers a vibrant, nutrient-dense meal that supports overall wellness.
• Unleash Versatile Dining Option: Enjoy as a light lunch, refreshing side dish, or party-ready appetizer that impresses guests with its bright, zesty Mediterranean flair.

What You’ll Need For Greek Salad Dressing

• Tomato: A juicy ingredient that adds bright color and fresh flavor to the salad.
• Cucumber: Provides a crisp and cool element to the salad's texture.
• Red Onion: Delivers a sharp and pungent taste that complements other ingredients.
• Green Bell Pepper: Introduces a mild, slightly sweet crunch to the salad.

• Fresh Oregano: Brings an authentic Greek herb flavor to the dish.
• Garlic: Adds a robust and intense flavor to the dressing.

• Feta Cheese: Contributes a tangy and creamy element to the salad.
• Kalamata Olives: Offers a rich, briny Mediterranean taste profile.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar, Lemon Juice: Creates a classic Greek dressing base with bright and balanced flavors.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the salad.

Shake Up Greek Salad Dressing In Minutes

Step 1: Prepare Fresh Produce

Wash all vegetables under cool running water. Pat dry each ingredient completely with clean paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Chop Vegetables

• Dice tomato into consistent bite-sized cubes
• Slice cucumber into thin rounds
• Mince red onion into small pieces
• Cut green bell pepper into slender strips

Step 3: Prepare Herbs and Seasonings

• Finely chop fresh oregano leaves
• Crush and mince garlic clove

Step 4: Create Dressing Base

Grab a glass bowl and vigorously whisk together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and fresh lemon juice until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Season Dressing

Add minced garlic, chopped oregano, salt, and black pepper into the liquid mixture. Stir thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.

Step 6: Add Mediterranean Touches

• Slice kalamata olives into delicate rings
• Crumble feta cheese into rustic pieces

Step 7: Assemble Salad

Gently mix all chopped vegetables in a large serving bowl, ensuring ingredients are distributed evenly.

Step 8: Dress and Finish

Pour prepared dressing over vegetables, tossing lightly to coat each piece. Allow salad to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes, letting flavors blend and develop.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer salad to serving plates. Optional: Garnish with extra herbs or additional olives for enhanced presentation.

Tips To Make Greek Salad Dressing Shine

• Preserve Produce Freshness: Thoroughly rinse and dry all vegetables to maintain crisp texture and prevent sogginess.
• Balance Flavor Intensity: Mince onions and garlic finely to distribute robust flavors without overpowering delicate ingredients.
• Perfect Dressing Technique: Whisk olive oil, vinegar, and lemon juice vigorously to create a smooth, well-emulsified dressing that coats ingredients evenly.
• Elevate Herb Impact: Chop fresh oregano just before mixing to release maximum aromatic oils and enhance the salad's Mediterranean essence.
• Optimize Resting Time: Allow salad to sit for 10 minutes at room temperature, enabling ingredients to marinate and develop a more complex, integrated flavor profile.

Fresh Twists On Greek Salad Dressing

• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace oregano with a blend of fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley for a more complex herbal profile that elevates the classic Greek salad's flavor.
• Spicy Mediterranean Kick: Add finely chopped red chili peppers or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a zesty, warming sensation that complements the cool vegetable base.
• Protein-Packed Greek Salad: Incorporate grilled chicken, chickpeas, or cubed tofu to transform the light salad into a substantial main course with added nutritional value.
• Citrus-Infused Version: Swap lemon juice with blood orange or tangerine juice, creating a brighter, slightly sweeter dressing that adds a refreshing summer twist to the traditional recipe.

Perfect Foods To Pair With Greek Salad Dressing

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Choose crisp, light Greek white wines like Assyrtiko to complement the salad's bright, tangy flavors and cut through the olive oil's richness.
• Brew Perfect Beer Match: Select a wheat beer or a light, citrusy Belgian-style ale that echoes the salad's refreshing Mediterranean profile and cleanses the palate.
• Craft Cocktail Companion: Mix a zesty gin and tonic with fresh lemon garnish, mirroring the dressing's citrus notes and providing a refreshing counterpoint to the salad's herbal elements.
• Create Mocktail Alternative: Blend sparkling water with fresh cucumber and mint, delivering a cool, herbaceous drink that harmonizes with the salad's fresh vegetable components.

How To Store Greek Salad Dressing With Ease

• Store Greek salad dressing in an airtight glass container with a tight-fitting lid, keeping it in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Separate the dressing from the salad vegetables to maintain freshness and prevent soggy ingredients.
• Always give the stored dressing a vigorous shake or stir before using, as natural separation of olive oil and vinegar occurs during refrigeration. This helps restore the original emulsified consistency and ensures even flavor distribution.
• Do not freeze the Greek salad dressing, as olive oil and vinegar-based dressings tend to separate and lose their smooth texture when thawed. Fresh preparation is always recommended for the best taste and quality.

Quick FAQ For Greek Salad Dressing Lovers

• What makes Greek salad dressing authentic?

The key is using high-quality extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh herbs like oregano, and proper seasoning with salt and black pepper, mimicking traditional Mediterranean flavor profiles.

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh oregano?

While fresh oregano provides the best flavor, dried oregano works as an acceptable substitute. Use about one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh to maintain balanced taste.

• How do I prevent the dressing from separating?

Whisk ingredients vigorously and continuously until they become fully emulsified, creating a smooth, consistent mixture that will coat ingredients evenly and prevent oil and vinegar from splitting.

• Is Greek salad dressing healthy?

Yes, it’s considered very nutritious.

Greek Salad Dressing Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Mediterranean zest elevates this Greek salad dressing with tangy feta and crisp herbs. Whisked olive oil, red wine vinegar, and garlic create a simple yet bold flavor profile perfect for salads and marinades.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 1 tomato
• 1 cucumber
• 0.5 red onion
• 0.25 green bell pepper

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 tbsp fresh oregano
• 1 clove garlic
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper

Oils and Liquids:

• 0.5 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 0.25 cup kalamata olives
• 2 oz feta cheese

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Instructions

1. Rinse and thoroughly dry all fresh produce to ensure crisp, clean ingredients.
2. Dice tomato into uniform bite-sized cubes, maintaining consistent shape and texture.
3. Slice cucumber into thin, elegant rounds or half-moons depending on preferred presentation.
4. Mince red onion finely to distribute flavor evenly throughout the salad without overwhelming other ingredients.
5. Cut green bell pepper into delicate, thin strips or small chunks for balanced distribution.
6. Chop fresh oregano leaves into fine fragments to release maximum herbal essence.
7. Crush garlic clove and mince into tiny pieces to infuse dressing with robust flavor.
8. In a glass bowl, whisk extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice until emulsified and smooth.
9. Add minced garlic, chopped oregano, salt, and black pepper to the liquid mixture, stirring thoroughly to integrate all seasonings.
10. Slice kalamata olives into thin rings, adding rich Mediterranean character to the salad.
11. Crumble feta cheese into rustic, irregular pieces to provide creamy texture and tangy notes.
12. Gently combine all vegetable components in a serving bowl.
13. Drizzle prepared dressing over vegetables, tossing delicately to ensure even coating.
14. Let salad rest for 10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
15. Serve immediately, garnishing with additional herbs or olives if desired.

Notes

• Customize your dressing by adjusting vinegar and oil ratios for personal taste preferences.
• Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to elevate the authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Consider replacing feta with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cheese for vegan dietary needs.
• Chop vegetables just before serving to maintain maximum crispness and prevent soggy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg