Homemade Greek Vinaigrette

When it comes to dressings, nothing beats the fresh, zesty flavors of a Homemade Greek Vinaigrette. It’s tangy, bright, and packed with Mediterranean goodness—perfect for drizzling over crisp salads, marinating chicken, or even as a dipping sauce for your favorite bread. Trust me, once you make this at home, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again. This vinaigrette is the epitome of simple, fresh ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. Let’s dive in and make your new favorite dressing!

Why You’ll Love Homemade Greek Vinaigrette

• Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients to make this vinaigrette. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a dressing that tastes so fresh and vibrant.
• Customizable: You can adjust the flavors to suit your preferences. Want it a bit tangier? Add more lemon juice. Prefer it milder? Cut back on the garlic. You can make it exactly how you like!
• Perfect for Any Meal: Whether you’re serving a fresh Greek salad, grilled chicken, or roasted veggies, this vinaigrette is the perfect way to tie everything together with its bold, zesty flavor.
• Healthy & Light: Made with olive oil, vinegar, and fresh herbs, this dressing is lighter than many store-bought options and packed with heart-healthy fats from the olive oil.
• Quick & Easy: It only takes a few minutes to throw everything together. No complicated steps—just simple, fresh ingredients blended into perfection.

Ingredients

This Greek vinaigrette recipe is all about simplicity, but the flavors are anything but basic. Here’s what you’ll need:

Olive Oil

The base of this vinaigrette, olive oil gives it a smooth, rich texture and provides healthy fats. It’s the perfect neutral backdrop for all the bold flavors to shine through.

Red Wine Vinegar

A classic ingredient in Greek dressings, red wine vinegar adds the perfect balance of tang and acidity. It gives the vinaigrette that signature zing!

Lemon Juice

Freshly squeezed lemon juice brings a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the vinegar and olive oil beautifully. It adds an extra layer of freshness.

Garlic

Fresh garlic is essential for that savory, aromatic punch. It’s a key flavor that elevates the vinaigrette from simple to amazing.

Dried Oregano

Oregano is the heart of Greek flavor. This herb adds a warm, earthy taste that’s unmistakably Mediterranean.

Dijon Mustard

A little Dijon mustard helps to emulsify the vinaigrette, giving it that perfect consistency while adding a subtle sharpness to balance out the richness of the olive oil.

Salt & Pepper

Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. They’ll enhance all the other flavors and help tie everything together.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Making this vinaigrette couldn’t be easier. Here’s how to do it:

Combine the Ingredients

In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, and dried oregano. If you’re using a jar, just make sure to leave a little room at the top to shake everything up.

Whisk or Shake

If you’re using a bowl, whisk the ingredients together until the dressing is well combined and emulsified. If you’re using a jar, simply put the lid on and shake vigorously until the dressing is smooth and fully blended.

Season

Taste the vinaigrette and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt and pepper to taste. You can also add more lemon juice if you like extra tang or more Dijon mustard for a bit of sharpness.

Serve or Store

Your vinaigrette is now ready to use! Drizzle it over a Greek salad, roasted veggies, or grilled meats. If you’re not using it right away, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a shake before using, as it may separate over time.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 10 (per 2 tablespoon serving)
Calories per serving: 80 kcal
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 100mg
Fat: 8g

• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
  Protein: 0g
  Cholesterol: 0mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: N/A
• Total Time: 5 minutes

How to Serve Homemade Greek Vinaigrette

This Greek vinaigrette is incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to enjoy it:

• Greek Salad: Drizzle generously over a traditional Greek salad made with cucumber, tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. The tangy dressing is the perfect finishing touch!
• Grilled Chicken: Use this vinaigrette as a marinade for grilled chicken. It’ll infuse the meat with flavor, and you can even drizzle more on top once it’s cooked.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted veggies like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers pair wonderfully with this vinaigrette. Just toss the veggies in the dressing before roasting for added flavor.
• Sandwiches and Wraps: This vinaigrette makes a great spread for sandwiches or wraps. Try it on a veggie wrap or in a Mediterranean-inspired pita pocket.
• As a Dip: This vinaigrette works great as a dip for pita bread or veggies. It’s fresh, light, and full of flavor.

Additional Tips

• Make It Vegan: This recipe is already vegan, so it’s perfect for plant-based diets! You can feel free to enjoy it as part of any vegan meal.
• Herb Variations: If you’re out of oregano or want to mix things up, you can try adding fresh thyme, basil, or even a touch of rosemary for a unique twist.
• Double the Batch: If you’re making a big salad or planning to use it throughout the week, double the batch! This vinaigrette keeps well in the fridge for about a week, so you can have it ready to go anytime.
• Add Sweetness: If you like your vinaigrette a little sweeter, add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to taste.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use white wine vinegar instead of red wine vinegar?
A1: Yes, you can! White wine vinegar will give the vinaigrette a slightly milder taste, but it’ll still be delicious.

Q2: Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together, making it even tastier. Just store it in the fridge for up to a week.

Q3: Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
A3: Yes, fresh garlic works great! Mince 1-2 cloves and add it to the dressing for an extra punch of flavor.

Q4: Can I make this without Dijon mustard?
A4: Yes, but Dijon mustard helps to emulsify the vinaigrette and gives it a subtle sharpness. If you don’t have it, you can skip it, but the texture may be slightly different.

Q5: Can I make this vinaigrette without lemon juice?
A5: If you don’t have lemon juice, you can use more vinegar in its place, but the flavor may be a bit more acidic. Try to balance it with a little honey if you prefer a sweeter taste.

Q6: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A6: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s perfect for anyone with gluten sensitivities or following a gluten-free diet.

Q7: Can I add more herbs to the vinaigrette?
A7: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil for a different twist.

Q8: How do I store leftovers?
A8: Store the leftover vinaigrette in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just shake it up before using, as it may separate over time.

Q9: Can I use this vinaigrette as a marinade for meat?
A9: Yes, it makes a fantastic marinade for chicken, lamb, or even fish. Just let the meat marinate for a few hours before cooking.

Q10: How can I make this vinaigrette spicier?
A10: If you like some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small amount of hot sauce to the dressing for a kick of spice.

Conclusion

Making your own Homemade Greek Vinaigrette is one of the simplest and most rewarding things you can do in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a zesty, fresh dressing that can elevate all your meals. Drizzle it over salads, use it as a marinade, or serve it as a dip—it’s so versatile and absolutely delicious. Plus, you’ll love knowing exactly what’s going into your dressing, with no hidden preservatives or artificial flavors. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be hooked!

Print