There’s something so undeniably chic about the way Europeans approach their salads. Whether you’re dining at a tiny bistro in Provence, a family-run trattoria in Tuscany, or a local gem in the Greek islands, the dressings always seem to have that perfect balance of flavors that transform simple greens into something extraordinary.

Takeaways New Hide ▲

Simple ingredients and proportions

create effortless European salad

dressing sophistication

Let dressings sit before

serving to meld flavors

for elevated entertaining

Fresh herbs like basil, oregano,

and tarragon add vibrant

plant flavor to salads

Store homemade dressings up

to one week refrigerated

for easy home use

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What’s their secret? Often, it’s the simplicity. European salad dressings typically feature high-quality, fresh ingredients combined in perfect proportions. No artificial preservatives, no complicated techniques, just pure, authentic flavors that transport you to sun-drenched Mediterranean coastlines and stunning countryside cafes.

Ahead, we’re sharing five summer salad dressing recipes that capture the essence of European cuisine. Each recipe is incredibly easy to make with readily available ingredients, yet delivers that distinctive European flair that will elevate your salads from ordinary to extraordinary.

Summer Salad Dressing Recipes:

@manonlagreve

Host like a French – Ep 2: Vinaigrette. You will find a jar in most of French fride. This is the classic recipe, i get mine from my Mamie, but you can make it with so many different oils and even add honey! Tell me your favourite vinaigrette recipe in the comments ! #hostlikeafrench #frenchfood #tiktokrecipe #vinaigrette #frenchfacts #frenchiesoftiktok #frenchtiktok #quickrecipe #fyp #frenchdressing

♬ original sound – Manon Lagrève

Classic French Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small shallot, finely minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard and vinegar.
2. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously.
3. Add the minced shallot, salt, and pepper.
4. Adjust seasoning to taste.

@downshiftology

Homemade Italian Dressing! 🌿 Here’s a reminder to always make your own dressings. Who knows what funky ingredients are in the bottled kind! 😵‍💫 This version is light and zesty, loaded with herbs, and perfect for drizzling on anything for a fresh Italian touch. INGREDIENTS: – Olive Oil – Red Wine Vinegar – Lemon Juice – Honey – Dried Oregano, Basil, and Thyme – Garlic – Dijon Mustard – Salt & Pepper 👉 Find the full recipe on my website (link in bio).

♬ original sound – Lisa Bryan – Downshiftology

Italian Herb Dressing

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
2. Shake well until thoroughly combined.
3. Let sit for at least 30 minutes before using to allow flavors to meld.

@unicornsinthekitchen

Ladolemono, a vibrant Greek lemon olive oil sauce, is a must-have for any kitchen. This zesty dressing, with its bright flavors of fresh lemon juice, rich olive oil, and aromatic garlic and oregano, adds a Mediterranean touch to your dishes. #ladolemono #greekrecipes #greekcuisine #greekfood #mediterraneanfood ▢ ⅓ cup Lemon juice ▢ ½ cup Olive oil ▢ ¼ tsp Salt ▢ ¼ teaspoon Black pepper ▢ 1 clove Garlic grated ▢ 1 teaspoon Oregano

♬ original sound – Unicorns in the Kitchen

Greek Island Lemon Dressing

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Whisk together lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and honey in a bowl.
2. Gradually stream in olive oil while whisking continuously.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

@fraichetable

Day 6 of our salad dressing series features our Herbed Vinaigrette recipe. Head to Fraîche Table to start you free trial now! #saladdressing #mealplan

♬ original sound – yurizukii

Provençal Herb Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (mix of tarragon, chervil, and parsley)
• 1 small shallot, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine herbs, shallot, and mustard in a bowl.
2. Add vinegar and whisk to combine.
3. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking.
4. Season with salt and pepper.

@guarnaschelli

Foolproof citrus dressing. Oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits…#salad #easy #citrus #dressing #delicious

♬ original sound – Alex Guarnaschelli

Mediterranean Citrus Dressing

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine citrus juices, honey, garlic, and thyme in a bowl.
2. Whisk in olive oil gradually.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Storage Tip: All these dressings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Bring to room temperature and shake well before using.

For the best results, use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh herbs whenever possible. The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the final taste of your dressings.

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