Greek salad is a simple, refreshing, and reliable dish filled with fresh vegetables and tangy feta cheese. The dressing for a Greek salad is just as important as the ingredients, with the most popular dressings being creamy feta dressings or vinaigrettes. These dressings are typically made with extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and feta cheese. They are easy to make, healthy, and can be used on a variety of dishes, not just Greek salads.
What You'll Learn
Greek salad dressing with feta: ingredients and measurements
A Greek salad dressing with feta is a zesty, tangy, and bright vinaigrette that can be drizzled over a Greek salad or used as a dip for vegetables. Here are the ingredients and measurements you will need to make this delicious dressing:
Ingredients:
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Lemon juice (optional)
- Dijon mustard
- Fresh garlic, grated or minced
- Dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Feta cheese, crumbled or in blocks
Additionally, you can add some water to adjust the consistency of the dressing and fresh herbs like mint, basil, dill, or parsley for extra flavour.
Measurements:
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Juice of 1 lemon (if using)
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove of garlic, grated or minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, more for sprinkling
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese or 6 ounces block of feta in brine
Instructions:
Combine the olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice (if using), garlic, oregano, mustard, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend until well combined and smooth. Then, stir in the crumbled feta cheese or blend it in if you prefer a smoother dressing. Add water as needed to adjust the consistency, and blend until you reach your desired consistency.
This Greek salad dressing with feta is easy to make and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. It is a versatile dressing that can be used on various salads, roasted vegetables, grains, and more. Enjoy!
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How to make Greek salad dressing with feta
Greek salad is a delicious combination of vegetables and feta cheese. A Greek salad dressing with feta is the perfect addition to enhance the flavours of the salad. Here is a recipe for a Greek salad dressing with feta, along with some tips and tricks to make it your own.
Ingredients:
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Lemon juice (optional)
- Garlic
- Oregano
- Basil (optional)
- Feta cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Dijon mustard (optional)
- Sugar and honey (optional)
Method:
- In a high-speed blender, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice (if using), garlic, basil and oregano. Blend until well combined and smooth.
- Add in the crumbled feta cheese and blend again.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add in some Dijon mustard for an extra kick.
- If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a small amount of sugar and honey to taste.
Tips and Variations:
- Play around with the ingredients to find your preferred balance of flavours. You can add more or less of any ingredient to suit your taste.
- For a thicker dressing, reduce the amount of olive oil or add more feta cheese.
- If you want a more liquid dressing, simply add a little water to the mixture until you reach your desired consistency.
- Try adding fresh herbs like mint, parsley or dill for a herby twist.
- For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper.
- This dressing can also be made with Greek yoghurt for a creamier texture and a tangy flavour.
This Greek salad dressing with feta is sure to impress and can be customised to your taste preferences. Enjoy it drizzled over your favourite Greek salad or as a dip for vegetables and pita chips.
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How to store Greek salad dressing with feta
Greek salad dressing with feta is a delicious condiment that can be stored in a few different ways to keep it fresh and tasty. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store it:
Storing Greek Salad Dressing with Feta:
- Refrigerate: It is important to store your Greek salad dressing with feta in the refrigerator. This will help prolong its freshness and prevent spoilage. Place it in a sealed container, such as a mason jar, to avoid any spills or contamination.
- Use a Tight-Sealed Container: Ensure that your container is tightly sealed to create an airtight environment. This will prevent the dressing from absorbing any odours from the refrigerator and maintain its flavour.
- Stir Before Using: If you notice that the oil has separated or settled at the top, give the dressing a good stir or shake before using it. This will help to recombine the ingredients and ensure a consistent taste and texture.
- Add Water if Needed: If your dressing becomes too thick or pasty, you can add a small amount of water to thin it out. Start with a teaspoon of water and mix well, adding more if necessary, until you achieve your desired consistency.
- Store in a Cool, Dark Place: While the refrigerator is ideal, you can also store your Greek salad dressing with feta in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or basement. This will help to prolong its shelf life and maintain its flavour.
- Use within Recommended Time: Freshly made Greek salad dressing with feta is best consumed within a specific timeframe for optimal taste and quality. Aim to use it within four to seven days of preparation.
By following these simple storage instructions, you can enjoy your Greek salad dressing with feta for longer and make the most of its delicious flavour!
