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Ladolemono Dressing with Extra Virgin Olive oil and Oregano from Mount Taygettus, in Lakonia

Ladolemono Dressing with Extra Virgin Olive oil and Oregano from Mount Taygettus, in Lakonia

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Ladolemono (in Greek λαδολέμονο) pr. lah-tho-LEH-moh-noh, is a Greek composite word from “ladi” which means oil and “lemoni” which means lemon.   

ladolemono with mustard image

Oil in this case, refers to the best quality of olive oil, so this is a Greek condiment made with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice and flavoured with Greek oregano.

This dressing / sauce is used to add flavour to grilled fish or meat, to dress cold or warm salads or to dress legumes.

In Athens, I usually buy some Greek oregano from Mount Taygettus.  However, last week when we went to Sparta we went up on the slopes of Mount Taygettus and picked some.

wild oregano image

Taygetus Greek: Ταΰγετος, also Taigetos is a mountain range of the Peloponnese, Southern Greece, extending about 65 miles (100 km) north from the southern end of Cape Matapan in the Mani Peninsula. It rises to about 7,900 ft (2,410 m) at Mt. St. Elias or Prophitis Elias.

Mountain range of Taygettus image

The mountain is named after Taygete, who was a nymph, one of the Pleiades according to the Bibliotheca (3.10.1) and a companion of Artemis.  In Byzantine times and up until the 19th century, the mountain was known as Pentedaktylos (Greek for five-fingered). The mountain range includes the prefectures of Arcadia, Laconia and Messenia. The highest peak of the mountain is known for displaying the approximate shape of a pyramid. A church of the prophet Elias (προφήτης Ηλίας) is located near the peak.

Taygettus during winter image

The valley of the Evrotas River lies to the east, while the Ionian Sea lies to the south and west along with the Gulf of Kalamata or the Messenian Gulf and Arcadia to the north. Almost all of the Evrotas valley, the Parnon Mountains and half of Laconia can be seen from the eastern slope. The western slopes panorama includes Kalamata and the eastern half of Messenia. Most of the southwestern part of Arcadia can also be seen. The central part of the mountain range is commonly called “Skoteini Plevra” which means “the dark side” because the villages that are in the Taygettus don’t receive as much sunshine, especially in the morning and the pre-dusk hours. Much of the area is forested and in higher areas, deforested with grasslands, meadows and flowers. The area receives sunshine only during the afternoon hours. The length is about 4 to 5 km and the width is approximately 1 km. (courtesy Wikipedia).

Pyramid on Tayettus mountain image

I am sure that all of you who are not of Greek origin, do not know that Greece had Pyramids even before the ancient Egyptians. The pyramid of Taygettus is visible without the use of binoculars but in this picture it is not very clear as I took it from the car and from far away. I am giving you a few links and if you are intrigued you may read all about this. One of these pyramids is visible from the road towards Sparta and it is more clear during winter when there is snow on it.

Although the Pyramid of Taygetus is disputed, the others are not but the Greek government instead of restoring them have left them to total destruction as the pyramid of Hellinikon, near Argos which a few decades back was in a very good condition.

Hellinikon Pyramid image

Origanum vulgaris hirtum (and not oregano vulgaris, which is marjoram) is the true Greek Oregano with flavor so intense it numbs the end of your tongue when fresh.

Oregano is an important flavouring herb in Mediterranean cookery, and is often used dried rather than fresh.  When it is fresh you can make oregano pesto or oregano flavoured sea salt.

Greek pita chips with olive oil and oregano salt image

In order to preserve oregano, you have to dry it first, always inside the house.  First wash the herb and let it drain.  Tie all the ends together and hang it upside down and let it dry indoors for a few weeks.

The best way to remove it from the stalks is to put it in a plastic bag and then rub the leaves otherwise you will prick your fingers on the twigs.

Another way is to wear latex gloves and remove the leaves from each individual twig.

Dried oregano image

I also put the leaves in a food processor to crush them into smaller pieces.  I then store it in zip lock bags or air-tight containers.

Collage crushing oregano image

Ladolemono with olive oil and oregano from Taygettus is a special treat.

The best way to use your leftover bread is to toast it or grill it.  Then wet it with olive oil (my husband adds a loooooot!), sprinkle oregano and coarse sea salt and you’ll have the BEST bread you’ve ever eaten! 

It is perfect for a quick snack or accompaniment to drinks like ouzo, tsipouro or just a glass of wine.

See also post for making Pita chips.

