Lemon Feta Vinaigrette

A few years back when I made the decision to try to cut back on processed foods and sugars, one of the first things I stopped buying was salad dressing. Just a few glances at the ingredient lists of most salad dressings and you quickly find out that 90% of the ingredients are chemicals you can’t pronounce and all kinds of different sugars.

Armed with that knowledge, I started making my own dressings at home (like this ranch, creamy gorgonzola, or this green goddess dressing for example) or just using lemon juice, vinegar, and olive oil. However, when I tried this amazing feta dressing out at a restaurant last week, I knew I need to make my own version at home.

Luckily since feta brings such a flavor punch, you don't need too much to make a fabulous dressing. The dressing starts with lemon juice, feta cheese, and olive oil. Then to punch up the flavors, I added Dijon mustard, oregano, and garlic.

You can add some yogurt or sour cream to make a creamier version, but I like the vinaigrette version with lots of bright lemon and small chunks of feta cheese. It will keep for a few days in the fridge so you can make a bigger batch and store it for salads during the week.

What You'll Need

• Feta cheese: Feta cheese is salty, creamy, and delicious. It is the main flavor component in this dressing. Use any type of feta you like. It can be packed in brine, crumbled, or reduced-fat crumbles. Flavored feta cheese like herb feta cheese or black pepper feta is also delicious.
• Fresh lemon juice: Salad dressing always needs acid and lemon juice pairs nicely with the feta and oregano in this dressing. Red wine vinegar would work as well. 
• Olive oil: Olive oil is my favorite oil for salad dressing. Choose one that tastes good since you can taste the oil in the dressing. Avocado oil or another neutral oil can be used as well.
• Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard is a secret way to add lots of flavor to salad dressing without needing to add a bunch of different ingredients. Whole grain mustard works as well.
• Oregano: Feta and oregano are a natural pairing in Greek dishes. Dried basil, Italian seasoning, thyme, or rosemary can be used as well.
• Garlic: Either use garlic powder or raw minced garlic. If you use fresh garlic, make sure to add the garlic to the lemon juice for 10 minutes to mellow out the raw flavor. Then add the other flavors. 

How to Use Feta Vinaigrette

Not surprisingly, this dressing goes great with salad greens and any type of salad. It is also delicious with roasted or grilled vegetables, grains, or even things like grilled chicken or shrimp. Here are some fun ways to use this vinaigrette. 

• Make this tasty Greek Chicken and serve it with cooked rice, crunchy veggies, and a drizzle of dressing.
• This delicious Chopped Chickpea Salad would taste amazing with this feta dressing.
• Finish off some roasted asparagus or broccoli with this dressing instead of crumbled cheese. 
• Make this easy lemon pepper shrimp and add the feta dressing at the end for even more flavor.
• Fire up the grill to make these Lemon Dijon Chicken Thighs and drizzle with vinaigrette before serving,

Recipe Tips and Ideas

Here are some unique ways to customize this tasty salad dressing,

• Make this creamy by adding some plain or Greek yogurt to the dressing. Mayonnaise or sour cream also works. 
• For grilled dishes, add some red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette for a unique flavor. 
• Make this with a different cheese like blue cheese, gorgonzola, goat cheese, or Parmesan. 
• Try it with different herbs like rosemary, parsley, or thyme.

Storing Homemade Salad Dressing

This dressing can be kept in the fridge for 5-7 days in an airtight container. Shake well before using. The olive oil sometimes can firm up so you will need to let the dressing come to room temperature before using.