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Big Ray's Mediterranean Salad Dressing

This recipe makes a ton of dressing but may be scaled down to half. Plan ahead, as the dressing needs to chill for a few hours before serving. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. All ingredients may be adjusted to taste.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 24 people
Calories 3175.4 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Glass Jar For mixing and storing the dressing.
  • 1 Whisk or Spoon To combine ingredients thoroughly.
  • 1 Measuring Cups For liquids like olive oil and vinegar.
  • 1 Measuring Spoons For dried herbs, spices, and Dijon mustard.

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 ½ cups olive oil
  • ½ cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese or to taste (Optional)
  • 1 ½ tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 ½ tablespoons dried oregano
  • 1 ½ tablespoons dried basil
  • 1 tablespoon granulated onion
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic or to taste
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper or more to taste (Optional)

Instructions
 

  • Pour olive oil, 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons vinegar, Parmesan cheese, mustard, oregano, basil, onion, garlic, salt, sugar, and black pepper into a large glass jar. Whisk or stir with a spoon until well combined.
  • Refrigerate dressing for at least 2 hours. Shake very well before serving.

Notes

This Mediterranean dressing benefits significantly from good quality ingredients. Use a robust extra virgin olive oil and a good red wine vinegar for the best flavor profile. The chilling time is crucial; it allows the dry herbs to rehydrate and the flavors to meld and deepen, transforming from individual notes to a harmonious blend. For an extra vibrant dressing, consider using fresh minced garlic and finely chopped fresh oregano and basil, adjusting the quantities as fresh herbs are more potent than dried. If aiming for a slightly thicker, more emulsified dressing, consider blending it briefly with an immersion blender. Always shake vigorously before each use to re-emulsify and redistribute the seasonings, especially if using Parmesan.