Greekhouse Dressing Recipe

Olive oil: A rich, flavorful oil that forms the base of the dressing.

Red wine vinegar: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the dressing.

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

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

Dried oregano: Provides a classic Mediterranean taste.

Dried basil: Adds a subtle, sweet herbaceous flavor.

Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the dressing.

Black pepper: Freshly ground for a bit of heat and complexity.

When preparing the dressing, ensure that the olive oil and red wine vinegar are of high quality, as these ingredients form the base of the flavor profile. To achieve a smoother consistency, you can use a small blender or food processor instead of whisking by hand. This will help emulsify the olive oil and vinegar more effectively, creating a well-blended and cohesive dressing. Additionally, allowing the dressing to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving will enable the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar mild flavor and healthy fat profile, making it a good alternative for dressings.

• red wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a tangy flavor that can mimic the acidity of red wine vinegar.

• freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar citrusy acidity and brightness to the dressing.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar garlic flavor, though it may be slightly less pungent.

• dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme has a similar earthy and slightly minty flavor that can replace oregano.

• dried basil - Substitute with dried parsley: Dried parsley offers a mild, slightly peppery flavor that can complement the other herbs in the dressing.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will also add a bit of color to the dressing.

• freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar spiciness without altering the color of the dressing.

• To store your Greekhouse dressing, transfer it to an airtight container or a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent any unwanted flavors from seeping in.
• Place the container in the refrigerator. The olive oil in the dressing may solidify slightly when chilled, but this is perfectly normal. Simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using, and give it a good shake or stir to re-emulsify.
• For optimal flavor, consume the dressing within a week. The garlic and herbs will infuse the dressing over time, enhancing its taste.
• If you wish to freeze the dressing, pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion. Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.
• When ready to use, thaw the dressing in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, give it a vigorous shake or whisk to recombine the ingredients. Note that the texture might change slightly after freezing, but the flavor will remain delightful.
• Avoid freezing the dressing in glass containers, as the expansion during freezing could cause the glass to crack. Opt for plastic or silicone containers instead.
• For a quick and convenient option, consider freezing the dressing in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. This way, you can easily thaw individual portions as needed, perfect for drizzling over salads or marinating vegetables and meats.
• Always check the dressing for any off smells or changes in appearance before using, especially if it has been stored for an extended period. Freshness is key to enjoying the vibrant flavors of your Greekhouse dressing.

• Room Temperature Method:

  • Remove the Greekhouse dressing from the refrigerator.
  • Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
  • Give it a good whisk to re-emulsify the olive oil and red wine vinegar before serving.

• Warm Water Bath Method:

  • Fill a bowl with warm (not hot) water.
  • Place the container of Greekhouse dressing into the bowl, ensuring the water level is below the lid.
  • Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, occasionally swirling the container.
  • Whisk the dressing to re-emulsify the ingredients.

• Microwave Method:

  • Pour the desired amount of Greekhouse dressing into a microwave-safe bowl.
  • Microwave on low power for 10-15 seconds.
  • Stir well to combine the olive oil and lemon juice with the other ingredients.

• Stovetop Method:

  • Pour the Greekhouse dressing into a small saucepan.
  • Warm over low heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  • Remove from heat and whisk to ensure all ingredients are well combined.

• Shake and Serve Method:

  • If stored in a jar with a tight lid, simply shake the jar vigorously for about 30 seconds.
  • This will help re-emulsify the olive oil and red wine vinegar with the minced garlic and herbs.

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

• Whisk: A utensil used to blend the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice smoothly.

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

• Measuring spoons: Tools to measure the lemon juice, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper precisely.

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

• Storage container: An airtight container to store the dressing in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Pre-mix dry ingredients: Combine the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper in advance and store in a small container. This way, you can quickly add them to the dressing.

Use a jar: Instead of whisking in a bowl, use a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Add all ingredients, seal, and shake vigorously. This saves time on cleanup and ensures thorough mixing.

Minced garlic in bulk: Mince a larger batch of garlic and store it in the refrigerator. This reduces prep time for future recipes.

Lemon juice substitute: Use bottled lemon juice if you're in a hurry. It’s a quick alternative to freshly squeezing lemons.