Greek Salad Dressing

This Greek salad dressing hits all the right notes with bright lemon juice, a splash of red wine vinegar, earthy oregano, and just enough garlic to keep things interesting. A touch of Dijon ties it all together, and a spoonful of Greek yogurt gives it creaminess while keeping it light.

I love making a big batch and using it all week for salads, marinades, grain bowls, or even drizzled over grilled veggies. It's one of those "everything" dressings that makes any meal taste special!

Before You Get Started

Here are a few helpful tips to make your Greek Salad Dressing taste just like your favorite restaurant's:

• Use good olive oil: Since this is an oil-forward dressing, use a quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
• Fresh lemon = bright flavor: Bottled lemon juice works, but fresh makes a big difference.
• Let it rest: If you have time, chill the dressing for at least 30 minutes so the flavors meld.
• Adjust to taste: Add more lemon for tang, olive oil for richness, or a pinch of sugar if you prefer it less acidic.
• Shake it up: Store it in a mason jar so you can just shake and serve, which makes for easy cleanup, too!

How to Make Greek Salad Dressing

Making Greek Salad Dressing at home couldn't be easier! Just whisk a few simple ingredients together, and you'll have a bright, flavorful dressing ready in minutes.

1. Mix It Up

Whisk or shake together Greek yogurt, olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

2. Taste and Chill

Adjust the seasonings if needed. For the best flavor, refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours before serving.

Ways to Use Greek Dressing

This dressing is for more than just salads! Here are some other fun ways I like to use it:

• Salads: Make a big salad, with or without the lettuce, and use this as your dressing. It works for Greek-style salads as it was intended, but it can be used for any salad you like. The neutral flavors work well with everything.
• Bowls: Make a Greek-style bowl with grilled Greek chicken thighs, grains, your favorite toppings and veggies, and a generous drizzle of this Greek salad dressing!
• Marinade: This is a terrific marinade for chicken and pork. The lemon juice and red wine vinegar help to tenderize the meat. It adds tons of flavor before tossing the protein on the grill, in a pan, or in the oven.
• Pasta Salad: Make a Greek-style pasta salad by combining cooked pasta, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, green peppers, feta, and a double batch of this dressing. Add some sliced pepperoncinis if you like things slightly spicy.
• Pizzas: Combine the flavors of pizza and Greek salad by topping a traditional pizza crust with a thin layer of melted cheese and then a big pile of Greek salad tossed with this dressing. The perfect summer meal.
• Vegetables: Make some grilled or roasted vegetables and drizzle this on top right before serving. You can also marinate the vegetables in the dressing before cooking.

How to Make a Classic Greek Salad

There are actually multiple schools of thought when it comes to Greek salads and what should be included. The main point of contention is whether or not it should contain lettuce. Most classic recipes do not include lettuce. Here's how they are prepared:

• Chopped cucumbers
• Chopped tomatoes
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Thinly sliced green pepper
• Greek Kalamata olives
• Sliced or cubed feta (not crumbled)
• A drizzle of Greek olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice (no mixed Greek dressing)
• Heavy sprinkling of oregano

American-style Greek salads will also usually contain chopped Romaine lettuce, pepperoncini peppers, and are topped with a mixed Greek dressing as opposed to the separate components.

Recipe Ideas and Tips

Make these easy changes for the perfect Greek salad dressing:

• Make it creamy: Make a creamy version of this dressing by adding Greek yogurt, plain yogurt, light mayonnaise, or sour cream to the dressing mixture.
• Add feta to the mix: Crumble some feta cheese right into the dressing instead of serving it in the salad. This is really delicious for roasted vegetables.
• Boost the briny flavor: Add some chopped olives or olive tapenade to the dressing to create a more dynamic flavor.
• Swap salt for umami: Instead of salt, use a squirt of anchovy paste in the dressing to add depth and flavor.
• Enhance the herbs: Add more herbal flavor by adding some Italian seasoning or dried basil to the dressing.
• Try fresh oregano: Use fresh oregano instead of dried. You'll need about double the amount. Dressing made with fresh oregano is best served right away.
• Soften the garlic: If you don't like a strong garlic flavor, use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic for a milder taste.

How to Lighten This Dressing Up Even More

There are a few ways you can make this dressing even lighter, if you like, but it will change the consistency and flavor since olive oil is a big part of any classic Greek salad dressing.

• Use broth: Replace some or all of the olive oil with chicken or vegetable broth for an oil-free option.
• Make it creamy: Replace the oil with Greek or plain yogurt for a creamy version of the dressing with less fat.
• Make it oil-free: Simply make the dressing without the oil. Many people love topping their salads with just lemon juice or vinegar.

Storage Tips

Storing Greek salad dressing is the easy part! Here's how to do it:

• Store: Keep in an airtight jar or container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Shake before using: The oil may separate. Just give it a quick shake or stir!