Mouthwatering Oregano Salad Dressing Recipe for Food Lovers
Simplicity is the mark of brilliance. When it comes to cooking, I believe in keeping things simple yet delectable. Hi, there! I’m excited to share with you my all-time favorite salad dressing recipe – the Oregano Salad Dressing. It’s a recipe that’s easy, versatile and packs a flavorful punch.
I love making my own salad dressings because they are a great way to control what goes into them. Plus, it’s quite rewarding to whip up a dressing that exceeds expectations and suits everyone’s taste palate. And this recipe ticks all the right boxes.
The Oregano Salad Dressing is timeless and can elevate any dish with its tangy and herbaceous notes. Without further ado, let me walk you through how to make your own homemade, lip-smackingly delicious Oregano Salad Dressing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I won’t lie to you, I think this oregano salad dressing recipe is the real deal. If you’re looking for a homemade salad dressing that’s easy, versatile, and packed with flavor, then you’ve come to the right place. Let me tell you why this oregano vinaigrette is worth trying.
Firstly, it is made with fresh oregano- a herb that packs a flavor punch but is often underused in everyday cooking. The blend of fresh and dried oregano makes this dressing bright, herbaceous, and flavorful.
Secondly, it has just the right amount of tanginess from the red wine vinegar and Dijon mustard, with a hint of sweetness from granulated sugar. The balance between these flavors creates a dressing that will complement any salad ingredient you choose.
Thirdly, this oregano salad dressing recipe is fully customizable. You can play around with the flavors by adding sun-dried tomatoes or mustardy ingredients like Dijon mustard to enhance the taste.
Lastly, if you’re looking for other uses beyond salads, then try pouring over roasted vegetables or use it as a marinade for chicken or fish. The possibilities are endless.
In conclusion, you’ll love this recipe because it’s quick and easy to prepare and provides ample room for personalization. Try this new homemade dressing on your next house party or daily meal prep and enjoy the compliments it generates from all palates!
Ingredient List
Before we get started with this oregano salad dressing recipe, it’s important to ensure you have all the ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Oregano Salad Dressing:
- 1 cup fresh oregano leaves, loosely packed
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
For the Lemon Oregano Salad Dressing:
- 1 cup fresh oregano leaves, loosely packed
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Greek Salad Dressing:
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Make sure you have these ingredients prepared and ready to go before beginning the recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Gather the Ingredients
Before starting the recipe, gather all of the necessary ingredients. For this Oregano Salad Dressing Recipe, you will need fresh oregano, garlic, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, olive oil, kosher salt, granulated sugar, and freshly ground pepper.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
In a food processor, blend together 1/4 cup of fresh oregano leaves, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar until smooth. Add in freshly ground pepper to taste.
Step 3: Slowly Add in Olive Oil
While blending the ingredients in the food processor, slowly stream in 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil until the dressing becomes thick and creamy.
Step 4: Adjust Seasonings
After blending all of the ingredients together, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Feel free to add more salt or pepper to balance out the flavors.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
The Oregano Salad Dressing Recipe is now ready to be used. Serve it immediately over your favorite salad or store it away in an airtight container for later use.
Substitutions and Variations
Now, let’s talk about substitutions and variations for this oregano salad dressing recipe. You can always modify the recipe according to your taste buds and the ingredients available in your kitchen. Here are some ideas to try:
– Use different herbs: While fresh oregano is recommended for this dressing recipe, you can always use other herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or basil. Each herb adds a unique flavor to the dressing.
– Adjust vinegar and oil ratio: If you prefer a tangier dressing, increase the amount of vinegar and reduce the oil. If you prefer a creamier dressing, do the opposite.
– Experiment with sweeteners: Instead of granulated sugar, you can use honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup. Just make sure to adjust the amount based on sweetness preferences.
– Add heat: For a spicier version of this dressing, add a chopped jalapeno pepper or teaspoon of hot sauce.
– Use sun-dried tomatoes: If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes to give the dressing a richer flavor.
