This lemon olive oil dressing called ladolemono is so much more than a Greek salad dressing! This simple, bright, and tangy dressing will be your go-to for dressing salads, but you can also use it as a marinade, or as a sauce to finish anything from fish, to chicken and even grilled vegetables.

ladolemono Greek salad dressing with lemon juice and olive oil

When I think of Greek food or the most popular Greek recipes everyone loves like Greek chicken or Greek roasted potatoes, I can’t help but think of one of the fundamental flavor profiles and that is the combination of lemon juice and olive oil.

And if you ever wanted to add a touch of Greek to your favorite foods, a great place to start is by learning how to make this bright Greek salad dressing, or rather, this multipurpose lemon vinaigrette called Ladolemono!

This homemade Greek dressing recipe is one of the easiest to make, and it is much better than your average store-bought dressing. Like my easy, bright green basil vinaigrette, which comes together with barely any effort, ladolemono takes mere seconds to whip up.

Ladolemono

This basic homemade Greek dressing or sauce is made up of a few key ingredients: lemon juice and olive oil, with garlic and dried oregano, whisked together until emulsified. The basic ratio to make ladolemono is 1:3–one part lemon juice to three part excellent extra virgin olive oil. But, you can add a little bit more for flavor–I like to use a pinch of dry oregano and minced garlic. There are many uses for ladolemono as a dressing or a marinade, and I love using to finish lovely fish dishes like this whole roasted branzino recipe.

What is Greek salad dressing made of?

This dressing is made of:

  • Fresh lemon juice. I used juice of 2 large lemons or 1/4 cup of lemon juice.
  • Dry oregano. This is optional, but if you like a little more flavor, use about 2 teaspoons of dry oregano.
  • Fresh garlic. 1 garlic clove, minced, should do it. And this is also another optional ingredient to add a little punch.
  • Kosher salt and black pepper. This is to your liking, but I ended up using about 3/4 teaspoon of each
  • Extra virgin olive oil. Use a quality extra virgin olive oil as the flavor will really shine through in this dressing. Take a look at my favorite olive oils, you’ll find a good selection of quality oils with high polyphenols and low acidity levels, some with a pleasant, light and fruity finish and others more intense with a peppery finish. I’ve tried this lemon vinaigrette with different olive oils and really enjoyed it.

How to make Greek dressing from scratch?

  • Combine lemon juice with garlic and spices
    In a bowl or measuring cup, combine 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice with 1 to 2 teaspoons of dry oregano, minced garlic clove, and a good dash of kosher salt and black pepper. Whisk to combine

    ladolemono Greek dressing ingredients in measuring cup with a whisk and used lemon halves to the side
  • Add olive oil while whisking vigorously to emulsify
    While whisking, slowly drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and continue to whisk vigorously. The ladolemono dressing will emulsify and become viscous

How to use this ladolemono Greek dressing?

Like I said earlier, you can use this dressing or lemon vinaigrette in a variety of ways:

  • As a salad dressing. This is the obvious use here, and you can’t go wrong with that. I just used it on my favorite grilled chicken salad.
    You can use it on almost any green salads or maybe even Mediterranean orzo salad or Italian pasta salad in place of the typical dressing used.
    I mentioned earlier that the dressing for a traditional Greek salad is typically a splash of good olive oil and red wine vinegar. And often times, bottles of both condiments are set on the table so you can use as much oil and vinegar and you like. That said, if you want to use a couple of tablespoons of this lemon and olive oil dressing instead over your Greek salad you absolutely can!
  • As a sauce. You can drizzle ladolemono over grilled fish, chicken, or even grilled vegetables. I don’t mind a little over my quick pan-seared salmon or trout, for example.
  • As a marinade. Earlier, I shared a yogurt based chicken marinade, and this lemon dressing can work very similarly. In fact, it’s the marinade I use for Greek sheet-pan chicken! When using a lemon-based marinade for chicken though, I typically allow no more than 2 hours of marinating in the fridge.

Make ahead & Storage

Make sure to store this homemade Greek salad dressing in the fridge in a tight-lid mason jar for up to 2 weeks (I try to use mine within 1 week). As it sits in the fridge, the olive oil and lemon will separate, which is expected. Just give the dressing a gentle shake or whisk before using.

Other Greek recipes to try:

Hungry for more? Browse our Greek recipes collection, Salad recipes collection, or Top Mediterranean diet recipes.

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4.88 from 162 votes

Ladolemono Greek Salad Dressing Recipe

Suzy Karadsheh of The Mediterranean Dish. In the kitchenSuzy Karadsheh
ladolemono Greek salad dressing with lemon juice and olive oil
You'll love this versatile Greek lemon and olive oil dressing. You can use it as a Greek salad dressing on your favorite salad, as a marinade for chicken or fish, or as a bright finishing sauce to drizzle on things from grilled vegetables to kabobs and more!
Prep – 10 minutes
Total – 10 minutes
Cuisine:
Greek
Serves – 16 tablespoons
Course:
Condiment

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice, juice of 2 large lemons
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 large garlic clove minced
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¾ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Put the lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt and pepper in a bowl. Whisk to combine.
  • While you are whisking vigorously, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil.

