Olive oil is the key ingredient for any Greek dressing.
Traditional Greek dressing gets its flavor from vegetables. In traditional dressings, ingredients are selected to bring out the flavor of tomatoes and cucumbers, while olives and feta are added to enhance the flavor of the salad without the necessity of a complex dressing. However, many restaurants and individuals have embarked on the task of creating the perfect dressing for this classic salad.
Traditional Greek Dressing
Most authentic Greek salad recipes are geared toward bringing out the natural flavor of the vegetables in the salad. For an authentic Greek dressing, lightly coat room temperature tomatoes, cucumbers and olives with extra virgin olive oil. Toss the salad so that the juices of the vegetables mingle with the olive oil. Top the vegetables with feta and sprinkle the salad with salt, pepper and oregano. Drizzle the finished salad lightly with olive oil and serve. You can add lettuce to the recipe and sprinkle with lemon juice if desired.
Restaurant Style Dressing
This restaurant grade Greek dressing recipe makes four cups of dressing which can be stored at room temperature. Simply blend the ingredients by hand. Mix 1 1/2 cups extra virgin olive oil, 2 cups red wine vinegar, 4 teaspoons garlic powder, 4 teaspoons oregano, 4 teaspoons basil, 3 teaspoons ground black pepper, 3 teaspoons salt, 3 teaspoons onion powder and 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard.
Greek Dressing with Lemon
This Greek dressing recipe is made by combining ingredients in a blender. Add 1 cup extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice from an entire, room temperature lemon, 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, 3 teaspoons of fresh minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of basil, two tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Refrigerate the finished dressing.
Smooth Greek Dressing
This recipe yields a smooth dressing with the use of a blender. Puree 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 1/8 cup white wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper and 1 small garlic clove in a blender. Set the blender motor on low, then add a very slow stream of 1/3 cup olive oil. Do the same with 1/2 cup canola oil. When the ingredients are blended, mix in 1 teaspoon dried oregano by hand. Refrigerate the dressing until you serve it.
Tags: wine vinegar, extra virgin, extra virgin olive, Greek dressing, Greek Dressing, room temperature