American Style Greek Dressing Recipe

Olive oil: Provides a rich, smooth base for the dressing.

Red wine vinegar: Adds a tangy acidity that balances the richness of the olive oil.

Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for a bright, citrusy note.

Garlic: Minced to infuse the dressing with a robust, savory flavor.

Oregano: Dried herb that brings an earthy, aromatic quality.

Dijon mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing and adds a subtle sharpness.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dressing.

Black pepper: Freshly ground for a hint of spice and complexity.

When making this dressing, ensure to mince the garlic finely to allow its flavor to disperse evenly throughout the mixture. Additionally, use a whisk to combine the ingredients thoroughly, creating a smooth and well-emulsified dressing. If you prefer a more intense flavor, let the dressing sit for a few hours in the refrigerator before serving, allowing the herbs and spices to meld together.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a good alternative for dressings.

• red wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a comparable acidity and tanginess, which can mimic the flavor profile of red wine vinegar.

• freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and citrus flavor, though it may add a slightly different taste.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar garlic flavor, though it lacks the fresh, pungent kick of minced garlic. Use about ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder per clove.

• dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme has a similar earthy and slightly minty flavor, making it a good alternative to oregano.

• dijon mustard - Substitute with yellow mustard: Yellow mustard can provide a similar tanginess, though it is milder and less complex than dijon mustard.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar salty flavor along with a bit of umami, though it will also add a different color and slight sweetness.

• freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat and flavor profile but is slightly milder and less pungent.

• To store your American Style Greek Dressing, pour it into an airtight container, such as a glass jar or a plastic bottle with a tight-fitting lid. This will help preserve its freshness and prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in.
• Place the container in the refrigerator. The dressing will keep well for up to a week, allowing you to enjoy its vibrant flavors over multiple meals.
• Before each use, give the dressing a good shake or stir. The olive oil and red wine vinegar may separate over time, but a quick mix will bring them back together.
• If you notice any changes in color, texture, or smell, it’s best to discard the dressing. Freshness is key to maintaining the delightful taste of your Greek dressing.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the dressing. Pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Seal the container tightly.
• Label the container with the date of preparation. This will help you keep track of how long it has been stored.
• When ready to use, thaw the dressing in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, give it a good shake or stir to re-emulsify the ingredients.
• Note that freezing may slightly alter the texture of the dressing, but the flavors should remain intact. If the texture seems off, you can whisk it again to restore its consistency.
• Avoid freezing the dressing in glass containers, as they can crack or shatter due to the expansion of the liquid. Opt for plastic containers or freezer bags for safer storage.
• Enjoy your American Style Greek Dressing on salads, as a marinade for grilled vegetables, or drizzled over roasted meats for a burst of Mediterranean flavor.

• Pour the dressing into a small saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat, as this can alter the flavor of the olive oil and other ingredients.
• Alternatively, transfer the dressing to a microwave-safe container and heat in the microwave on low power for 10-15 seconds. Stir well and check the temperature. Repeat if necessary, but avoid overheating.
• For a more gentle approach, place the container of dressing in a bowl of warm water. Let it sit for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method helps maintain the integrity of the lemon juice and red wine vinegar.
• If you prefer a room temperature dressing, simply remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving. Give it a good shake or whisk to re-emulsify the ingredients.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine all the ingredients together.

• Whisk: A utensil used to blend the ingredients until they are well combined and emulsified.

• Measuring cups: Tools used to measure the olive oil and red wine vinegar accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure the lemon juice, dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper accurately.

• Garlic press: A tool used to mince the garlic cloves efficiently.

• Storage container: A container with a lid to store the dressing in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Pre-mince the garlic: Mince garlic in bulk and store it in the fridge to save time during preparation.

Use a jar: Combine all ingredients in a jar, seal it, and shake vigorously to mix instead of whisking.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice ahead of time to streamline the process.

Double the batch: Make a larger quantity and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, so you have it ready for multiple uses.

Use a food processor: Quickly blend all the ingredients in a food processor for a smooth and fast dressing.