Tangy Ina Garten’s Greek Salad Dressing Recipe for Fresh Flavors

Summer’s vibrant flavors dance through this incredible Ina Garten Greek salad dressing that captures Mediterranean sunshine in every delectable drop.

Fresh herbs and zesty ingredients blend seamlessly to create a tangy masterpiece.

Bright olive oil mingles with robust red wine vinegar, creating a classic dressing that sings with authenticity.

Garlic adds a punch of warmth while dried herbs infuse deep, complex notes.

Each ingredient plays a harmonious role in crafting this simple yet extraordinary dressing.

The result is a versatile condiment that turns ordinary salads into extraordinary culinary experiences.

You’ll want to drizzle this dressing on everything from crisp greens to grilled vegetables.

Bottles, Whisks, and Mason Jars: Your Gear List

• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing the dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Essential for blending and emulsifying the vinaigrette.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for precise seasoning measurements.
• Cutting board: Needed for preparing any fresh ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Useful for chopping garlic or prepping vegetables.

How to Make This Tangy Greek Staple from Scratch

• Flavor Foundation

A zesty mixture of robust ingredients forms the heart of this Mediterranean-style dressing. Fresh garlic and bright herbs create an aromatic base that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary delight.

• Emulsion Magic

Combine minced garlic with tangy red wine vinegar, creating a harmonious blend. Introduce bold Dijon mustard for depth and complexity. Slowly stream extra virgin olive oil while whisking continuously, allowing the liquid to transform into a silky, unified dressing that clings beautifully to crisp vegetables.

• Salad Symphony

Drizzle the vibrant dressing over a colorful medley of chopped cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and crisp bell peppers. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and briny Kalamata olives, gently tossing to ensure every ingredient is lovingly coated with the Mediterranean-inspired vinaigrette.

Variations: Creamy, Spicy, or Lemon-Forward

• Experiment with different vinegars like red wine or balsamic to create unique flavor profiles that complement your salad ingredients.
• Crush fresh oregano between your fingers before adding to release more aromatic oils and enhance the Mediterranean essence of the dressing.
• Prepare the vinaigrette up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld and intensify.
• Let the dressing sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to allow the olive oil to soften and the flavors to bloom fully.
• Swap traditional mustard with Dijon for a tangier kick or use a vegan mustard to make the dressing completely plant-based.

Serving This Dressing on More Than Just Salad

• Pair with Grilled Proteins: Drizzle this zesty dressing over grilled chicken, lamb, or fish to elevate the Mediterranean flavors and add a tangy kick.
• Fresh Bread Companion: Serve alongside crusty sourdough or pita bread for dipping, allowing guests to soak up the vibrant, herb-infused vinaigrette.
• Salad Base Enhancement: Use as a marinade for fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions, creating a colorful and refreshing summer side dish that bursts with Greek-inspired taste.
• Mezze Platter Accent: Include the dressing as a dipping sauce on a Mediterranean appetizer board with olives, hummus, and grilled vegetables for a delightful sharing experience.

Storage Tips for Homemade Dressings

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store the dressing in an airtight glass container for up to one week, keeping it fresh and flavorful in the refrigerator.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Mix the dressing ingredients early and let them sit for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend and intensify.
• Veggie Timing Trick: Dress the salad just before serving to prevent vegetables from becoming soggy and maintain crisp textures.
• Quick Shake Method: If the dressing separates in storage, simply shake the container vigorously to re-emulsify the ingredients and restore its creamy consistency.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 4

The Flavor Behind Ina’s Greek Salad Dressing

• Garlic: Adds a punchy, aromatic kick that transforms the entire dressing with its bold essence.
• Dried Oregano: Brings an authentic Mediterranean herb profile with its earthy and slightly bitter notes.
• Dijon Mustard: Creates silky texture and helps bind the dressing, adding a subtle tangy complexity.

• Red Wine Vinegar: Provides bright, sharp acidity that cuts through the richness and elevates the overall taste.
• Salt: Enhances and harmonizes all the ingredients, drawing out their natural flavors.
• Black Pepper: Introduces a gentle warmth and subtle spiciness to round out the dressing.

• Olive Oil: Delivers a smooth, rich foundation with a classic Mediterranean character, ensuring a luxurious and well-integrated dressing.
• Feta Cheese: Introduces a creamy, salty element that adds depth and traditional Greek character.
• Kalamata Olives: Contribute an intense, briny flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

Vibrant Ina Garten Greek Salad Dressing Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s Greek salad dressing elevates classic Mediterranean flavors with zesty herbs and tangy olive oil. Cooks can quickly whisk together this simple yet sophisticated dressing that brings Greek island charm to any salad.

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Ingredients

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• ½ cup (120 milliliters / ½ cup) olive oil
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters / ¼ cup) red wine vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard

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Instructions

1. Prepare Vinaigrette Base: Mince fresh garlic and combine with dried oregano, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a mixing bowl.
2. Emulsify Dressing: Slowly pour extra-virgin olive oil into the mixture while whisking vigorously to create a smooth, well-integrated vinaigrette with a glossy consistency.
3. Compose Salad: Layer chopped cucumber, sliced red onion, ripe tomatoes, and green bell peppers in a large serving bowl.
4. Dress and Garnish: Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the vegetable ensemble, then artfully scatter crumbled feta cheese and halved Kalamata olives across the surface.
5. Finish and Rest: Gently toss the ingredients to ensure even coating, then let the salad rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to harmonize and intensify before serving.

Notes

• Whisk with Purpose: Continuous whisking while adding olive oil creates a smooth, stable emulsion that prevents separation and ensures even flavor distribution.
• Salt Matters: Use kosher salt for better texture and flavor absorption compared to regular table salt, enhancing the overall taste profile of the dressing.
• Rest and Marinate: Letting the salad sit for 5-10 minutes allows ingredients to mingle, intensifying the Greek-inspired flavors and improving the overall taste experience.
• Olive Oil Quality: Choose a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil to elevate the dressing’s richness and provide authentic Mediterranean flavor nuances.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg