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    Home » Recipes » Condiments » Greek Salad Dressing - Lemon and Olive Oil with Garlic and Herbs

    Greek Salad Dressing - Lemon and Olive Oil with Garlic and Herbs

    by: Anya·posted: Jul 18, 2023·updated: Jul 18, 2023·Leave a CommentThis post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    salad dressing in a bottle on white plate with fresh parsley on the left with text overlay that says "easy Greek salad dressing".

    You will love the zesty and refreshing flavors of ladolemono, a Greek Salad Dressing. This tangy dressing combines vibrant notes of fresh lemon and olive oil dressing with aromatic hints of garlic and herbs to give you Mediterranean flavors on salad, meats, or any other dish.

    salad dressing with fresh green salad in the background and fresh parsley to the side.

    A salad dressing can make or break a salad. It can elevate a simple combination of veggies, and just as equally, it can leave the flavors flat and textures uninspired.

    But making salad dressings from scratch doesn't have to be a daunting task. With a few simple steps, you can create this deeply flavorful dressing rich in olive oil and citrusy lemon goodness.

    It's so good and so easy that you'll soon be whipping this up by memory.

    Then drizzle it over your favorite salad, like a gluten free pasta salad or Greek tomato and cucumber salad. Or consider marinating chicken in ladolemono for that perfect tender protein to pair with a tasty side.

    Jump to:
    • Why you'll love this lemon and olive oil dressing
    • Ingredients
    • Make it Nutrient Dense
    • Helpful Tips
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • Helpful Tools & Links
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Storage Instructions
    • FAQs
    • Printable Recipe

    Why you'll love this lemon and olive oil dressing

    Refreshing Mediterranean flavor - The ingredients create a vibrant and refreshing flavor profile thanks to the citrusy lemon and fragrant herbs.

    Quality control - Making homemade salad dressing gives you complete control over the ingredients, ensuring freshness and quality.

    Versatile - Ladolemono goes beyond a simple salad dressing. It can be used as a marinade for meats and seafood or drizzled on roasted vegetables.

    Wholesome - This easy lemon olive oil salad dressing is an easy way to add healthy fats and nutrition to your meals.

    💭Fun Fact: Ladolemono is translated from Greek to English as oil and lemon. The name accurately reflects the main ingredients of this Greek salad dressing, which are mainly made of olive oil (ladi) and lemon (lemoni). 

    Ingredients

    Learn how to make this lemon salad dressing called ladolemono with two simple steps and basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

    ingredients for salad dressing with olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, herbs, and Dijon mustard.
    • Extra virgin olive oil: I love this 100% California cold press extra virgin olive oil but feel free to use your favorite. This will make the base of the salad dressing use the best quality olive oil.
    • Lemon juice: Adds a bright, tangy, and refreshing flavor to the salad dressing, balancing the richness of the olive oil.
    • White wine vinegar: While this is not traditionally included in an authentic Greek salad dressing, it adds a more pronounced tartness than the lemon juice alone. Feel free to swap this with fresh lemon juice instead.
    • Dijon mustard: Contributes a slightly spicy taste that adds depth and complexity to the lemon mustard dressing.
    • Herbs: A combination of dried parsley, basil, and oregano add major flavor and complement Mediterranean cuisine.
    • Garlic: Adds a robust flavor and savory note to the ladolemono dressing.
    • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor, balancing everything out in this lemon vinaigrette recipe.

    See the recipe card for exact quantities.

    Make it Nutrient Dense

    Staying true to the heart of what Prepare and Nourish is all about, there are ways to ensure you get the maximum nutrition in lemon and olive oil dressing. Even though ladolemono is a straightforward recipe, you can take purposeful steps to contribute towards a nutrient-dense lemon dressing.

    Use the best olive oil. High-quality extra virgin olive oil is rich in healthy fats and antioxidants. These healthy fats allow better nutrient absorption and provide overall health benefits.

    Amp the garlic. Double the garlic flavor and health benefits, and use the olive oil from garlic confit oven recipe.

    Fresh herbs. Swap dried herbs with a generous amount of fresh herbs like oregano, basil, parsley, or chopped dill to the dressing for an amazing herbaceous aroma. Fresh herbs are also packed with phytochemicals, antioxidants, and various minerals adding nutrition to the ladolemono dressing.

