If you love fresh, flavorful salads, you will adore this Ina Garten Greek Salad Dressing Recipe. It is simple, zesty and perfect for summer meals. Making your own dressing is much better than store-bought versions.
You control the ingredients and get a fresher taste. This recipe is easy and quick. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a delicious dressing. Let’s explore how to make this classic Greek salad dressing and enjoy a restaurant-quality flavor at home.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
The secret to Ina Garten’s Greek Salad Dressing is fresh, high-quality ingredients. Olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice and garlic give it a bright, tangy flavor. A pinch of Dijon mustard adds depth and emulsifies the dressing perfectly.
Fresh herbs like oregano or parsley make it taste homemade. Unlike bottled dressings, it is not overly sweet. It balances acidity and richness beautifully. You can make it in minutes and store it in the fridge. This dressing enhances any Greek salad or Mediterranean dish.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Greek Salad Dressing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Course: Salad Dressing / Condiment
- Cuisine: Greek / Mediterranean
- Calories: 120 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small storage jar or bottle with lid
- Garlic press (optional)
- Citrus juicer (optional)
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Greek Salad Dressing
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for mild sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic
Peel and finely mince one garlic clove. You can use a garlic press for quicker prep. - Combine Liquids
In a medium bowl, add olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice. Whisk to combine. - Add Dijon Mustard
Add the Dijon mustard to the bowl. Whisk until fully mixed and smooth. - Season with Garlic and Herbs
Add minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well with the whisk. - Optional Sweetener
Add honey if you want a touch of sweetness. Whisk again until incorporated. - Add Fresh Parsley
Stir in finely chopped parsley for extra color and flavor. - Taste and Adjust
Taste the dressing and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. - Store or Serve
Transfer to a jar or bottle. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. Shake before each use.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice tastes better than bottled juice.
- For creamier dressing, add 1 teaspoon of Greek yogurt.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a mild kick.
- Make a larger batch and store in the fridge up to one week.
- Use fresh oregano instead of dried for a more vibrant taste.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 1 g |
| Sugars | 0.5 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This Ina Garten Greek Salad Dressing is versatile. Drizzle it over a classic Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta. It also works well on roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or shrimp. Toss it with pasta salad for a Mediterranean twist. You can even use it as a marinade for meats or tofu. It brightens up any dish with its fresh and zesty flavors.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store the dressing in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake well before each use, as separation may occur. Avoid heating; this dressing is best served cold or at room temperature. If the dressing thickens, whisk in a small amount of olive oil or vinegar to restore its consistency.
Ina Garten Greek Salad Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon honey optional, for mild sweetness
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley optional
Instructions
Prepare Garlic
- Peel and finely mince one garlic clove. You can use a garlic press for quicker prep.
Combine Liquids
- In a medium bowl, add olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice. Whisk to combine.
Add Dijon Mustard
- Add the Dijon mustard to the bowl. Whisk until fully mixed and smooth.
Season with Garlic and Herbs
- Add minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well with the whisk.
Optional Sweetener
- Add honey if you want a touch of sweetness. Whisk again until incorporated.
Add Fresh Parsley
- Stir in finely chopped parsley for extra color and flavor.
Taste and Adjust
- Taste the dressing and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
Store or Serve
- Transfer to a jar or bottle. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. Shake before each use.
Notes
- Use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice tastes better than bottled juice.
- For creamier dressing, add 1 teaspoon of Greek yogurt.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a mild kick.
- Make a larger batch and store in the fridge up to one week.
- Use fresh oregano instead of dried for a more vibrant taste.
FAQs about Ina Garten Greek Salad Dressing
Q1: Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dressing up to a week ahead. Store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. Shake before serving.
Q2: Can I use lemon juice instead of red wine vinegar?
Yes, lemon juice adds a bright, fresh flavor. Using both lemon juice and vinegar gives extra tanginess.
Q3: Is this dressing gluten-free and vegetarian?
Absolutely! This dressing contains only plant-based ingredients and is naturally gluten-free.
Q4: Can I make a dairy-free version?
Yes, this recipe is already dairy-free unless you choose to add Greek yogurt for creaminess.
Q5: How can I make it thicker or creamier?
Add a small amount of Greek yogurt or blend with an immersion blender for a creamy texture.
Conclusion
Ina Garten Greek Salad Dressing Recipe is simple, fresh, and flavorful. It’s easy to make with basic ingredients. Homemade dressing always tastes better than store-bought. With olive oil, vinegar, lemon, and herbs, you can create a delicious dressing in minutes.
Follow these steps, and you will impress your family or guests with a restaurant-quality salad. This dressing is versatile, healthy, and perfect for Mediterranean dishes. Try it today and enjoy the fresh, zesty flavors of Greece in your own kitchen.
Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.