This Greek salad dressing is as simple as can be and tastes better than anything you can buy in the store. Whip up a fresh batch and store it in your fridge to use throughout the week!
I almost always have this Greek salad dressing prepped in my fridge. It’s not just great for a Greek salad, but it’s also wonderful on a variety of other dishes that could use an herby, vinegary touch. Here’s what makes my recipe a bit unique:
- It’s got a lot more flavor than a classic Greek vinaigrette. Traditionally, Greek salads are tossed in red wine vinegar, olive oil, oregano, and salt. However, adding Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and fresh garlic makes this dressing so much more robust (and it’s why my lemon vinaigrette is a fan favorite as well).
- It can be used for SO many meals. Besides dressing all sorts of salads (I’ve got salad ideas below), it’s also the perfect marinade for anything you might want to toss on the grill in the summertime – veggies, chicken, fish, you name it. Just like my Italian dressing!
Greek Salad Dressing Ingredient Notes
- Red Wine Vinegar and Dijon Mustard: The quality of these two ingredients matters in this recipe. So, I’ve linked my favorite brands in the recipe card below!
- Olive Oil: I always prefer extra-virgin olive oil. If you want to keep the Greek theme running, choose a Greek brand of olive oil. But really, any good quality olive oil will suffice.
- Lemon Juice: As always, fresh lemon juice is best for vinaigrettes.
- Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic will give a more robust flavor than ground garlic.
- Dried Oregano: This is what gives this dressing the ultimate Greek flair.
Dressing Tip: If it’s too acidic for your taste, reduce the lemon juice or add a touch of honey to round out the flavors.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
How To Make A Greek Salad Dressing
- Whisk the vinegar, lemon, mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
- Slowly pour the oil and whisk at the same time. This will help to emulsify the dressing!
Storage Tips
- To store in the fridge: This dressing will last up to one week. If you notice the oil separating, shake well or stir before using. If the oil has hardened a bit after chilling, let it sit at room temperature before using.
- For a container idea: I love to store all my dressings in these glass tulip Weck jars. But this salad dressing shaker is also great.
Ways To Use the Dressing
- Toss with salads: You’d be remiss to think a Greek salad (or this Greek chicken salad) is the only salad this dressing is good for. Add the dressing to any salad with fresh leafy greens and veggies! I recommend my Mediterranean chickpea salad, cucumber salad, or tuna cucumber mozzarella salad.
- Grilling marinade: For meaty grilling items like chicken kabobs or grilled shrimp, let the items soak in the marinade before grilling. For vegetables and fish, simply brush the marinade on top before grilling.
More Salad Dressing Recipes
- Caesar Dressing: This homemade version tastes 1000x better!
- Balsamic Vinaigrette: The best way to get a fresh, balsamic touch.
- Raspberry Vinaigrette: A fresh, fruity touch to your salads.
- Dijon Vinaigrette: If you love Dijon mustard, this dressing is it.
- Lemon Tahini Dressing: It’s light, creamy, and lemony fresh.
- Or browse through more sauces and dressings!
If you make this Greek salad dressing, I’d love to know how it turned out in the comment box below! Your review will help other readers in the community. And if you’re hungry for more healthy food inspiration (and exclusive content), join my free newsletter.
Description
Video
Equipment
- Tulip Weck Jars My favorite jars for storing salad dressings in the fridge!
- Garlic Press The best for mincing garlic quickly.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup olive oil
Instructions
- Whisk ingredients. Add the vinegar, lemon, mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to a medium bowl. Whisk together.
- Pour oil and whisk together. Slowly add the olive oil and whisk vigorously while pouring until the dressing is emulsified.
Lisa’s Tips
- This dressing will last for up to one week in the fridge. Check out some of my favorite glass storage containers.
- I also prepare this dressing as part of my Summer Meal Prep series. Make sure to watch that video more for delicious recipe ideas!
Nutrition
©Downshiftology. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
Recipe originally posted August 2018, but updated to include new photos and information for your benefit!