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Greek salad ingredients to accompany the dressing
A Greek salad is a simple yet delicious dish, packed with fresh vegetables and tangy feta cheese. The ingredients you choose to include in your Greek salad will depend on your taste preferences, what's in season, and what's available to you. Here are some ideas for ingredients to accompany a Greek salad dressing:
Cucumbers
A staple in Greek salads, cucumbers provide a refreshing crunch. Look for Persian cucumbers, which are mild in flavour and easy to prepare. If using regular cucumbers, you may want to seed them first to avoid making your salad watery. Cut the cucumbers into thin half-moons or slices.
Tomatoes
Sweet and juicy tomatoes are a must for adding a burst of flavour to your Greek salad. Cherry or grape tomatoes are a great choice as they are reliably sweet and less watery than larger varieties. Simply halve or quarter them, depending on your preference.
Red Onion
Thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp bite to your salad. If you're sensitive to raw onion, you can soak the slices in hot water for 10-15 minutes to mellow out the flavour.
Bell Peppers
Crisp and colourful bell peppers are a tasty addition. Go for green bell peppers for a classic take, or mix it up with red, yellow, or orange peppers. Cut them into 1-inch pieces or slices.
Olives
Briny, savoury Kalamata olives are the variety of choice for Greek salads. Their slightly fruity flavour pairs perfectly with the feta and other vegetables. If you can't find Kalamatas, any other black olive variety will do. Just make sure to remove the pits if necessary.
Feta Cheese
Tangy feta is the star of a Greek salad. Look for blocks of feta packed in brine, rather than pre-crumbled varieties. Cut the feta into large cubes or 1/2-inch pieces—this will help prevent it from crumbling too much when tossed with the other ingredients.
Extra Ingredients
You can also add some extra ingredients to your Greek salad for a unique twist:
- Fresh herbs like mint, basil, or parsley for a burst of flavour
- Capers or whole anchovies for a briny, salty punch
- Pita chips for a crunchy texture
- Chickpeas for added protein and texture
Now that you have an idea of the ingredients, it's time to assemble your Greek salad. Combine the vegetables, herbs, and cheese in a large bowl. Prepare the dressing by whisking together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice (optional), garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently, trying not to break up the feta. Enjoy your delicious and refreshing Greek salad!
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How to use Greek salad dressing with feta
Greek salad dressing with feta is a versatile condiment that can be used in various dishes beyond the classic Greek salad. Here are some ideas on how to use Greek salad dressing with feta:
Greek Salad
The most traditional use of Greek salad dressing with feta is, of course, as a dressing for Greek salad. This dressing complements the fresh vegetables in a Greek salad, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, red onions, olives, and feta cheese. The tangy and salty flavours of the dressing go especially well with the feta cheese and briny olives.
Other Vegetable Salads
The dressing is not limited to Greek salads; it can be used on other types of vegetable salads as well. For example, you can drizzle it over a cucumber and tomato salad, a corn salad, or a potato salad. The combination of the dressing with fresh vegetables is always a winner.
Roasted or Grilled Vegetables
You can also use the Greek salad dressing with feta on roasted or grilled vegetables. Spoon it over roasted cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, fennel, or potatoes. It also goes well with grilled zucchini, asparagus, corn, or veggie skewers. The dressing adds a tangy and bright flavour to the roasted or grilled veggies.
Cooked Grains, Beans, or Lentils
Try tossing cooked lentils, white beans, farro, or quinoa with the Greek salad dressing and some fresh herbs. The dressing will add a nice tangy twist to your grain or legume dishes.
Pizza and Sandwiches
The Greek salad dressing with feta can also be drizzled over pizza or used as a sandwich spread. It can be a great substitute for mayonnaise in sandwiches or a tasty topping for pita breakfast pizza.
Marinades and Dipping Sauces
Greek salad dressing with feta is not just for drizzling and tossing. It can also be used as a marinade for meats or vegetables. It can also be a delicious dipping sauce for veggies, pita chips, or even grilled romaine lettuce.
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Frequently asked questions
Also known as horiatiki, or "peasant salad" or "village salad", this rustic dish is a chunky mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, black olives, red onion, and a substantial amount of feta.
A Greek salad dressing typically includes red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, fresh garlic, dried oregano, extra-virgin olive oil, and salt and pepper. Some recipes also include lemon juice.
A creamy Greek salad dressing with feta cheese can be made by blending feta with olive oil, red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and oregano.
Greek salad dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.