The Best Homemade Feta Salad Dressing

Imagine drizzling your fresh, crisp greens with a dressing so vibrant and flavorful that each bite transports you to the sun-drenched shores of Greece. That’s exactly what you get with this Feta Salad Dressing recipe! It’s a harmonious blend of extra virgin olive oil, tangy red wine vinegar, zesty lemon juice, aromatic garlic, and herbs, crowned with the star ingredient—crumbled feta cheese.

Best part, you can make this feta vinaigrette perfectly creamy just by preparing it in a food processor. Both are just are delicious and I’ll be sharing both versions in the directions below. This dressing is not just a dressing; it’s a celebration of Mediterranean flavors that promises to elevate your ordinary salad into a gourmet Greek salad experience.

Why You’ll Love This Feta Salad Dressing Recipe

The creamy feta dressing combines the robust flavors of traditional Greek salad dressing with the creamy, tangy goodness of crumbled feta cheese, creating a dressing that is both comforting and refreshing. It’s perfect for those who love the classic flavors of a Greek salad but crave a creamier, more indulgent texture. Whether you’re dressing a simple garden salad or a more elaborate Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives, this feta salad dressing will not disappoint.

Health Benefits & Inspiration

This feta salad dressing recipe is inspired by the healthy, vibrant lifestyle of the Mediterranean diet. It’s packed with heart-healthy fats from the extra virgin olive oil, a staple of Mediterranean cuisine known for its health benefits. The addition of lemon juice not only adds a burst of flavor but also vitamin C, while garlic provides antioxidants. The feta cheese, rich in calcium and probiotics, adds a creamy texture and a tangy kick, making this dressing not just delicious but also nutritious.

What Kind of Feta Can Be Used

For this feta salad dressing recipe, you can use any type of feta cheese according to your preference. Traditional Greek feta, known for its tangy and slightly salty flavor, is a popular choice that adds authenticity to the dressing. If you prefer a creamier texture, opt for French or Bulgarian feta, which are smoother and less crumbly. For those looking for a milder taste, Danish feta made from cow’s milk offers a softer flavor profile.

Best Salad to Serve with this Feta Salad Dressing

My favourite salad to use this simple Feta Cheese Salad Dressing is in this Mediterranean-Inspired Chickpea Salad.

Feta Dressing Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese

How to make feta dressing your own

If you’re out of red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar makes a great substitute, offering a slightly different but equally delicious tang. No fresh lemon? Use 2 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice instead. For those who prefer a thicker, more indulgent dressing, adding a tablespoon of sour cream can enhance the creaminess.

How To Make Feta Dressing: Without a Food Processor

1. Combine Base Ingredients: In a mixing bowl or mason jar, whisk together the following until well combined:
   • Olive oil
   • Red wine vinegar
   • Lemon juice
   • Minced garlic
   • Dried oregano
   • Dried basil
   • Salt
   • Black pepper
2. Add Feta Cheese: Incorporate the 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese into the bowl with the base mixture.
3. Mix for Texture: Using a fork, gently mix the feta into the dressing, ensuring to leave some small chunks for added texture.
4. Taste and Adjust: Sample the dressing and, if necessary, adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.
5. Chill for Flavors to Blend: Transfer the prepared dressing into a jar or airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to sit for at least an hour before serving to enhance the blend of flavors.

How To Make Creamy Feta Dressing

1. In a food processor, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Blend until the ingredients are well mixed.
2. Add the crumbled feta cheese to the mixture in the food processor. Pulse a few times until the feta is mostly blended into the dressing, leaving some small chunks for texture.
3. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If the dressing is too thick, add a little more olive oil or lemon juice to reach your desired consistency.
4. Transfer the dressing to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: Approximately 150 per serving
• Fat: 15g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 0g

Tips for Success

• For the best flavor, use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice.
• Let the dressing sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight to enhance the flavors.
• If you prefer a smoother dressing, blend the feta cheese thoroughly. For a chunkier texture, pulse briefly.
• Experiment with adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley for an extra flavor boost.

How to Store Feta Dressing

To store feta dressing, transfer it to an airtight container or jar and keep it refrigerated. Properly stored, the dressing should last for up to 1 week. Always give it a good stir or shake before using to ensure the ingredients are well combined.

How to Use This Easy Dressing Recipe

Here are a few of my favourite ways to use this Greek Feta Salad Dressing:

1. Classic Greek Salad: Drizzle it over a traditional Greek salad comprised of ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, red onion slices, Kalamata olives, and chunks of feta cheese. The dressing adds a creamy, tangy layer that complements the fresh vegetables and briny olives perfectly.
2. Marinade for Proteins: Use the feta dressing as a flavorful marinade for chicken, lamb, or fish. The acidic components of the lemon juice and vinegar will help tenderize the meat, while the herbs and feta add depth of flavor. Marinate for a few hours or overnight before grilling or roasting. This works best when it’s not blended in the food processor.
3. Vegetable Dip: Serve the dressing as a dip for a platter of raw vegetables. When prepared creamy, it’s texture and bold flavors make it an ideal companion for carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes, transforming a simple snack into a delightful treat.
4. Pasta Salad Enhancer: Elevate your next pasta salad by tossing it with this feta dressing. Combine cooked and cooled pasta with your choice of vegetables, perhaps some arugula or spinach, and toss everything with the dressing for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
5. Sandwich Spread: Spread a thin layer of the feta dressing on your favorite sandwich or wrap for an extra burst of flavor. It pairs wonderfully with Mediterranean-style ingredients like grilled vegetables, hummus, and slices of roasted turkey or chicken, adding a creamy texture and tangy taste to every bite.

Found another way to use it? Let me know in the comments how you used it in your recipes!