Perfect zesty flavor. Red wine vinegar is the key ingredient to bring all the flavors together.
I use a good California olive oil to give it a bolder, peppery olive taste.
I make a double batch using your recipe every week :)
Way too tart! Cut back on lemon and vinegar by at least half! Should know the rule of oil to vinegar ratio.
Hi Gabriele – I do know the ratio of oil to vinegar, but I prefer a slightly brighter, less oily dressing. This ratio is more common in Greece as well. But you can always add more oil if you’d like!
Great flavor!
Nice – tastes very authentic!
Wonderful! I’m happy you enjoyed the recipe, Lauren.
Glad this nailed the authentic version :)
I followed your recipe exactly – was really excited to combine all those great ingredients, but found the dressing to be so bland – no kick … probably because I’m used to the real thing – ended up adding more balsamic vinegar and lemon juice but still not pleasing … I will not make this again but if anyone else agrees, I suggest cutting the oil to 1/4 cup and adding Feta. BTW, all my ingredients were the finest. Happy for you that others liked it …
Hi Kirsten – sorry you didn’t love this recipe! But just a note, you should have added red wine vinegar and not balsamic vinegar. If you added balsamic vinegar, that would have made a huge flavor difference and definitely been lackluster, as all the “punch” in this recipe comes from the red wine vinegar.
My family’s new favorite salad dressing! Bursting with flavor, and so easy to make at home — no additives or preservatives. We eat more salads now! :-D
Wonderful! Glad you enjoyed this one Angela :)
flavors are great! only thing I added was a immersion blender. Low energy emulsification :)
Thanks Doug
Great idea Doug!
I found the raw garlic too bitter and the ratio of oil to vinegar/lemon juice off, but of course lemons come in different sizes, as do garlic cloves. I didn’t like this recipe. I added more oil to save it for this time, but I won’t make it again.
Hi Cathy – yes, everyone has a different preference when it comes to vinaigrettes and ratios. I hope you enjoy some of my other recipes more!
This recipe is absolutely fantastic! After we ate the meal my kids sat around dipping romaine lettuce into the dress thing it was so tasty.
I tried a few homemade salad dressing recipes, including other Greek salad dressings. This recipe is definitely a keeper to my surprise! The flavors mesh well together. It’s one of my new “go to” recipes. I can serve this to guests with confidence.
Loved, loved, loved this salad dressing! Been looking for something like this for a long time, it will go in my permanent recipe folder. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed this greek salad dressing Barb! :)
Hmmm. Sounds delicious! I wonder if I could make it and freeze in small batches until needed, whether it would hold up to the process. I tend to use only 2-3 tablespoons of any dressing over a salad so I wouldn’t get through more than a half-cup before it spoiled.
Hi Misty- Yep, you can freeze this recipe in small batches if you’d like!
Thanks for the reply!
Love your dressings! Question- does this one need refrigeration? I use it during the week and when I refrigerate I always have to leave it out awhile before using because it’s solidified a bit.
Hi Sue- I normally store my dressings in the fridge just to be safe.
Great recipe
what’s the recipe for 2?
You can always double the recipe if you’re looking to make more!
Delicious!
So glad you enjoyed this salad dressing!
I followed this exactly using organic red wine vinegar. it’s so easy and delicious!! will definitely make this again!
Hi Angela- Glad to hear you’ve found a dressing staple you can always use now for salads :)
So Yummy! So easy! This is our go to dressing now! ❤️
Hi Michelle- Wonderful! Glad you found a dressing you can make all the time now :)
Thanks so much, I love this dressing. I’ve made it many times and it never disappoints. Im a huge salad lover so this is a real keeper. ❤
Hi Patty- So glad you’ve enjoyed this recipe so much!
I have been looking for a good greek salad dressing for years! (I do not like store bought dressings) This one does not disappoint!! Thank you! Makes plenty for a few nights a of salad for our family of four.
