We all have those lonely bottles of dried herbs chilling in the back of our spice cabinets, right? It’s high time they made a comeback. I’ve been loving the simple act of whisking them into a classic Greek Dressing. No frills, no fuss – just good old olive oil, red wine vinegar, and some robust flavors from garlic, oregano, and basil. It’s an everyday kind of magic, infusing meals with a punch of Mediterranean warmth. Give those dried herbs a shake and let them shine in this easy, peasy, perfect dressing.
Why This Greek Dressing Rocks
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Who says you need a laundry list of ingredients for the perfect dressing? Here, every element pulls its weight, delivering bold and robust flavors that transform even the simplest salad into a gourmet delight.
- Versatility is Key: This Greek dressing isn’t just for salads. It’s a fantastic marinade for chicken or a zesty sauce to drizzle over roasted vegetables. Its versatility will have you reaching for it again and again.
- Quick and Effortless: In the rush of life, who has time for complicated recipes? This dressing is all about convenience, coming together in a flash, ready to add pizzazz to your meals with minimal effort.
Herbs in the Spotlight
In the whirl of creating this Greek Dressing, it’s the humble dried oregano and basil that really steal the show. Now, these aren’t just your average run-of-the-mill herbs. Oregano brings a warm, balsamic and aromatic flavor to the table, while basil adds a sweet, peppery charm. In Greek cuisine, they’re like the reliable backstage crew that makes every dish a star.
But beyond the delightful flavors, did you know these herbs pack a punch in the health department too? Oregano is a source of vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as fiber, folate, iron, magnesium, vitamin B6, calcium, and potassium. And basil? It’s no slouch either, with essential oils that have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
So, while you’re shaking up that jar of Greek dressing, take a moment to salute the modest herbs doing the heavy lifting. They’re not just spicing up your meal, they’re sprinkling in a bit of wellness too!
Breathe New Life into Leftovers with this Greek Dressing
It’s a familiar scene: you’re staring at a fridge full of random leftovers, unsure how to make them exciting again. Enter this Greek Dressing, your new secret weapon in the Reverse Meal Plan arsenal. I’ve slathered this dressing on a myriad of leftovers, and each time, it’s like a culinary Cinderella transformation. Here are some of my go-to moves:
- Grilled Chicken: Chop it up, toss it with the dressing, and voila, you’ve got a Greek chicken salad.
- Roasted Veggies: Give them a new lease on life with a generous drizzle of this flavorful dressing.
- Plain Pasta: Mix with this dressing for an instant pasta salad. Add any veggies you have on hand, and it’s a whole new meal.
- Stale Bread: Cube it, toss it with this dressing, and bake for croutons packed with flavor.
This dressing isn’t just a flavor enhancer; it’s a leftover transformer, turning forgotten fridge items into dishes you’ll be eager to dive into again.
Your Greek Dressing Questions, Answered
- Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried? Absolutely! Fresh herbs bring an even more vibrant flavor. Just remember to double the amount as fresh herbs are less potent than dried.
- What else can I use this Greek Dressing for? Think beyond salads. Drizzle it over roasted vegetables, use it as a marinade for meats, or add a zesty twist to your sandwiches and wraps.
- How long can I store this dressing? Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will keep its zest for up to 2 weeks. Just give it a good shake before each use.
- Can I substitute the red wine vinegar? Certainly! Apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar can step in as a solid substitute, adding their own unique flavors to the mix.
Dive Deeper into Greek Flavors
- Greek Meatball Bowl with Lemon Tahini Sauce
- Greek-Style Mac n’ Cheese
- Greek Style Meatball Pasta
- Chipotle Lime Shrimp Bowl with Cilantro Jalapeno Yogurt Sauce
Greek Dressing
Ingredients
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup water
- 5 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 lemon juiced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Whisk all ingredients together in a small glass bowl.
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