Lemon Feta Vinaigrette

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Make homemade Lemon Feta Vinaigrette that's perfect for salads, roasted veggies, and more. It's made with just six ingredients that you probably have at home.

141 CAL 1g CARBS 15g FAT 2g PROTEIN
3 Comments

A few years back when I made the decision to try to cut back on processed foods and sugars, one of the first things I stopped buying was salad dressing. Just a few glances at the ingredient lists of most salad dressings and you quickly find out that 90% of the ingredients are chemicals you can’t pronounce and all kinds of different sugars.

Armed with that knowledge, I started making my own dressings at home (like this ranch, creamy gorgonzola, or this green goddess dressing for example) or just using lemon juice, vinegar, and olive oil. However, when I tried this amazing feta dressing out at a restaurant last week, I knew I need to make my own version at home.

Luckily since feta brings such a flavor punch, you don't need too much to make a fabulous dressing. The dressing starts with lemon juice, feta cheese, and olive oil. Then to punch up the flavors, I added Dijon mustard, oregano, and garlic.

You can add some yogurt or sour cream to make a creamier version, but I like the vinaigrette version with lots of bright lemon and small chunks of feta cheese. It will keep for a few days in the fridge so you can make a bigger batch and store it for salads during the week.

What You'll Need

  • Feta cheese: Feta cheese is salty, creamy, and delicious. It is the main flavor component in this dressing. Use any type of feta you like. It can be packed in brine, crumbled, or reduced-fat crumbles. Flavored feta cheese like herb feta cheese or black pepper feta is also delicious.
  • Fresh lemon juice: Salad dressing always needs acid and lemon juice pairs nicely with the feta and oregano in this dressing. Red wine vinegar would work as well. 
  • Olive oil: Olive oil is my favorite oil for salad dressing. Choose one that tastes good since you can taste the oil in the dressing. Avocado oil or another neutral oil can be used as well.
  • Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard is a secret way to add lots of flavor to salad dressing without needing to add a bunch of different ingredients. Whole grain mustard works as well.
  • Oregano: Feta and oregano are a natural pairing in Greek dishes. Dried basil, Italian seasoning, thyme, or rosemary can be used as well.
  • Garlic: Either use garlic powder or raw minced garlic. If you use fresh garlic, make sure to add the garlic to the lemon juice for 10 minutes to mellow out the raw flavor. Then add the other flavors. 

How to Use Feta Vinaigrette

Not surprisingly, this dressing goes great with salad greens and any type of salad. It is also delicious with roasted or grilled vegetables, grains, or even things like grilled chicken or shrimp. Here are some fun ways to use this vinaigrette. 

Recipe Tips and Ideas

Here are some unique ways to customize this tasty salad dressing,

  • Make this creamy by adding some plain or Greek yogurt to the dressing. Mayonnaise or sour cream also works. 
  • For grilled dishes, add some red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette for a unique flavor. 
  • Make this with a different cheese like blue cheese, gorgonzola, goat cheese, or Parmesan. 
  • Try it with different herbs like rosemary, parsley, or thyme.

Storing Homemade Salad Dressing

This dressing can be kept in the fridge for 5-7 days in an airtight container. Shake well before using. The olive oil sometimes can firm up so you will need to let the dressing come to room temperature before using.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to the most common questions about making this feta salad dressing.

To make a creamy version of this recipe, you need to add between 1/4-1/2 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise. Then let the dressing sit in the frideg for at least one hour for the flavors to combine. Add more feta cheese as needed to pump up the feta flavor. 

This dressing is delicious with fresh herbs like parsley, oregano, dill, or chives. Simply add them into the dressing along with the other ingredients.

For a more Greek inspired flavor, add some chopped Kalamata olives to the dressing as well. 

The Recipe
Lemon feta vinaigrette served on a plate of salad greens.

Lemon Feta Vinaigrette

141 CAL 1g CARBS 15g FAT 2g PROTEIN
PREP TIME: 2 Min
COOK TIME: 3 Min
TOTAL TIME: 5 Min
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Ingredients

US METRICS
  • 4 tbsp. reduced fat crumbled feta cheese
  • 4 tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 tbsp. lemon juice
  • 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp. garlic powder (or 1/2 tsp. minced garlic)
  • Salt and pepper

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Instructions

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1

Add the lemon juice, feta, and olive oil to a small bowl. Gently mash the feta using the back of a fork or spoon.

2

Add the remaining ingredients and stir. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Nutritional Facts
Serving Size: 2.5 tbsp
Amount Per Serving
Calories 141
Calories from Fat 131
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 15g
22%
Saturated Fat 3g
13%
Monounsaturated Fat 0g
0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
0%
Cholesterol 4mg
1%
Sodium 174mg
8%
Total Carbohydrate 1g
0%
Dietary Fiber 0g
0%
Sugars 0g
Protein 2g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Nutritional Values provided are estimates only and may vary based on the preparation method.

Notes

Like things creamy? Add 1-2 tbsp. of yogurt or reduced fat sour cream.
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About the author Meet Kristen McCaffrey
Hi, I’m the cookbook author, recipe developer, and food enthusiast behind Slender Kitchen. I am obsessed with making healthy food that is easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. Meal planning is my secret weapon and I hope I can make meal time easier for you with our tried and tested recipes and foolproof meal plans. Learn More
3 Comments
On Lemon Feta Vinaigrette
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Lora Baumann
November 19, 2017 - 13:11
How long do you think this will keep in the fridge? Thanks!
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Diane Lanken
October 16, 2019 - 13:12
I would like to know this also
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October 17, 2019 - 09:05
It should keep for 5-7 days in the fridge.
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