Herb-Infused Half-Olive Oil Dressing
A simple dressing made with equal parts rosemary and thyme infused into high-quality olive oil, perfect for drizzling over salads or roasted vegetables. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes blends extra virgin olive oil, finely chopped fresh rosemary, finely chopped fresh thyme into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 12, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh rosemary, and 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh thyme. Heat over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until herbs are fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp lemon zest and 1/4 tsp salt. Let the mixture cool completely at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 3: Strain the oil through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar, pressing gently on the herbs to extract all liquid. Discard solids and store oil in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Infused Half-Olive Oil Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Herb-Infused Half-Olive Oil Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Infused Half-Olive Oil Dressing?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Herb-Infused Half-Olive Oil Dressing for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Herb-Infused Half-Olive Oil Dressing?
Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better salads dishes though.
