Greekhouse Dressing Recipe

Olive oil: Provides a rich, smooth base for the dressing.

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

Lemon juice: Offers a fresh, zesty kick.

Dijon mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing and adds a subtle sharpness.

Garlic: Brings a robust, aromatic depth.

Oregano: Infuses the dressing with a classic Mediterranean herb flavor.

Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and complexity.

To enhance the flavor of your Greekhouse dressing, consider using a high-quality extra virgin olive oil. The richness and depth of a premium olive oil can significantly elevate the overall taste. Additionally, when mincing the garlic, aim for a very fine consistency to ensure it blends seamlessly into the dressing, providing a more uniform flavor. For an extra burst of freshness, you can also add a pinch of freshly chopped oregano along with the dried version. This combination of fresh and dried herbs can add complexity and a vibrant aroma to your dressing.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a mild flavor that works well in 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 acidic and citrusy note to the dressing.

• dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard has a similar tangy flavor and can add a bit of texture to the dressing.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar garlicky flavor, though it lacks the fresh bite of minced garlic.

• dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme has a slightly different but complementary herbaceous flavor that can work well in the dressing.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide the same level of saltiness with a slightly different mineral profile.

• freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar spiciness but a slightly different flavor profile that can add a unique twist to the dressing.

• To store your Greekhouse dressing, transfer it into a clean, airtight jar or container. This helps maintain its freshness and prevents any unwanted flavors from seeping in.

• Place the jar in the refrigerator. The olive oil in the dressing may solidify slightly when chilled, but don't worry—this is completely normal.

• Before using, take the jar out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the olive oil to return to its liquid state.

• Give the jar a good shake to re-emulsify the ingredients. This ensures that the red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and other components are well mixed.

• For optimal flavor, use the dressing within 1-2 weeks. The fresh garlic and lemon juice can lose their potency over time.

• If you wish to freeze the dressing, pour it into ice cube trays for easy portioning. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container.

• When ready to use, thaw the desired number of cubes in the refrigerator overnight. Shake well before serving to ensure the dressing is well combined.

• Avoid freezing the dressing for more than 3 months, as the quality and flavor may diminish over time.

• Pour the Greekhouse dressing into a small saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat as it can alter the flavor of the olive oil and red wine vinegar.

• Alternatively, you can place the dressing in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a few holes poked in it. Microwave on low power in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until warm.

• For a more even and gentle reheating, use a double boiler. Place the dressing in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Stir occasionally until warmed through.

• If you prefer not to heat the dressing directly, you can warm it by placing the jar or container in a bowl of hot water. Let it sit for a few minutes, shaking occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature.

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

• Whisk: A utensil used to blend the dressing ingredients until they are well combined.

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

• Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure the dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper precisely.

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

• Jar: A container used to store the dressing in the refrigerator.

• Lid: A cover for the jar to keep the dressing fresh and secure.

• Refrigerator: An appliance used to keep the dressing cool and preserve its freshness.

• Cutting board: A surface to place the garlic cloves while mincing.

• Knife: A tool to cut and prepare the garlic cloves before mincing.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and other ingredients ahead of time to streamline the process.

Use a jar: Combine all ingredients in a jar with a tight lid. Shake vigorously instead of whisking to save time and reduce cleanup.

Minced garlic hack: Use pre-minced garlic from a jar to cut down on prep time.

Batch preparation: Make a larger batch of the dressing and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, so you have it ready for multiple meals.

Lemon juice shortcut: Use bottled lemon juice if you’re in a hurry, though fresh is always best.