    Swap out with white wine vinegar. Consider using apple cider vinegar or brine from a lacto-fermented vegetable like unpasteurized sauerkraut or fermented green tomatoes for acidity and live probiotics.

    Boost the allicin in garlic. Crushing garlic releases allicin, a compound with microbial and antioxidant properties. (source) Let minced garlic sit for a few minutes before stirring it into the garlic salad dressing to optimize allicin production.

    layered salad dressing in a small dressing bottle.

    Helpful Tips

    Time-saving tip - Feel free to use concentrated lemon juice instead of fresh lemons. Just be sure it's free from sweeteners and additives.

    Less clean up - Make this lemon olive oil salad dressing directly in a wide-mouth mason jar and use an immersion blender for proper emulsifying. Save time and extra dishes to wash.

    Serve at room temperature - For the flavors to fully develop and meld together, serve this lemon and olive oil dressing at room temperature. Depending on the olive oil, it may solidify in the refrigerator, so be sure to pull it out 30 minutes before serving.

    Shake before using - Even after thorough emulsification; the ingredients may separate and settle with storage. Give the dressing a good shake before serving to ensure the ingredients are re-distributed.

    💭Meal Prep Suggestion: Double the salad dressing but don't add the garlic until just before serving. Freshly minced garlic will produce an off-taste if stored for long period of time.

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    The complete printable recipe is below in the recipe card for your convenience.

    The recipe for lemon and olive oil dressing with garlic and herbs is a very simple 2-step tangy deliciousness.

    olive oil, herbs, and garlic in a small dish.

    Step 1. Add

    In a small bowl or a pint-size mason jar, add all the ingredients in the order listed above.

    whisked salad dressing in a clear dish.

    Step 2. Whisk

    Whisk until emulsified or shake vigorously to thoroughly combine all the salad dressing ingredients.

    💭Pro tip: For best results, blend the olive oil with the rest of the ingredients in a high speed blender or with an immersion blender until fully incorporated and completely emulsified. The lemon olive oil dressing will become opaque tan. 
    lemon olive oil dressing in a small salad dressing bottle with fresh green salad on the right side.

    Helpful Tools & Links

    Below are some affiliate links that may be helpful to you as you make ladolemono, a lemon and olive oil dressing. You can find some of these items cheaper at your local store, but having a link helps you know what you're looking for.

    • Tools: stainless-steel citrus juicer, mesh strainer, immersion blender, small balloon whisk
    • Ingredients: unrefined sea salt, olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried parsley, dried basil, dried oregano, organic pure lemon juice,

    Serving Suggestions

    The most obvious way to serve Mediterranean dressing is with Mediterranean chopped salad (coming soon). However, don't limit this lemon and olive oil dressing to fresh salads only.

    It's a great marinade for meats and seafood and a delicious dip for vegetables. It's also a refreshing dressing for grains like Instant Pot millet or buckwheat and excellent for pasta salads, especially during summer.

    Greek salad dressing is as versatile as your imagination. Explore different ways to use it and enjoy experimenting.

    Lemon and Olive Oil dressing pairing suggestions
    • rocket salad with arugula leaves on a white platter with goat cheese and prosciutto toppings with wooden spoons on the left.
      Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese and Prosciutto
      Cook Time15 Minutes
    • Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Salmon, Asparagus & Potatoes Sheet Pan - A complete meal on one pan - full of flavor and easy to put together. Can be customizable to fit your dietary needs for Whole30, Paleo, or Low Carb. #sheetpan #onepan #salmon
      Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Salmon, Asparagus and Potatoes
      Cook Time30 Minutes
    • Greek Tomato & Cucumber Salad (Low Carb, Primal, GAPS) -This Greek Tomato and Cucumber Salad with or without feta cheese has all the robust Mediterranean flavors. With a simple 4-ingredient salad dressing, this salad can be made in 15 minutes. #healthysalad #greeksalad
      Greek Tomato and Cucumber Salad (Primal, Low Carb, GAPS) +VIDEO
    • green beans with sauteed garlic and lemon wedges.
      Buttery Green Beans with Garlic and Lemon
      Cook Time20 Minutes

    Storage Instructions

    How long does ladolemono last in the refrigerator?