Hi Julie- I’m so glad you finally found a winning salad dressing :)
This is my favorite greek salad dressing recipe. It’s perfect as is, but I will sometime use sherry vinegar instead of red wine and it’s equally delicious! Thank you Lisa!
Hi Maya- So glad you loved this greek salad dressing!
What is a good substitute for red wine vinegar?
Hi Madeleine – I personally think the red wine vinegar is essential in this recipe (it’s what gives it that Greek salad dressing flavor), but you could swap it with almost any other vinegar, like white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, etc.
Can you give me a guesstimate of volume on the lemon juice? (We have quite a variety of sizes.)
Hi Cyndy – it’s about 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
What is a good substitute for Dijon Mustard?
You could use any yellow mustard, but Dijon mustard does taste better in this recipe.
I could not get my dressing to emulsify. Wondering if my lemon was just way too big? I kept trying to add more olive oil and it just didn’t come together. Taste is delicious but is very runny.
Hi Jennifer – this does tend to be a slightly thinner, more runny dressing. It doesn’t fully emulsify like a mayonnaise. So you may have done it right! :)
This is a delicious and easy to make dressing. It tastes exactly like it is supposed to!
Hi Michael – Glad to hear you enjoyed this greek salad dressing :)
Made it!, 5 STARS!!!
Amazing! So glad you enjoyed this dressing.
Great recipe. Easy and fast to make. Everyone loved it. thanks
Wonderful! I’m so happy you loved it Dina!
Absolutely wonderful recipe. I’ve been looking for a dressing like this for 20+ years. Reminds me of my friends mother “Mrs, Matzangos’” salad dressing! We loved it. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Stephanie – Well, I’m glad you finally found a greek dressing recipe that’s to your liking! :)
Used this last week and was really impressed how quick, easy and delicious it was! It’s definitely a keeper and is better than other recipes I have found online. Thank you!
Hi Laura – I’m glad you found a dressing that works for you! :)
Delicious! Thanks so much for sharing. It was perfect on my Greek salad tonight. So much better than store-bought.
Hi Kelly – Amazing! Glad you enjoyed this dressing – and it definitely pairs perfectly with a greek salad :)
This dressing is perfection! Amazing taste together with the Greek Salad recipe.
I paired it with an high quality Ligurian EVO and Yes it makes you want to hop on a plane to Greece :)
Thank You!
Hi Laura – Wonderful! Glad you enjoyed this greek salad overall :)
WOW! So much better than store bought. It’s perfect on Lisa’s Greek salad!
It’s amazing how much more flavorful dressings are when made at home, isn’t it? I’m happy you loved the recipe Becky (and the Greek salad as well!).
Good recipe. The olive oil you use is most important. Make sure it has less than .5% acidity. I use half red wine vinegar and half balsamic and used my mini food processor.
Hi Gene – Glad you enjoyed this recipe!
I added a little bit of honey, parm cheese oregano to this and it is sooo good, we have a restaurant down the street who has a bottle they make and sell for $6 and this recipe was the base to Theres that i have been searching for, except I may change the oil as the olive oil has too much of a robust flavor… thank you!!!!
Hi Nicole – I’m so excited that you finally found what you were looking for!
I wasn’t sure which olive oil to use so I did 1/2 light tasting and 1/2 Robust EVOO. Turned out great. In a pinch you can add quality dry red wine to white or cider vinegar and get some of the same flavors like red wine vinegar. I’m a dressing junky so I own 8 or 9 vinegars.
I’m happy you loved the dressing Jennifer! And thanks for the tip on the vinegars as well. You do sound like the expert! :)
I have everything but red wine vinegar. Could I use white wine vinegar or another kind?
Red wine vinegar is really what makes greek salad dressing what it is, but you could certainly use another vinegar this time and then grab red wine vinegar for the future! :)
Lisa, I have sent my email at least 3 times and have not received PDF files. I really like your videos and would dearly like to begin following your videos and recipes.
Hi Christine – I just checked and you received that email back on Dec 28, 2018 and opened it. Try doing a search on your email inbox for “downshiftology” to find it again.
