15-Minute Grandma's Greek Dressing
A simple, tangy vinaigrette made with fresh lemon juice, garlic, and oregano. This homemade dressing captures Mediterranean flavor in minutes with no emulsifiers or preservatives. Perfect for salads, grilled vegetables, or drizzling over feta cheese. The key is crushing dried oregano by hand to release oils and using quality olive oil for depth. Grandma's method keeps it fresh and customizable.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Add grated garlic, salt, and pepper to a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- 2
Crush oregano by rubbing between your palms and fingers until finely broken.
- 3
Add crushed oregano to the jar with garlic mixture.
- 4
Pour in strained lemon juice and olive oil.
- 5
Shake or whisk vigorously until combined.
- 6
Shake or whisk before each use.
Tips
Hand-crush oregano in your palm to release volatile oils before adding to the jar; this boosts flavor versus pre-crushed dried herbs.
Shake vigorously before each use since oil and lemon juice naturally separate; store at room temperature for easiest shaking.
Strain lemon juice through fine mesh to remove seeds and pulp, which can cloud the dressing and affect shelf life.
Good to Know
Glass jar with tight-fitting lid at room temperature. Shake well before each use. Keep up to 2 weeks; if any cloudiness or off odor develops, discard.
Prepare up to 2 weeks ahead. Store in glass jar at room temperature; do not refrigerate as cold causes olive oil to solidify and separate further.
Use for salads, grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, or as marinade for chicken or shrimp. Drizzle over feta cheese or use as dip for crusty bread.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip straining lemon juice to avoid cloudiness and mold growth during storage.
Do not refrigerate to avoid olive oil becoming thick and difficult to use.
Do not forget to crush oregano by hand to avoid weak, flat flavor from whole dried leaves.
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare up to 2 weeks ahead in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store at room temperature and shake well before each use. Cold temperatures cause olive oil to solidify.
What if I don't have fresh lemon juice?
Bottled lemon juice works but lacks the brightness of fresh. Use the same quantity. Alternatively, substitute lime juice or red wine vinegar at a 1:1 ratio, though this changes the flavor profile.
How long will this keep?
Stored in a sealed glass jar at room temperature, this dressing keeps up to 2 weeks. Discard if you notice cloudiness, mold, or off odor. Always shake before use.