    To store: Store leftover lemon and olive oil salad dressing in the fridge in an airtight container like a pint-size mason jar or a salad bottle dispenser for up to 1 week. To prolong shelf life, consider adding the minced garlic until just before serving to maintain freshness.

    Olive oil and lemon dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks without minced garlic.

    Storage containers: This is a great salad dressing dispenser, and this pint-size mason jar works in a pinch.

    closeup of Greek salad dressing with fresh parsley on the side.

    FAQs

    What are the main ingredients in ladolemono?

    The main ingredients in a true ladolemono are extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Some variations, like this one, may include additional ingredients like fresh garlic, mustard, or herbs for added flavor.

    What is the best lemon for ladolemono?

    The best lemon to use in lemon and olive oil dressing is a fresh, ripe lemon that is vibrant in flavor and aroma. Eureka and Lisbon lemons are a great choice to use in ladolemono. Meyer lemons are also excellent for their sweet and floral flavor.

    Can I use regular olive oil instead of extra virgin olive oil?

    While extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its superior flavor and quality, you can use regular olive oil if needed. However, the taste and aroma of the dressing may be less pronounced.

    Looking for other healthy salad dressing recipes? Here are some ideas:
    • Caesar salad dressing in a weck jar
      Healthy Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe
    • House salad dressing inside a clear jar.
      Simple House Salad Dressing
    • weck jar of freshly made pesto sauce
      Authentic Fresh Basil Pesto Recipe
    • garlic sauce with specks of black pepper and minced garlic with fresh parsley leaf.
      Easy 5-minute Spicy Garlic Yogurt Sauce
    Did you make this? Please leave a ⭐ recipe rating in the recipe card below and leave a review in the comments. Thank you!💚

    Printable Recipe

    salad dressing in a clear bottle with salad dressing on the right side.

    Lemon and Olive Oil Dressing - Ladolemono

    Anya @ Prepare & Nourish
    The zesty and refreshing flavor of ladolemono, a Greek Salad Dressing is made with tangy lemon and olive oil dressing with hints of garlic and herbs.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Condiment
    Cuisine Mediterranean
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 125 kcal

    Equipment

    • immersion blender
    • balloon whisk
    • pint-size mason jar

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
    • ¼ cup lemon juice
    • ¼ cup white wine vinegar
    • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
    • 2 garlic cloves minced
    • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
    • 1 teaspoon dried basil
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Add: In a small bowl or pint-size mason jar, add all the ingredients in the order listed above.
    • Whisk: Whisk until emulsified or shake the jar vigorously to thoroughly combine all the ingredients. Serve over salad or as marinade.

    Notes

    Recipe makes approximately 1-½ cups, enough for 2 generous-sized salads. 
    Storage: Leftover salad dressing should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. To prolong shelf life, add the minced garlic until just before serving to maintain freshness.
    Without minced garlic, ladolemono can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
    Tips: 
    Time-saving tip - Use bottled concentrated lemon juice instead of fresh lemons. 
    Less clean up - Make this lemon olive oil salad dressing directly in a wide-mouth mason jar and use an immersion blender for proper emulsifying. 
    Serve at room temperature - For the flavors to fully develop and meld together, serve this lemon and olive oil dressing at room temperature. Pull it out of the fridge 30 minutes before serving.
    Shake before using - Even after thorough emulsification; the ingredients may separate and settle with storage. Give the dressing a good shake before serving to ensure the ingredients are re-distributed.
    Meal prep suggestion: Double the salad dressing but don't add the garlic until just before serving. Freshly minced garlic will produce an off-taste if stored for long period of time.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 125kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 306mg | Potassium: 21mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 0.3mg
    Nutrition Information
    The information shown is an estimate provided for your convenience by an online calculator. It should not be considered as a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice. See our complete Nutritional Information Disclaimer.
    Keyword Greek salad dressing, ladolemono, lemon and olive oil dressing, lemon dressing for salad, Mediterranean salad dressing
    ©Prepare and Nourish • Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is encouraged and appreciated but please do NOT screenshot or copy/paste complete recipes to websites or social media.
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Leave a comment below and share a photo on Instagram. Mention @prepareandnourish and be sure to tag #prepareandnourish!

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    Sharing wholesome recipes using seasonal ingredients and simplified methods since 2014. My hope is you'll feel right at home in this online kitchen, where you'll find real food recipes for real families.

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