I love the Luna Grill greek dressing and haven’t found one until now that measures up. This was so delicious and easy to make. This is the first recipie I came back digging for. It will now be THE staple.
I love Luna Grill too! Thank you for the kind comment, Danielle! I’m so glad you love the dressing! :)
This is great stuff & the recipe is going into my “tried & true” recipe folder. It’s a perfect combination on the Greek salad with some Feta cheese & calamata olives. Thanks so much.
Thanks for the kind words, Scott! I’m so happy you loved the salad and dressing! :)
Best dressing I tested ??
Great! I’m glad you loved the recipe!
Hi, so why did they only give 4 stars?
One of the best dressings I have ever tasted. Everyone loved this dressing along with the cobb salad at Easter this year. Definitely a new staple in our family
Thanks, Mish! The Greek Salad dressing is definitely Downshiftology favorite! :)
Absolutely delicious and simple … exactly what I needed! thank you
Hi Sarah – So glad you enjoyed the Greek Salad and thank you for kind words!
I followed this recipe and added some kalamata olives as well….. delicious! quick easy.
More olives are always a great addition! Glad you loved it. :)
Spot on dressing. Took a chance to make some home made Greek salad ? today. This recipe is da bomb. I’ll invest in a better red Wine ? vinegar brand. Also used 1/3 cup cap 1/2 cup oil and also frozen garlic cubes vs freshly crushed. Turned out great. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Lem – Thanks for sharing your nuances on my recipe. I love reading everyone’s creative spin and I’m so glad you liked it. :)
First time I ever made Greek salad dressing! It was so easy to prepare! Served over fresh iceberg
with yellow bell peppers,sliced english cucumbers,wild wonder tomatoes and fresh feta. Oh and don’t forget the kalamata olives with pita! Thank-you for sharing this delicious receipe! I am so happy I found your website!
Thanks April! It’s amazing how easy it is to make dressings, especially when we’re so used to store bought dressing. You make it once, and you’ll never go back :)
Delicious! Our new go-to Greek dressing!!
Awesome, Yvette! So glad you enjoyed the salad dressing :)
This recipe is really good. Better tand something at a reaturaunt. If you are wonderign how much it makes 1/2 a recpe makes about a 1/2 cup and a whole recipe makes about 1 cup. You can use frozen garlic cubes if you dont want to get your hands stiky thats what i do.
Thanks for the tip Ivy, I’m sure other readers will find your tips helpful! :)
My goodness! I just discovered your website! Where have I been?! I need to get ready for work and can’t pull myself away from it. Love your style and instructions. Simple and elegant. Thank you for so generously sharing your knowledge.
Aww, thanks so much Donna for your kind words! I’m so thrilled you love my recipes and website. :) x
Thanks for your great quick meal plans
You’re welcome Karen! I’m glad that you’re enjoying them. :)
This is a great light delightful salad dressing. I made it just as it says, but did not have Dijon mustard and used regular mustard and it turned out fine.
Wonderful! I’m glad you enjoyed the salad dressing Barbara. :)
Hey…
This dressing is perfect as written! I did add a little kalamata juice from the olives I used in the salad, but this is a definite keeper!
This will be my goto salad all summer. I know, its winter, but I was just really in the mood for Greek Salad tonight. AMAZING!!!
Thanks for sharing!
Happy you enjoyed both the Greek salad and dressing recipe Mike! It’s one of my favorites as well, especially in spring and summer. :)
Hello Lisa….
I am going to try this recipe. I really like your website and youtube channel. Your channel is well planned and thought out —you inspire me :)
Aww, thanks so much Michelle! I’m so happy you love my content. I hope you enjoy this recipe! :) x
In most of your recipes that call for olive oil, there is no specification for regular or extra virgin. Which one should be used here? Thanks for all the great recipes and ideas!
Hi Kim – you can use either, though I personally prefer extra virgin olive oil in salad dressings. :) x