Video

Notes

  • Storage: Store your ladolemono Greek dressing in a tight-lid glass jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks (I try to use mine within 1 week). The oil will separate from the lemon as it sits in the fridge, give it a gentle shake before using on your salads, grilled meats, fish etc. 
  • Visit our online shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including extra virgin olive oils and spices. 

Nutrition

Calories: 91.4kcalCarbohydrates: 0.5gProtein: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 1.4gSodium: 109.4mgPotassium: 9.1mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 5.5IUVitamin C: 1.8mgCalcium: 5.4mgIron: 0.2mg
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I’m Suzy; born and bred right on the shores of the Mediterranean. I’m all about easy, healthy recipes with big Mediterranean flavors. Three values guide my cooking: eat with the seasons; use whole foods; and above all, share! So happy you’re here…
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4.88 from 162 votes (105 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Cookiec says:

    What fabulous presentation but most importantly your recipes are fantastic and so healthy!! This area of the world has spoiled me so beautiful the food and the people. Thank you for sharing these great recipes!!

  2. Linda Marie Garcia says:

    Love your recipes. Just a beginner
    Look forward to trying your recipes. Will let you know how it goes

    1. TMD Team says:

      Can’t wait to hear what you try, Linda!

    2. Olivia says:

      This dressing was so easy and quick to make! And delicious!

  3. liz says:

    5 stars
    My husband gave me a cook book for Christmas and I’m in love with your recipes. Question about dried oregano. dried ground oregano or dried oregano leaves?

    1. TMD Team says:

      Hi, Liz! Thank you so much! You’ll want to use dried oregano leaves here. Enjoy!

  4. Shelby Mitchell says:

    5 stars
    Easy to make and absolutely delicious. It’s how I usually dress my salads but sometimes get the measurements off, now with this recipe it will be perfect every time. Thank you.

    1. TMD Team says:

      So glad you enjoyed it, Shelby!

  5. Mark says:

    5 stars
    Is the nutrition info provided “per one” tablespoon?

    1. TMD Team says:

      That is correct, Mark.

  6. Nancy says:

    Wondering if I can use fresh squeezed oranges instead of the lemons? Thanks!

    1. Suzy Karadsheh says:

      Hi, Nancy. We’ve never tried that before. It might work, but I’m not sure how well the orange flavor would meld with the garlic and oregano.

  7. Cynthia Rodarte says:

    5 stars
    I have several of you recipes. I love them!!!

  8. Dinnett says:

    I must have done something wrong because that was the worst salad dressing. No flavor and bitter. I loved the chicken marinade.

  9. Rosanna says:

    5 stars
    Can you use the dressing in a green salad?

    1. Suzy says:

      Sure!

  10. Myriam says:

    5 stars
    Best dressing ever! So flavorful and easy to prepare!! I use it for any green salad and has become a staple in my house. Use a whisker before you pour on so all ingredients mix well! Enjoy

  11. Anica says:

    5 stars
    I am just really enjoying your recipes and videos. All the herbs you use and way of cooking is very much in line of how I like to cook! I’ve been trying out your recipes for the past 3 days now! Love it and thank you!

    Anica

    1. Suzy says:

      You are very welcome, Anica!

  12. Jim Tarrant says:

    4 stars
    Very good salad dressing. My longstanding practice is to zest lemons before using and incorporating it into the dressing .
    Also an average sized lemon is already 1/4 cup’s worth of juice. You called for two so I just doubled the recipe.

    1. Scott says:

      4 stars
      I noticed the same thing, Jim. Recipe says both 1/4 cup of lemon juice AND juice of two large lemons. I think that’s a typo? 1/4 cup was far too little but juice of two good-sized lemons was just right. It’s a nice dressing. Drizzled it over broiled salmon filets (recipe on this site).

      1. TMD Team says:

        Hi, Scott. It should read 1/4 cup of lemon juice (juice of 2 large lemons). It’s not both. So sorry for the confusion.

  13. Marie says:

    5 stars
    Knock your socks off good!
    And today when I had it (3rd day in a row) I added fresh dill & mint to my salad. It was a flavor explosion. 😋

    1. Suzy says:

      Thanks so much, Marie!

  14. JLu says:

    5 stars
    The BEST Greek salad dressing ever!!

    1. Suzy says:

      I agree! 🙂

  15. Arlene says:

    Looks like a great dressing. Can I substitute avocado oil? If not, I will do the olive oil.
    Thank you
    Arlene

    1. Suzy says:

      Hi, Arlene. I have not tried that, so I’m not sure how avocado oil would affect the overall flavor. I would really recommend sticking with olive oil here.

  16. Jeanette Lombardo says:

    5 stars
    I follow many of your recipes they are all so good. You are the best. I just want to say Thanks.

    1. Suzy says:

      Thanks, Jeanette!