If you’re looking for a creamy, tangy dressing that’s as versatile as it is delicious, you’re going to love this Creamy Greek Dressing. You only need a few simple ingredients and it’s a game-changer for salads and grain bowls, and you can even use it as a dip.
What is Creamy Greek Dressing?
Creamy Greek dressing is a yogurt-based take on traditional Greek salad dressing. It combines the tartness of Greek yogurt with the bright zing of fresh lemon juice and the richness of olive oil. The result is a silky smooth dressing that pairs perfectly with Mediterranean-inspired dishes or just about anything needing a burst of fresh flavor.
The bonus with this sauce is that it is far more than just a salad dressing. Use it as a marinade, a spread for wraps and sandwiches, or as a dip for veggies.
Ingredients
You may already have most of what you need to make this homemade dressing in your fridge or pantry — no grocery store needed!
- Plain Greek Yogurt – This is the base of the dressing that gives it a tangy flavor and creamy texture.
- Fresh Lemon – You’ll use both the juice and zest here to add brightness and citrusy flavor that balances the creaminess of the yogurt.
- Olive Oil – Oil gives the dressing smoothness and richness. I prefer to use extra virgin olive oil for this dressing.
- Milk – Milk helps thin out the dressing just enough to make it pourable while keeping it creamy. I recommend whole milk but you can use whichever type you prefer — you may just need to adjust the amount if you use skim milk or another low-fat variety.
- Coarse Kosher Salt – A pinch of salt brings out all the other flavors.
- Ground Black Pepper – A little pepper adds just the right amount of mild heat. Use fresh ground pepper for the best flavor.
- Fresh Herbs (Minced) – Herbs like dill, parsley, or oregano give this dressing a fresh, aromatic finish.
Variations
This delicious dressing is endlessly customizable!
- Crumbled Feta Cheese – Stir in a bit of crumbled feta for extra creaminess and a salty tang. You can leave it chunky or you can make a creamy feta dressing by using an immersion blender on high speed to smooth it out.
- Garlic – Minced garlic or roasted garlic adds another layer of flavor.
- Vinegar – Swap out the lemon juice for a splash of red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Tahini – A spoonful of tahini gives the dressing a nutty undertone and a touch of richness.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Finely chop some sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and savory twist.
- Aromatics – For oniony flavor, try sprinkling in onion powder. Or, also add a pop of color with diced red onion. You can also add fresh garlic or garlic powder.
- Spices – Sprinkle in a bit of smoked paprika or ground cumin for an earthy kick.
- Olives – For some brininess, toss in finely diced kalamata olives or green olives.
- Mustard – Add a little zing to the dressing with a dollop of Dijon mustard.
- Herbs – Try adding fresh oregano, Greek oregano, or fresh basil for even more Mediterranean-inspired flavor. Or, sprinkle in fresh dill to brighten it up.
- Crunchiness – For some added texture and a refreshing crunch, mix in finely chopped cucumber or a diced red bell pepper.
What To Serve With Homemade Creamy Greek Salad Dressing
This creamy dressing is a natural fit for fresh salads. It’s also incredible drizzled over dishes like a Greek chicken bowl, roasted lamb, or chicken kabobs.
You can also use it as a marinade for chicken, salmon, or other seafood before grilling or roasting. Or, spread it on sandwiches, paninis, or burgers (especially lamb burgers) to take them to the next level!
Finally, don’t miss out on using it as a veggie dip. It’s perfect paired with nearly any fresh veggies — try celery, carrot sticks, bell peppers, or even artichoke hearts!
How to Make Creamy Greek Dressing
Making this dressing is as easy as mixing and chilling!
- Mix the base. Add the Greek yogurt, juice, and zest of a lemon, olive oil, milk, salt, and pepper to a mixing bowl. Whisk until all of the ingredients are combined and the dressing is creamy and smooth. You can also use a food processor if you prefer.
- Add the herbs. Gently stir in the minced fresh herbs, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dressing.
- Chill. Cover the dressing and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. This allows the flavors to come together.
Common Questions About Creamy Greek Dressing
Creamy Greek dressing is a simple combination of Greek yogurt, olive oil, milk, and citrus with a sprinkling of fresh herbs.
While a traditional oil-based Greek dressing doesn’t container dairy, this creamy version does.
Greek yogurt is creamier than some other varieties because the extra whey is removed.
Storage and Freezing
Keep your creamy Greek dressing fresh by storing it properly in the fridge or freezer. Then you’ll have it on hand whenever you want it!
How to Store
Store the dressing in an airtight container or a mason jar a tight-fitting lid in the fridge for up to one week.
Can I Freeze Creamy Greek Dressing?
Freezing isn’t ideal for creamy yogurt-based dressings, so we don’t recommend it. But if you do. thaw it in the fridge, then pop it in the food processor and give it a whirl to try to return it to its original consistency.
More Creamy Sauces
If you’re on the search for more creamy sauces to drizzle or dip into, you’re in the right place! Take a look at some of our other favorites.
Creamy Greek Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- 1 fresh lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs minced
Instructions
- In the bowl of a food processor or a medium mixing bowl with a whisk, combine the yogurt, juice and zest of one lemon, olive oil, milk, salt and pepper, mxing until smooth.
- Fold or pulse in the fresh herbs.
- Cover and store chilled until ready to use.
- if you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.
Notes
Nutrition
