Craving that bright, zesty Panera Bread Greek salad dressing? Forget the takeout! This recipe lets you recreate that iconic flavor at home, quickly and easily. It's the perfect complement to your favorite salad, adding a burst of fresh Mediterranean sunshine to your meal. This homemade version is healthier than store-bought options, and surprisingly simple to make – perfect for busy weeknights or impressive weekend gatherings. Prepare to elevate your salads to the next level!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, basil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
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Emulsify: For a smoother dressing, whisk vigorously until all the ingredients are well combined and slightly emulsified. Alternatively, for a more rustic texture, simply shake the ingredients together in a jar with a tight-fitting lid until blended.
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Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings to your preference. You might want to add more lemon juice for extra tartness, more oregano for a stronger herbal flavor, or a pinch more salt and pepper to balance the flavors.
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Serve Immediately or Store: This dressing is delicious served immediately over your favorite salad. For later use, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it even more delicious!
Tips for the Best Panera Greek Salad Dressing:
- Fresh Herbs: Using fresh oregano and basil will significantly enhance the flavor profile. If you have them on hand, try substituting 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh oregano and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil for the dried herbs.
- High-Quality Olive Oil: The quality of your olive oil greatly impacts the overall taste of the dressing. Opt for a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best results.
- Lemon Power: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dressing beautifully; bottled lemon juice just won't cut it!
- Storage: Store the dressing in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and prevent oxidation.
Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
- Creamy Texture: Stir in a tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise for a creamier dressing.
- Herby Delight: Experiment with other herbs like thyme or parsley.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 15-20g
- Saturated Fat: 2-3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 100-150mg
- Carbohydrates: 2-3g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 0g
This delicious and easy Panera Greek salad dressing recipe is perfect for adding a homemade touch to your meals. It's a healthy, flavorful option that's quick to prepare, making it a staple in any kitchen. Enjoy!