Bread with ladolemono and rigani image

Top it with some of your favourite ingredients and the “mezedaki” or appetizer, similar to bruschetta, is ready.

Greek bruschetta with tomato and olives image

What to add in the dressing?

To make “ladolemono” you need a good quality of extra virgin olive oil and oregano.

Our relatives in Sparta have olive groves and they give us some of their extra virgin olive oil but we also buy some when we are there.

Extra virgin olive oil from Taygettus image

The ratio of olive oil to lemon juice depends on what you are dressing.  A good ratio would be 1:1.

However this is a matter of personal taste.  For example, is you are dressing an oily fish, it is preferable to add more lemon juice.  If you want to dress a salad and cut down on the calories, add less olive oil.

After adding the olive oil and lemon juice, the other main ingredients are oregano, coarse sea salt and black pepper.

collage ladolemono image

Oregano is the basic aromatic herb for this dressing and even in Greece the Greeks look for oregano which originate from a few places such as Crete, the Mount of Taygettus, and the island of Allonissos, because of its wonderful fragrance. If you add this oregano in the oil and lemon dressing no other ingredient is necessary as this enhances the flavour of the fish or meat.

Optionally, you can add some black pepper or other spices, lemon zest, fresh herbs, mustard, garlic, etc.  These extras, however, should not overwhelm the flavour of oregano.

Just put all the ingredients in a jar with a lid and give them a good shake.

vlita with fish image

Vlita Salad (amaranth greens) for example, are usually served with olive oil, lemon (or vinegar), garlic, oregano, and pepper.

When there is garlic or other ingredients in the ladolemono, such as  fennel or capers, it is best to blend them in a food processor.

This and many more recipes are included in my cookbook Mint, Cinnamon & Blossom Water, Flavours of Cyprus, Kopiaste as well as in my e-cookbook.

Ladolemono Dressing with Extra Virgin Olive oil and Oregano from Mount Taygettus, in Lakonia

Ladolemono Dressing with Extra Virgin Olive oil and Oregano from Mount Taygettus, in Lakonia

Yield: 1 cup
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Ladolemono dressing/sauce is used to add flavour to grilled fish or meat, to dress cold or warm salads or to dress legumes.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup of lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp coarse sea salt
  • A pinch of black pepper

Optional ingredients:

  • 1 tsp Dijon Maille mustard
  • Zest of a lemon
  • Chopped garlic
  • Capers
  • Fresh herbs (e.g. dill, chives, fennel fronds etc.)
  • Other spices of your preference

Instructions

  1. Put all the ingredients in a container with an airtight lid and shake well so that the end result is a creamy dressing.
  2. Shake or stir before using, as the oil will separate.

Notes

If using the optional ingredients, put all the ingredients in a food processor and mix until all combined.

Nutrition Information
Yield 1 Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving Calories 1045Total Fat 110gSaturated Fat 15gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 91gCholesterol 0mgSodium 2621mgCarbohydrates 24gFiber 8gSugar 5gProtein 4g

"These values are automatically calculated and offered for guidance only. Their accuracy is not guaranteed."

Did you make this recipe?

Tried this recipe? Tag me @ivyliac and use the hashtag #kopiaste!

Other relevant recipes:

Lavraki (sea bass) with Mustard Ladolemono

Pita Chips

Liver Riganato Ladolemono

Something fishy . . with Ladolemono

Gavros (Anchovies) Ladorigani

Collage ladolemono image

Kopiaste and Kali Orexi,

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Martha

Tuesday 17th of August 2010

mmmmm that bread looks good enough to eat !!! :) thanks for posting that recipe

Ivy

Thursday 7th of August 2008

Peter, I thought you would like reading this and I am glad I have contributed a little bit to make this known, even to a few people.

Peter G

Thursday 7th of August 2008

I'm glad I read this Ivy...you really are a wealth of information. It's a pleasure to read others work when so much effort goes into it. I really had no idea about the pyramids and Taygettus...very interesting. The ladi and rigani I'm very familiar with as this is the region my parents are from...And ladolemono is truly the best! I have taught many Australians about using it on their barbecued meats!....A wonderful medley of info Ivy.

Ivy

Tuesday 5th of August 2008

Sis, another new word for me to learn. Stalks. Thanks.

Bellini Valli

Tuesday 5th of August 2008

That is fascinating about the Greek pyramids sis!!! One of those little known facts to tourists. Our local Italian grocers sells Greek oregano still on the stalks.

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