Zaxby's Mediterranean Dressing Recipe

Zaxby’s Mediterranean Dressing Recipe

When you love fresh, tangy dressings that really pack a punch, you’re going to want to try this Zaxby’s Mediterranean Dressing recipe.

It’s super easy to whip up, uses just a few simple ingredients, and adds a tasty Mediterranean twist to any salad.

Drizzle it over a crisp Greek salad or use it as a marinade for your grilled veggies, and you’ll see—it’ll soon become a go-to in your kitchen!

Why this Zaxby’s Mediterranean Dressing is so Special?

Zaxby’s Mediterranean Dressing is special because it combines the bold flavors of extra virgin olive oil, tangy red wine vinegar, and fresh lemon juice with the savory kick of Dijon mustard and minced garlic. The dried oregano adds a classic Mediterranean touch, making this dressing both vibrant and versatile.

Zaxby's Mediterranean Dressing

It’s perfect for salads, marinades, or even as a dip. The ease of preparation—just a quick shake in a jar—means you can enjoy a fresh, homemade dressing that’s bursting with flavor in minutes.

Ingredients Required

  • 4 tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 tablespoons of Red Wine Vinegar
  • Juice from 1 Lemon
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
  • 1 clove of Garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon of Dried Oregano
  • Salt and Pepper (season to taste)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  1. A jar with a lid
  2. A tablespoon and teaspoon for measuring
  3. A garlic press or knife for mincing garlic

Preparation Time:
5 minutes

How to Make Zaxby’s Mediterranean Dressing Recipe

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Mince the garlic clove finely, and juice the lemon to extract all the tangy goodness.

Prepare Your Ingredients

2. Combine the Ingredients: In a jar with a lid, add 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, and the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Next, add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, the minced garlic, and ½ teaspoon of dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine the Ingredients

3. Shake it Up: Secure the lid on the jar tightly and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds. This will emulsify the dressing, blending the oil and vinegar into a smooth, creamy consistency.

Shake it Up

Once your dressing is well mixed, it’s ready to serve. Drizzle it over your favorite salads, or use it as a marinade for meats and veggies.

How to Store Leftover Zaxby’s Mediterranean Dressing?

To store leftover Zaxby’s Mediterranean Dressing, pour it into an airtight container or a jar with a lid and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to one week. Before using it again, give the dressing a good shake to re-emulsify the ingredients. Avoid leaving it at room temperature to maintain its freshness and flavor.

What Pairs Well With This Zaxby’s Mediterranean Dressing

1. Greek Salad: Drizzle the dressing over a classic Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese for an authentic Mediterranean experience.

2. Marinated Grilled Chicken: Use the dressing as a marinade for chicken breasts or thighs before grilling. The tangy and zesty flavors will complement the smoky grilled taste.

3. Roasted Vegetables: Toss your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, in the dressing before roasting. It adds a flavorful Mediterranean twist to the veggies.

4. Mediterranean Grain Bowl: Create a grain bowl with quinoa or farro, roasted chickpeas, feta cheese, olives, and fresh greens, and top it off with the dressing for a nutritious and flavorful meal.

5. Pasta Salad: Mix the dressing into a cold pasta salad with ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and mozzarella balls. The dressing adds a fresh, tangy taste that enhances the salad’s flavors.

6. Caprese Salad: Use the dressing in place of balsamic vinegar over a Caprese salad of fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and basil for a refreshing variation.

7. Grilled Fish: Pair the dressing with grilled white fish, like tilapia or cod, to add a zesty and vibrant flavor that complements the mild taste of the fish.

8. Mediterranean Wrap: Spread the dressing inside a wrap with grilled chicken, lettuce, cucumbers, and feta for a quick, healthy lunch option with a Mediterranean flair.

9. Dipping Sauce for Bread: Serve the dressing as a dipping sauce for warm pita bread or crusty French bread as an appetizer. It’s a simple and delicious way to start any meal.

10. Potato Salad: Toss boiled potatoes in the dressing instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, Mediterranean-style potato salad that’s perfect for picnics or barbecues.

Keep in Mind About Zaxby’s Mediterranean Dressing Recipe

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly minced garlic will enhance the flavor of your dressing, giving it a bright, vibrant taste.

2. Choose Quality Olive Oil: The quality of the olive oil can significantly impact the flavor. Opt for a good extra virgin olive oil for the best results.

3. Balance the Acidity: If the dressing is too tangy for your taste, add a little more olive oil or a pinch of sugar to balance out the acidity.

4. Add Herbs for Extra Flavor: While oregano is traditional, you can experiment with other herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary for a unique twist.

5. Use as a Marinade: This dressing isn’t just for salads. Use it as a marinade for chicken, fish, or vegetables to infuse them with Mediterranean flavors before grilling or roasting.

6. Make it Creamy: For a creamier texture, whisk in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise. This variation works particularly well with grilled meats.