– Make it vegan: Substitute honey with agave nectar or maple syrup and replace Dijon mustard with whole-grain mustard for a vegan version of this dressing.
These are just a few ideas to get creative with oregano salad dressing recipe. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations until you find your favorite one.
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing this oregano salad dressing, the possibilities are truly endless. One great way to enjoy this zesty vinaigrette is by pouring a generous amount over a simple green salad, or you could try drizzling it over your favorite vegetables, like roasted or grilled asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers for an added burst of flavor.
This dressing pairs particularly well with Mediterranean-inspired dishes, like Greek and Italian salads, as well as grilled chicken, fish or steak. The rich blend of flavors in this dressing would also complement perfectly with Tex-Mex inspired dishes.
Another idea to consider is using this dressing as a marinade for your proteins. I personally love marinating chicken drumsticks with this oregano vinaigrette, watching the flavors seeping into it overnight and then grilling it up for a delicious and flavorful meal.
Alternatively, you can use this dressing as a dip. Having some fresh-cut veggies ready alongside some pita bread, chips or crackers is a great way to serve this recipe during a party setting.
No matter how you choose to serve it up though, one thing’s for sure – your guests will be begging you for the recipe after they taste it.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
You can make this oregano salad dressing recipe ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Before using, simply give it a good shake to blend the ingredients together again.
To freeze the dressing, pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some room at the top for expansion. You can store the dressing in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply place the container in the refrigerator overnight and give it a shake before using.
If you’re planning to serve this dressing at a party or gathering, you can double or triple the recipe without any problems. Having a delicious homemade salad dressing on hand is always a hit with guests!
When reheating leftovers, avoid using a microwave as this can change the texture and flavor of the dressing. Instead, let it come to room temperature and then give it a good shake before using again.
This oregano salad dressing pairs well with Mediterranean dishes such as Greek or Italian salads, but you can also use it as a dip for fresh vegetables or as a marinade for grilled chicken or fish. So go ahead and make this flavorful dressing ahead of time and enjoy its freshness at your leisure!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making a delicious and flavorful dressing for your salad, there are a few tips that can help you create the perfect oregano salad dressing every time. First and foremost, make sure to use fresh oregano whenever possible as it has a more vibrant taste than its dried counterpart. Additionally, using high-quality vinegar and olive oil can make all the difference in the final product.
Another key tip is to let the dressing sit for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together. This also gives time for the dressing to thicken slightly, which will help it coat the salad greens evenly.
Measuring accurately is also important for the best results. Be sure to level off your measurements of sugar, salt, and mustard to ensure that you’re using the correct amount of each ingredient. Furthermore, whisking vigorously or blending the ingredients in a food processor can help emulsify the mixture and create a smooth and creamy dressing.
Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with your variations and substitutions. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding sun-dried tomatoes or red wine to elevate the flavors of your salad even further. Remember, cooking is all about experimentation, so have fun with it!
Bottom Line
With this homemade oregano salad dressing recipe, you’re in for a treat! It’s a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dressing that can brighten up your salads and elevate your dishes to the next level.
Whether you prefer the classic flavor of red wine vinegar or want to experiment with different ingredients and add-ins, this recipe is versatile enough to cater to your taste preferences.
So go ahead and give it a try! Once you’ve tasted the freshness of the oregano, the tanginess of the vinegar, and the creaminess of the olive oil combined, you’ll be convinced that store-bought dressings may never cut it again.
And if you choose to make some substitutions or variations, don’t hesitate to share your experience with us in the comments below!
Thank you for choosing this homemade oregano salad dressing recipe. We hope it becomes a staple in your kitchen and adds excitement to your meals like it has done for so many others. Enjoy!
Oregano Salad Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch pepper
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in oil. (Dressing can be prepared to this point, covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days). Cover chopped sun-dried tomatoes (if using) with boiling water and let stand for 3 minutes, drain and add to dressing. Stir in oregano.
Your Own Notes
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!