Savory Roasted Garlic and Herb Dressing for Mediterranean Salad
Elevate your salad experience with this delightful Roasted Garlic and Herb Dressing, infused with the rich flavors of roasted garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect for a fresh Mediterranean salad featuring crisp romaine, juicy tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese, this dressing also doubles as a fantastic marinade for grilled pork tenderloin or chicken. Make it ahead of time for easy assembly, ensuring your meal is both delicious and stress-free. Experience a burst of flavor with every bite!
N/A
Servings
120
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic
1 head (unpeeled)
Olive oil
1/4 cup
Oregano
1/2 teaspoon
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons
Water
1-2 tablespoons
Sun-dried tomatoes
2 tablespoons (minced)
Romaine lettuce leaves
8 cups (torn)
Tomato
1 (cored and cut into wedges)
Cucumber
1 cup (diced)
Kalamata olives
1/2 cup
Feta cheese
1/2 cup (crumbled)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Using a sharp knife, carefully slice off 1/4 to 1/2 inch from the top of the unpeeled garlic head, exposing the delicate cloves inside.
3
Place the garlic head in a small oven-safe dish and drizzle with about 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil, making sure the cloves are lightly coated.
4
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the garlic cloves feel soft when gently pressed.
5
Once roasted, remove the garlic from the oven and let it cool. You will only need 5 to 6 cloves for the dressing, so save the extras for other delicious recipes.
6
In a mixing bowl, use a fork to mash the 5 to 6 roasted garlic cloves into a smooth paste.
7
Stir in the oregano, salt, and pepper, mixing thoroughly to combine the flavors.
8
Whisk in the remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and enough water to achieve your desired dressing consistency.
9
Blend in the minced sun-dried tomatoes and adjust seasoning with additional salt if necessary.
10
In a large salad bowl, combine the torn romaine lettuce, tomato wedges, and diced cucumber.
11
Drizzle the roasted garlic dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the greens evenly.
12
Finish with kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese, giving it one more gentle toss before serving.
Nutrition Information
10
Fat
6
Carbs
2
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of this dressing?
The dressing is characterized by rich flavors of roasted garlic and sun-dried tomatoes combined with balsamic vinegar and herbs.
What type of salad is this dressing best suited for?
It is designed for a fresh Mediterranean salad featuring romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta cheese.
Can I use this dressing for something other than salad?
Yes, it doubles as a fantastic marinade for grilled pork tenderloin or chicken.
What oven temperature is required to roast the garlic?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
How do I prepare the garlic head for roasting?
Slice off 1/4 to 1/2 inch from the top of the unpeeled garlic head to expose the cloves, then drizzle with olive oil.
How long does it take to roast the garlic?
The garlic should bake for 25 to 35 minutes until the cloves feel soft when pressed.
How many garlic cloves are needed for the dressing?
You will need 5 to 6 roasted garlic cloves for the dressing mixture.
How do I incorporate the roasted garlic into the dressing?
Use a fork to mash the roasted garlic cloves into a smooth paste in a mixing bowl.
What type of vinegar is used in this recipe?
Balsamic vinegar is used to provide a tangy depth to the dressing.
Are there sun-dried tomatoes in the dressing?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of minced sun-dried tomatoes.
What ingredients are used for the salad base?
The base includes torn romaine lettuce, tomato wedges, and diced cucumber.
What kind of cheese is recommended for the salad?
Crumbled feta cheese is used to finish the salad.
Which olives are best for this Mediterranean salad?
The recipe specifies using kalamata olives.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 120 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 6 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this recipe provide?
Each serving provides 2 grams of protein.
Can this dressing be made in advance?
Yes, making it ahead of time allows the flavors to meld and ensures a stress-free meal assembly.
What herbs are used in the seasoning?
The recipe uses dried oregano along with salt and pepper.
Why is water added to the dressing?
Water is added to help achieve your desired dressing consistency.
Is the garlic peeled before roasting?
No, the garlic is roasted unpeeled with only the top sliced off.
How do I finish the salad before serving?
Drizzle the dressing over the greens, toss gently, then add olives and feta cheese for a final toss.
What should I do with leftover roasted garlic cloves?
The recipe suggests saving extra cloves for use in other delicious recipes.
How many cups of romaine lettuce are needed?
The recipe requires 8 cups of torn romaine lettuce leaves.
What is the preparation for the tomato in the salad?
The tomato should be cored and cut into wedges.
How much cucumber is used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of diced cucumber.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients in total including the dressing and salad components.
How much olive oil is used for the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of olive oil plus 1/2 teaspoon for roasting.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, Mediterranean-style easy recipe.
Can I adjust the salt in the dressing?
Yes, the instructions suggest adjusting the seasoning with additional salt if necessary after blending.