Delicious Greek Salad Dressing That You Must Have in Your Fridge (+ 7 Tasty Variations)
Have you ever tried this delicious Greek salad dressing that is not just good for Greek salad? There are hundreds of Greek salad dressings around, but most of them include Dijon mustard. Not this one! This is a more original salad dressing recipe with fresh local ingredients, and no sauces included. Take a look!
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Where to Use the Greek Salad Dressing
Greek salad dressing is, of course, a perfect seasoning to use on Xoriatiki or Greek salad, that goes without saying. However, it is also a great addition to Cretan Salad and Cretan Dako Salad.
This Greek salad dressing is also fantastic for softening your paximadia (or barley rusks) before preparing these yummy Cretan dakos. And of course, it can be delicious on any salad you make, on top of boiled wild greens or spinach, and simply to season rustic bread that has been toasted in the oven.
Original Recipe
Greek cuisine is not twisted, sophisticated, or complicated. It’s made with fresh and simple ingredients, more often than not, seasonal, and does not usually rely on foreign flavors. In Greece, local ingredients rule.
This is particularly true when it comes to the most simple Greek recipes, like a salad dressing! So, forget everything about Dijon mustard, and even onion powder. There is nothing fresh, seasonal, or Greek in any of those.
Stick to vinegar, lemon, garlic, oregano… and yes, the king of our ingredients, Cretan Extra Virgin Olive Oil. The result will be a genuine salad dressing that will last even longer than it would if it contained mustard.
Variations for this Greek Salad Dressing
As we anticipated, there are a few ways to make this dressing different, these are the most popular ones.
1. Greek Salad Dressing with Dijon Mustard
So yes, the most common variation is the one made with Dijon mustard. It’s not bad, and can add an extra pop of acidity that goes well with certain foods.
For instance, this dressing pairs super well with a piece of toasted bread (Cretan paximadia, if possible), topped with boiled stamnagathi, or any other green, such as spinach or blytha, and a poached egg on top. This makes an excellent breakfast, snack, or even brunch.
2. Greek Salad Dressing with Greek Yogurt
Probably my favorite non-original recipe because it manages to keep the most authentic Greek essence in it.
Since Greek yogurt can have quite a bland taste, and is not as pungent as mustard, it might be the best alternative if you are looking to add consistency and texture to the dressing without really changing the taste of your ingredients.
3. Greek Salad Dressing with Onion Powder
One more interesting alternative, is to add an extra touch of flavor to your salad. This is a good condiment (really handy in every kitchen), especially good when you are using this dressing to season any salad… that is not a Greek salad!
Remember that one of the main ingredients in Greek salad is those big chunks of onion, that add a pinch of sharpness to your salad. Remember when adding onion powder to your dressing, And in any case, don’t overdo it. Keep it to one teaspoon, max.
4. Greek Salad Dressing with Chilli Flakes (Boukovo)
If you are a fan of spicy tastes, then you must have a jar with chili flakes in your kitchen. Use it!
If you’re trying to recreate authentic Cretan flavors, keep in mind that Cretan cuisine uses tons of different spices for flavor, but Cretan food is usually not hot or spicy.
Apart from a few recipes, which are arguably of Greek origin rather than Cretan, the food on the island is not as spicy as you might expect after all those years of Turkish domination…
5. Greek Salad Dressing with Honey and Orange Zest
For a unique twist on traditional Greek salad dressing, try adding honey and orange zest. This variation balances the tangy acidity of vinegar and lemon with a subtle sweetness from Greek honey, while the orange zest enhances the citrusy notes with a refreshing aroma.
It’s perfect to serve with roasted vegetables or grilled halloumi cheese. The honey also helps emulsify the dressing, making it silky and smooth.
Simply whisk together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, a teaspoon of honey, and a pinch of orange zest for a well-rounded flavor!
6. Greek Salad Dressing with Tahini
For a rich, nutty twist, try adding tahini to your Greek salad dressing! Tahini, a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, gives the dressing a creamy texture without using dairy, making it a great vegan option. It blends beautifully with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and oregano, adding depth and a mild sesame flavor.
This variation is also perfect for drizzling over roasted vegetables, grain bowls, or even as a dip for fresh pita bread.
To make it, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, tahini, minced garlic, and a touch of warm water to create a smooth, pourable consistency.
7. Greek Salad Dressing with Capers & Anchovies
For a bold, umami-packed variation, mix in capers and anchovies! These Mediterranean staples add a briny, savory depth that pairs beautifully with Greek salad and seafood dishes. This version is ideal if you plan to serve your salad with grilled fish or roasted potatoes.
It’s even great drizzled over a Niçoise-style salad. To make it, finely chop a few anchovy fillets and capers, then whisk them with extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano. The result? A flavorful, tangy, and slightly salty dressing that enhances the natural freshness of your ingredients!
Greek Salad Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 cup olive oil extra virgin
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- ½ tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ½ tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dry oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Notes
- If you like a creamier texture, you can add 2 tbsp of grated feta cheese or 2 tbsp of Greek yogurt.
-
A typical salad dressing portion is about 2 tablespoons (~30 ml).
- Full recipe yields about 1¼ cups (~300 ml or ~20 tablespoons)
- Calories per tablespoon: ~1,930 ÷ 20 ≈ 96 kcal
- Calories per 2 tablespoons: ~192 kcal
Nutrition
REMEMBER:
- The original recipe is good for two weeks, much less if you add mustard or yogurt to it.
- Once used, keep the rest of the dressing in a closed jar in the fridge, and remember to shake it well before every use.
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Delicious Dressing for Greek Salad
Gabi Ancarola
Gabi is a travel writer who has lived in Crete for over a decade. Through her blog, Crete Insider, she has helped travelers uncover local experiences. Passionate about food and Cretan cuisine, she now attends Greek cooking lessons to bring the island’s flavors straight to your kitchen!
>> Interested in learning to cook in Crete, or discovering all of the top spots to eat in Chania and around the island? Book a food tour or plan your trip with me.