7. Adjust the Garlic: If you’re a garlic lover, add an extra clove for a more pronounced flavor. Conversely, reduce the amount if you prefer a milder garlic taste.

8. Mix Before Serving: The oil and vinegar may separate as the dressing sits. Always give the jar a good shake before serving to ensure everything is well combined.

9. Chill for Enhanced Flavor: Let the dressing sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and intensify.

10. Double the Batch: This dressing keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week, so consider doubling the recipe to have a ready-to-use dressing throughout the week.

Zaxby's Mediterranean Dressing Recipe

Zaxby's Mediterranean Dressing Recipe

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes

When you love fresh, tangy dressings that really pack a punch, you’re going to want to try this Zaxby’s Mediterranean Dressing recipe.

It’s super easy to whip up, uses just a few simple ingredients, and adds a tasty Mediterranean twist to any salad.

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 tablespoons of Red Wine Vinegar
  • Juice from 1 Lemon
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
  • 1 clove of Garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon of Dried Oregano
  • Salt and Pepper (season to taste)

Instructions

    1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Mince the garlic clove finely, and juice the lemon to extract all the tangy goodness.
    2. Combine the Ingredients: In a jar with a lid, add 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, and the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Next, add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, the minced garlic, and ½ teaspoon of dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    3. Shake it Up: Secure the lid on the jar tightly and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds. This will emulsify the dressing, blending the oil and vinegar into a smooth, creamy consistency.
    4. Once your dressing is well mixed, it’s ready to serve. Drizzle it over your favorite salads, or use it as a marinade for meats and veggies.

Notes

To store leftover Zaxby’s Mediterranean Dressing, pour it into an airtight container or a jar with a lid and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to one week. Before using it again, give the dressing a good shake to re-emulsify the ingredients. Avoid leaving it at room temperature to maintain its freshness and flavor.

Common Queries About This Zaxby’s Mediterranean Dressing Recipe

We’ve gathered the most common questions people have about this recipe and provided clear, helpful answers for you.

1. What kind of dressing does Zaxby’s have?

Zaxby’s offers a variety of dressings, including Ranch, Blue Cheese, Honey Mustard, Caesar, and their signature Mediterranean dressing. The Mediterranean dressing is known for its zesty, tangy flavor, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy fresh, vibrant salads.

2. What is a Mediterranean salad made of?

A Mediterranean salad typically includes fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, bell peppers, and olives. It’s often topped with feta cheese and sometimes includes chickpeas or other legumes. The salad is usually dressed with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, and herbs like oregano.

3. How many calories are in Zaxby’s Mediterranean dressing?

While the exact calorie count of Zaxby’s Mediterranean dressing can vary, a typical serving size (around 2 tablespoons) of similar Mediterranean dressings contains approximately 120-150 calories. For a homemade version, the calorie count can be slightly lower, depending on the ingredients and portion size used.

4. Is ranch dressing okay on a Mediterranean diet?

Traditional ranch dressing is not typically considered part of the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes healthy fats like olive oil, fresh vegetables, and lean proteins. However, you can enjoy ranch dressing in moderation or opt for a homemade version made with Greek yogurt to align more closely with Mediterranean diet principles.

5. Can I make the Mediterranean dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the Mediterranean dressing ahead of time. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before using it again to ensure the ingredients are well mixed.

6. What can I use instead of red wine vinegar in this recipe?

If you don’t have red wine vinegar on hand, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or even balsamic vinegar. Each will slightly alter the flavor, but they will still provide the acidity needed for the dressing.

7. Can I use this dressing as a marinade?

Absolutely! This Mediterranean dressing works wonderfully as a marinade for chicken, fish, or vegetables. The acidity from the vinegar and lemon juice helps tenderize the protein, while the garlic and herbs add a depth of flavor.

8. How do I make the dressing less tangy?

If you find the dressing too tangy, you can reduce the amount of lemon juice or vinegar, or add a pinch of sugar or honey to balance the acidity. Additionally, increasing the olive oil content will mellow out the tanginess.

9. Is Mediterranean dressing gluten-free?

Yes, this homemade Mediterranean dressing is naturally gluten-free, as it contains no wheat-based ingredients. However, always check labels if you’re using pre-made ingredients like Dijon mustard to ensure they are certified gluten-free.

10. Can I add other herbs to this dressing?

Yes, you can customize this Mediterranean dressing by adding other herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley. Fresh herbs can provide a more vibrant flavor, while dried herbs offer convenience and a longer shelf life.

This Zaxby’s Mediterranean Dressing recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to make, ensuring you can enjoy a burst of Mediterranean flavor whenever you like. Perfect for those who appreciate quick, fresh, and homemade dressings!

We hope you enjoyed this recipe! Share your thoughts when you try it at home in the comments section below. If you have any questions or need clarification, feel free to ask. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Reddit for the latest updates and more delicious recipes.

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