Greek Salad Dressing
Authentic Greek Salad Dressing Recipe - Made with Oil, Vinegar, Oregano, and Sugar
Introduction
Greek salad dressing is a classic and flavorful addition to any salad. Made with simple ingredients like olive oil, vinegar, oregano, and sugar, this dressing adds a tangy and herbaceous flavor to your favorite greens.
History
Greek salad dressing has been a staple in Mediterranean cuisine for centuries. The combination of olive oil, vinegar, and herbs has been used in Greek cooking for generations, adding a burst of flavor to fresh vegetables and salads.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Beat all the ingredients together until they become thick.
- Pour the mixture into the salad and toss it using a wooden spoon.
Variations
- You can customize this dressing by adding ingredients like garlic, lemon juice, or Dijon mustard for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different herbs like basil or mint.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
When making Greek salad dressing, be sure to use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor. You can adjust the amount of vinegar and sugar to suit your taste preferences. For a creamier dressing, you can also add a spoonful of Greek yogurt.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Greek salad dressing over a traditional Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and feta cheese. It also pairs well with grilled chicken or fish.
Cooking Techniques
To make this dressing, simply whisk together the ingredients until well combined. You can also use a blender or food processor for a smoother consistency.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have oregano, you can use dried basil or thyme instead. You can also substitute white wine vinegar or lemon juice for the vinegar.
Make Ahead Tips
This dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before using.
Presentation Ideas
Drizzle this dressing over a colorful salad for a vibrant and flavorful presentation. You can also serve it in a small pitcher or jar for a rustic touch.
Pairing Recommendations
This dressing pairs well with a variety of salads, grilled meats, and roasted vegetables. It also complements Mediterranean dishes like falafel or hummus.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before serving, and give it a good shake to re-emulsify.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories: 126 per serving
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: 1g per serving
Fats
Fats: 14g per serving
Proteins
Proteins: 0g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
This dressing is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from the olive oil, as well as antioxidants from the oregano.
Alergens
This recipe contains no common allergens.
Summary
Greek salad dressing is a flavorful and healthy addition to any salad, providing a good source of healthy fats and antioxidants.
Summary
Greek salad dressing is a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. With its simple ingredients and bold flavors, it's sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
How did I get this recipe?
I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Greek Salad Dressing. It was many years ago, back when I was a young girl living in a small village in Greece. My grandmother, Yiayia, was known far and wide for her delicious cooking, and she took great pride in passing down her recipes to me.
One sunny afternoon, as I sat at the kitchen table watching Yiayia prepare a feast for our family, she suddenly stopped and motioned for me to come closer. With a twinkle in her eye, she handed me a tattered old cookbook and pointed to a page that was stained with olive oil and tomato juice.
"This is the recipe for my famous Greek Salad Dressing," she said, her voice filled with pride. "I learned it from my own grandmother, who learned it from her mother before her. It has been passed down through our family for generations."
I eagerly read through the ingredients and instructions, my mouth watering at the thought of tasting this magical dressing. Yiayia stood by my side, guiding me through the steps and offering helpful tips along the way.
"We use only the freshest ingredients in our cooking," she explained. "The key to a good Greek Salad Dressing is the quality of the olive oil and the tang of the red wine vinegar. And of course, plenty of oregano and garlic for that authentic Mediterranean flavor."
As I followed Yiayia's instructions and mixed together the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, and a touch of lemon juice, the kitchen filled with the rich aroma of herbs and spices. I could hardly wait to drizzle the dressing over a crisp salad of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese.
When the salad was finally ready, Yiayia and I sat down at the table and took our first bites. The flavors exploded in my mouth, each ingredient complementing the others perfectly. It was a taste of Greece, a taste of home.
Over the years, I continued to make Yiayia's Greek Salad Dressing for my own family and friends, always with a sense of pride and gratitude for the traditions that had been passed down to me. I shared the recipe with anyone who asked, eager to spread a little taste of Greece to the world.
One day, while visiting a distant relative in the city, I had the chance to share my recipe with a renowned chef who was visiting from America. He was so impressed by the flavors and authenticity of the dressing that he asked me to share it with him so he could feature it in his restaurant.
From that moment on, Yiayia's Greek Salad Dressing became a staple on the menu of that famous restaurant, delighting diners with its bold flavors and fresh ingredients. I was thrilled to see a piece of my heritage being enjoyed by people from all walks of life, and I knew that Yiayia would be proud.
As the years passed, I continued to make Yiayia's Greek Salad Dressing for my own family, each batch reminding me of the love and tradition that had been passed down through the generations. It was a simple recipe, but one that held so much meaning and history for me.
Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing a fresh salad for my grandchildren, I can't help but smile as I drizzle Yiayia's Greek Salad Dressing over the crisp vegetables. The flavors bring me back to that sunny afternoon in the village, when a young girl learned a recipe that would become a part of her family's legacy.
And as I watch my grandchildren take their first bites, their faces lighting up with delight, I know that Yiayia's recipe will continue to be passed down for generations to come. It is a taste of Greece, a taste of home, and a taste of love that will always hold a special place in my heart.