The Best Homemade Greek Vinaigrette Recipe for Tangy Goodness

Bursting with zesty Mediterranean flavors, this homemade Greek vinaigrette recipe brings sunshine to every salad.

Each drizzle promises a tangy explosion of taste that transports you straight to the Greek islands.

Fresh herbs and bold ingredients dance together in perfect harmony.

Whisking together olive oil, red wine vinegar, and fragrant oregano creates a dressing that elevates simple greens into a culinary masterpiece.

The vibrant blend captures the essence of authentic Greek cuisine with remarkable simplicity.

You’ll love how effortlessly this vinaigrette transforms an ordinary salad into an extraordinary dining experience.

Prepare to savor every vibrant, flavor-packed bite of this classic Mediterranean dressing.

What Makes Homemade Greek Vinaigrette Special

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Ingredients For Greek Vinaigrette

• Red Wine Vinegar: A tangy liquid that provides sharp flavor and helps balance the dressing.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright citrus notes and helps emulsify the vinaigrette.
• Garlic: Provides a pungent and robust flavor characteristic of Greek cuisine.

• Dijon Mustard: Helps bind the ingredients and adds a subtle spicy undertone.
• Dried Oregano: A classic Greek herb that brings an authentic Mediterranean taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and round out the overall flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: The primary fat that creates a smooth, rich base for the vinaigrette and carries the other flavors.

Step-By-Step Greek Vinaigrette Instructions

Step 1: Mixing Flavor Powerhouses

• Red wine vinegar
• Fresh lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Dijon mustard
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk these ingredients together until they start dancing and blending beautifully.

Step 2: Creating Smooth Liquid Magic

Slowly drizzle olive oil into the mixture while continuing to whisk.

Keep whisking with a steady hand until the vinaigrette transforms into a silky, cohesive dressing with no separation.

Step 3: Storing Your Culinary Creation

Transfer the Greek vinaigrette to an airtight container like a glass jar or sealed bottle.

Slide it into the refrigerator where it will happily hang out for up to one week, ready to jazz up salads, veggies, or marinades whenever you desire a burst of Mediterranean flavor.

Helpful Tips For Greek Vinaigrette

• Use a slow, steady motion when adding olive oil to create a smooth, emulsified vinaigrette that won't separate quickly.
• Mince garlic finely or use a garlic press to distribute its flavor evenly throughout the dressing.
• Use fresh lemon juice and high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the most vibrant and authentic Greek flavor.
• Crush dried oregano between your fingers before adding to release more intense aromatic oils and enhance the overall taste.
• Let the vinaigrette sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and olive oil to soften.

Creative Twists For Greek Vinaigrette

• Herb Garden Vinaigrette: Replace oregano with fresh thyme, basil, or parsley for a garden-fresh flavor profile.
• Low-Sodium Zesty Option: Eliminate salt and use sodium-free herbs like dill or chives to maintain taste without added sodium.
• Vegan Mediterranean Dressing: Swap Dijon mustard for whole grain mustard and ensure all ingredients are plant-based for a cruelty-free version.
• Citrus-Infused Variation: Add orange zest or swap lemon juice with grapefruit juice for a brighter, tangier Mediterranean-style vinaigrette.

Perfect Pairings For Greek Vinaigrette

• Enhance Mediterranean Salad Pairing: Drizzle this vibrant vinaigrette over a classic Greek salad with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese for an authentic flavor explosion.
• Complement Grilled Proteins: Pair this zesty dressing with grilled chicken, lamb, or fish to elevate the dish's brightness and add a tangy Mediterranean touch that cuts through rich meat flavors.
• Wine Harmony: Select a crisp, light white wine like Assyrtiko from Greece or a Sauvignon Blanc to match the vinaigrette's acidic and herbal notes, creating a refreshing dining experience.

Proper Storage For Greek Vinaigrette

• Transfer the vinaigrette to a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, ensuring no air can enter. This method keeps the dressing fresh and prevents flavor contamination from other foods.
• Always give the container a good shake before using, as the olive oil and vinegar will naturally separate during storage. This helps re-blend the ingredients and restore the original consistency.
• Do not freeze the vinaigrette, as this will cause the oil to break down and separate, ruining the texture and flavor of the dressing.
• Inspect the dressing after a week for any signs of spoilage like odd smell, discoloration, or mold. Discard immediately if any changes are noticed to prevent foodborne illness.

FAQs

• What makes this Greek vinaigrette authentic?

Traditional Greek vinaigrettes use red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, and oregano as key ingredients, which this recipe captures perfectly.

• Can I adjust the garlic intensity?

Yes, you can easily modify the amount of garlic to suit your taste preference – add more for a stronger flavor or reduce for a milder dressing.

• Is this vinaigrette healthy?

Absolutely! It’s made with heart-healthy olive oil, contains no added sugars, and uses natural ingredients that provide good nutritional benefits.

• How do I prevent the dressing from separating?

Whisk the ingredients slowly and thoroughly, ensuring a gradual incorporation of olive oil to create a stable, well-emulsified vinaigrette.

Homemade Greek Vinaigrette Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Zesty Greek vinaigrette brings Mediterranean sunshine to salads with tangy feta, robust herbs, and olive oil. Quick whisking creates a simple dressing that elevates greens and makes you dream of Greek island flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Oils and Fats:

• 1/2 cup (109 g) olive oil

Acids and Liquids:

• 1/4 cup (60 g) red wine vinegar
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Herbs, Spices, and Seasonings:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

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Instructions

1. In a medium mixing bowl, vigorously blend red wine vinegar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper until ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
2. Gradually stream extra virgin olive oil into the mixture, whisking continuously to create a smooth, emulsified vinaigrette with a consistent texture.
3. Transfer the dressing to a sealed glass jar or airtight container, ensuring a tight lid to prevent leakage and preserve freshness.
4. Refrigerate the homemade Greek vinaigrette for optimal flavor retention, and consume within 7 days for the best taste and quality.
5. Before each use, gently shake the container to reincorporate any separated ingredients and restore the vinaigrette’s original consistency.

Notes

• Blend ingredients at room temperature for smoother emulsification and better flavor integration.
• Use fresh garlic and high-quality olive oil to elevate the vinaigrette’s taste profile and authenticity.
• Adjust seasoning gradually, tasting as you mix to achieve perfect balance between tangy and herbaceous notes.
• Shake well before each use since natural separation occurs when refrigerated, ensuring consistent flavor and texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 205
• Sugar: 0.1 g
• Sodium: 149 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19.7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 0.4 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Protein: 0.1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg