What’s Greek Salad Dressing?

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Greek salad dressing is light and used on various types of salads, including Greek salad. Some consider the taste to be a cross between Italian and Caesar dressing. It can be vinaigrette-style or creamy and can include a variety of spices. Besides its obvious use as a salad dressing, it can be used in other ways as well.

Traditionally, lemon and olive oil form the basis for dressing Greek salad. Cooks often add spices such as oregano, basil and garlic to add flavor. People usually choose fresh lemon over lemon juice from concentrate so the dressing has a fresh citrus flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients. Greek olive oil, which has a stronger and more robust flavor than Italian olive oil, is preferred, although good quality Italian extra virgin olive oil can be substituted. The combination of lemon, olive oil and spices tends to bring out the flavors of feta cheese, kalamata olives and anchovies, some of the key ingredients found in a Greek salad.

Sometimes, cooks use red or white vinegar instead of lemon juice in Greek salad dressing. Using vinegar tends to give the sauce a stronger, more acidic flavor, and people often add a little sugar to tame the acidity. Experts choose fresh garlic rather than powdered or processed garlic. When garlic cloves are used in place of the powder, they should be used sparingly; the flavor tends to increase the further the dressing sits so the garlic can overwhelm the taste of the dressing if it is stored for an extended period of time.

For people who prefer the creamy kinds, Greek salad dressing can be made in that style as well. Cooks still use a lemon or vinegar base, but buttermilk, mayonnaise, or yogurt can be added to give the sauce a creamy texture. This can be tricky because lemon or vinegar can reduce milk products if not combined properly—cooks blend the ingredients in a food processor or blender to avoid this problem. As a variation, feta cheese can be added directly to the dressing during processing to give it a thicker texture. Adding dill can also give the blend a unique flavor.

While Greek salad dressing makes an excellent accompaniment to any type of salad, its uses aren’t limited to a vegetable dressing. The base seasoning makes an excellent marinade for meats such as chicken, lamb or pork. It also tastes excellent when used as a topping for a sandwich. The creamy variety of Greek salad dressing will also make a great dip, especially if it’s thickened by adding crumbled feta cheese or yogurt. Either variety will also make a great topping for cooked vegetables, rice or noodles.

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