Vegan Greek Dressing (Panera Copycat)

Made with just a few simple ingredients in mere minutes, this vegan Greek Dressing recipe is not only easy to make but also packed with deliciously bright flavor. Whether you're looking to add some zing to your salads or use it as a marinade for grilled veggies, this Panera-style homemade Greek dressing is versatile, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.

Looking for more deliciously summery plant-based sides? Check out my vegan recipes for Mediterranean Chickpea Salad, Pesto Pasta Salad, and Dill Potato Salad next!

Jump to:

• What is Greek Vinaigrette?
• Ingredients
• Recipe Instructions
• Storage
• Optional Add-Ins/Variations
• Pro Tips
• FAQ
• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Related Recipes
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

This simple Greek salad dressing has a unique blend of flavors. This makes it a delicious addition to any salad, sandwich, or wrap you can think of. Between the tangy red wine vinegar, zesty lemon juice, savory garlic, and herbaceous oregano, you'll have yourself a bright and refreshing dressing that rivals anything you could get from Panera. 

But what really sets this Greek vinaigrette apart is how versatile it is. It's perfect for adding a burst of flavor to a simple vegan Greek salad, sure. But it's ALSO great as a marinade for tofu or vegetables or for adding bright flavor to grain bowls. And, because it's completely plant-based, you can feel good about drizzling it on everything. (And trust me, you're gonna want to.)

So rather than buying a bottle of expensive store-bought dressing that's loaded with preservatives and additives, why not try this easy Greek salad dressing recipe? It's so simple and tastes so good!

What is Greek Vinaigrette?

Greek vinaigrette is a type of salad dressing that originated in Greece, which I'm sure is a real shocker! 😂 It's typically made with a combination of olive oil, vinegar and/or lemon juice, and savory herbs like oregano. Some versions also include garlic for a hint of spiciness, mustard as an emulsifier, or agave for extra flavor.

Greek dressing is known for its tangy and slightly sweet taste. Because of its versatility, Greek dressing is a popular choice for everything from salads to sandwiches and wraps. It's also used as a marinade, adding delicious Mediterranean flavor to any dish.

The Greeks have been making variations of this dressing for centuries, using locally grown herbs and olive oil. In the mid-20th century, Greek dressing became a staple in many households.

Ingredients

As promised, you only need a handful of ingredients to make this copycat Panera Greek salad dressing at home:

• Olive Oil - If you have it, this is a great spot to use your fancy, cold-pressed, single-origin, extra virgin olive oil. If not, your normal salad oil will do just fine.
• Lemon Juice - Since this easy Greek dressing uses so few ingredients, you’ll definitely want to spring for fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. To get the most juice from your citrus, give it a firm roll on the countertop for 10-15 seconds before slicing it in half.
• Red Wine Vinegar - For an added layer of acidity and a lovely tannic quality that’ll have you coming back for more. Use the best quality vinegar you can afford for the tastiest dressing around.
• Garlic - Fresh is definitely best, especially since grating it is optimal for both taste and texture. In a pinch, feel free to swap in jarred minced garlic or garlic paste instead.
• Dijon Mustard - Not only does this French mustard give an extra je ne sais quois to my vegan Greek salad dressing, it ALSO helps to emulsify it into a gorgeously uniform, creamy, dreamy consistency that simply can’t be beat.
• Dried Oregano - If possible, opt for Greek oregano, which has a distinct flavor profile that is more intense and flavorful than other varieties of oregano. It has a slightly bitter taste with hints of lemon and mint. This makes it the perfect herb to add to the tangy acidity of the vinegar and lemon juice in Greek dressing.
• Kosher Salt & Freshly Cracked Black Pepper - For seasoning, to taste.

Recipe Instructions

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week!

Optional Add-Ins/Variations

There are plenty of ways to give this vegan Greek dressing recipe your own personal touch. Here are some optional variations that you might want to try:

• To make a creamier version of the dressing, you can add a tablespoon of tahini or vegan mayonnaise for a thicker texture and a rich, creamy flavor.
• If you miss the salty tang of feta cheese, you can crumble some vegan feta or add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast to the dressing for a similar flavor profile without any dairy.
• For an extra burst of lemon flavor, you can add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dressing. This will add a bright, fresh note that pairs well with the tangy vinegar.
• If you find the dressing too tart, you can add a teaspoon of agave nectar or maple syrup. This will sweeten the dressing, balance out the acidity, and give it a more rounded flavor.
• While Greek oregano is a key ingredient in this dressing, you can experiment with adding other fresh herbs. Herbs I would recommend are dill, basil, mint, or parsley.
• To add some heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the dressing. 

Pro Tips

• Since this recipe has so few ingredients, using the best you can afford makes a big difference in the taste. Use fresh lemon juice, good-quality olive oil and vinegar, and traditional Greek oregano for the best flavor.
• The key to getting the perfect texture for Greek dressing is to blend all the ingredients really well. Feel free to use a whisk, immersion blender, or even a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid to emulsify the oil and vinegar and create a smooth, creamy dressing.
• If the dressing is too tangy for your liking, add a touch of sweetener like agave or maple syrup. 
• You can also adjust the amount of herbs used, adding more or less depending on your preference. Feel free to swap in 3x as much fresh oregano if you have it on hand.
• Give it a rest! Like most salad dressings, this recipe will taste better after sitting in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This gives the flavors time to meld into a perfect symphony of deliciousness.
• Store it properly. This homemade vegan dressing will keep in the fridge for up to a week in a tightly sealed container. Make sure to give it a good shake or stir before using it, as the ingredients may separate over time.

FAQ

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy - You only need about 5 active minutes to whip up a batch of this zippy vegan dressing that’ll last you all week long.
• Budget-Friendly - A salad from Panera easily costs $10 or more. Making your own version at home is healthier, cheaper, and easier than you might think!
• Versatile - Whether you want to add some zing to your falafel, incorporate bright flavor into your mixed grill, or want something to dunk your veggies into, this tangy vegan Greek dressing has you covered.
• Made With Only A Handful Of Ingredients - You only need 8 ingredients total, 5 of which are pantry staples that I’m almost certain you already have on hand!

Let me know if you try out this vegan Greek dressing recipe, and if you do, I would love it if you left a rating and review below! Make sure you are also following along on Instagram and Pinterest for more food inspiration.

Related Recipes

Looking for other dressings, sauces, and spreads like this? Try these:

Print

📖 Recipe