Greek Salad Dressing Recipe

5-Minute Homemade Greek Salad Dressing That Will Elevate Any Salad!

As someone who loves to cook but doesn’t always have hours to spare, one of my go-to tricks in the kitchen is mastering versatile, easy-to-make recipes that pack a lot of flavor. Over the years, I’ve experimented with countless salad dressings, but the one that has truly stood the test of time in my kitchen is a homemade Greek salad dressing. It’s fresh, zesty, and takes no more than 5 minutes to whip up. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this simple recipe will elevate your salads and meals to a whole new level.

This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Please read our full disclosure here to find out more.

Why Choose Homemade Greek Salad Dressing?

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own salad dressing. Not only do you have full control over the ingredients (goodbye preservatives!), but the taste is undeniably better than anything you’ll find in a store-bought bottle. Here’s why I believe homemade Greek salad dressing should be a staple in your kitchen:

Freshness in Every Drop: Store-bought dressings often contain artificial flavors, preservatives, and excess sodium. With homemade dressing, every ingredient is fresh and flavorful.

Authenticity: Making your own Greek salad dressing means you can stick to authentic, simple Mediterranean ingredients. Olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs are the stars of the show.

Versatility: This dressing isn’t just for salads! I use it to marinate meats, drizzle over roasted vegetables, or even to dip warm, crusty bread. Trust me, you’ll be looking for excuses to use it.

Key Ingredients for Authentic Greek Salad Dressing

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of pantry staples to create a dressing that’s bursting with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Olive Oil

Olive oil is the foundation of any good Greek salad dressing. It gives the dressing its smooth texture and rich flavor, while also offering numerous health benefits. If possible, always use extra virgin olive oil. It’s more flavorful and less processed, which makes a world of difference in a dressing like this.

Pro Tip: When choosing an olive oil, opt for one that’s cold-pressed and organic for the best flavor. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil can elevate any dish, so it’s worth investing in a good bottle.

2. Vinegar or Lemon Juice

Traditional Greek salad dressings use red wine vinegar, but you can also opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice if you prefer a tangier flavor. Either option balances the richness of the olive oil and adds that bright, zesty kick we all love in a good dressing.

3. Herbs and Seasonings

Oregano: Dried oregano is a must for that authentic Greek flavor. It’s fragrant and earthy, tying the dressing’s flavors together beautifully.

Garlic: Minced garlic adds depth and a subtle bite. Fresh is always best, but if you’re in a hurry, a pinch of garlic powder can work too.

Salt and Pepper: Simple, but essential. Don’t underestimate the power of properly seasoning your dressing!

4. Optional Add-ins

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a touch of honey. The mustard adds a tangy complexity, while honey balances the acidity with a hint of sweetness.

How to Make This 5-Minute Greek Salad Dressing

Now for the fun part—assembling your dressing! This recipe is as easy as it gets. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you can create something so flavorful.

Ingredients:

½ cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tbsp lemon juice

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tsp dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, vinegar (or lemon juice), minced garlic, and oregano.

2. Whisk until fully emulsified or shake the jar vigorously.

3. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

4. Let the dressing sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

That’s it! In just 5 minutes, you’ve made a dressing that will enhance any salad or dish you serve it with.

The Perfect Pairing: Tzatziki Sauce

While we’re on the topic of Greek flavors, I have to mention tzatziki sauce, one of my all-time favorite Greek condiments. It’s a creamy blend of yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and olive oil. Together with this Greek salad dressing, it creates a deliciously dynamic duo. Use the dressing on your salad, and serve the tzatziki on the side as a dip for vegetables, grilled meats, or even pita bread. The two complement each other beautifully, bringing both tanginess and creaminess to your meal.

My Personal Product Recommendations

One thing I’ve learned as a home cook is that the quality of your ingredients and tools can make all the difference. Here are two products I highly recommend to take your cooking experience—and this recipe—to the next level.

1. Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil

A high-quality olive oil is a game-changer for this recipe, and I always recommend Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil. It's cold-pressed and rich in flavor, giving your salad dressing that authentic Mediterranean taste. The first time I used Colavita in my Greek salad dressing, I noticed the difference immediately—it brought a depth and smoothness that store-bought oils just couldn’t match.

Elevate your salads with this premium olive oil—grab a bottle on Amazon here today!

2. OXO Good Grips Salad Dressing Shaker

Whisking salad dressing by hand can be tedious, but with the OXO Good Grips Salad Dressing Shaker, it’s a breeze. This shaker has a leak-proof lid and a handy spout for easy pouring, making it perfect for storing your homemade dressing in the fridge. Plus, it’s easy to clean, which is a win in my book.

Make dressing prep simple and mess-free—get the OXO Salad Dressing Shaker on Amazon here!

3. Book Recommendation: “The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook” by America’s Test Kitchen

If you’re loving the idea of bringing Mediterranean flavors into your kitchen, you’ll want to check out The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook by America’s Test Kitchen. This book is packed with over 500 recipes that celebrate the flavors of the Mediterranean, from vibrant salads to hearty mains. I’ve turned to this book countless times for inspiration, and it’s never disappointed. It’s more than just a recipe collection—it’s an exploration of a healthy and delicious way of eating that’s perfect for anyone who loves fresh, simple ingredients.

Dive deeper into Mediterranean cooking with The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook—available on Amazon now!

Customizing Your Dressing to Elevate Any Salad

One of the things I love most about this Greek salad dressing recipe is how customizable it is. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own! Here are a few ways you can tweak the recipe:

Add a Creamy Twist: Want a richer, creamier dressing? Try mixing in a spoonful of tzatziki sauce. It adds a layer of creaminess without overpowering the classic Greek flavors.

Sweet and Tangy: Add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to balance the tanginess of the vinegar or lemon juice. This is especially nice if you’re using the dressing on roasted vegetables or grain bowls.

Herbal Touch: While oregano is traditional, you can experiment with other herbs like fresh parsley, dill, or basil for a different flavor profile. Fresh herbs add a burst of brightness that pairs beautifully with summer salads.

Versatile Uses for Greek Salad Dressing

While this dressing is a natural fit for Greek salads (think cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta), its uses go far beyond the salad bowl. Here are some other ways I’ve enjoyed this dressing:

Grain Bowls: Drizzle it over a bowl of quinoa, roasted veggies, and chickpeas for a light, refreshing meal.

Marinade for Meat: This dressing doubles as a fantastic marinade for chicken, shrimp, or lamb. The olive oil helps tenderize the meat, while the vinegar and herbs infuse it with flavor.

Pasta Salad: Toss this dressing with your favorite pasta, some cherry tomatoes, and a bit of feta for a quick and delicious side dish.

Dipping Sauce: Pair it with warm pita bread, or use it as a dip for grilled vegetables. It’s also delicious drizzled over hummus for an extra kick of flavor.

With just five minutes and a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this homemade Greek salad dressing that’s not only versatile but also packed with authentic Mediterranean flavors. Whether you’re looking to jazz up a simple salad or add a flavorful marinade to your next barbecue, this dressing will become a staple in your kitchen. Plus, it’s an easy way to ensure your meals are fresh, healthy, and utterly delicious.

If you haven’t tried making your own dressing before, now’s the perfect time to start! Get creative, experiment with