Easy Garlic Dressing is a bold, tangy, and creamy dressing that packs a serious punch of flavor. Made with fresh garlic, red vinegar, lemon juice, and Parmesan, this dressing is perfect for garlic lovers looking to elevate their salads, vegetables, or even sandwiches. Quick to prepare and bursting with character, it’s a go-to for anyone craving a punchy, homemade dressing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This garlic dressing isn’t shy—it delivers a powerful garlic flavor that stands up in any dish. It’s creamy without being heavy, thanks to a touch of mayonnaise and olive oil, and the lemon juice and vinegar add brightness that balances out the richness. Whether you’re dressing a salad, drizzling it over grilled veggies, or using it as a dipping sauce, it adds depth and zing to every bite. Best of all, it’s ready in just five minutes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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6 fat cloves garlic
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2 tablespoons mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons red vinegar
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Juice of 1 lemon
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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⅓ cup olive oil
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½ teaspoon dried oregano
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2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
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Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Directions
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Finely mince the garlic and sprinkle it with a pinch of coarse salt. Use the back of a knife to press and drag the garlic repeatedly, forming a smooth paste.
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Transfer the garlic paste to a small mixing bowl. Add the mayonnaise, red vinegar, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Whisk until well combined.
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Pour in the olive oil, then add the dried oregano and Parmesan cheese. Whisk again until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Add more olive oil to soften the flavor, or more lemon juice/vinegar for extra tang.
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Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Variations
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Creamier Version: Add an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise for a thicker consistency.
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Spicy Garlic Dressing: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
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Herbed Twist: Mix in fresh chopped parsley or basil for an herby note.
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Vegan Option: Use vegan mayo and omit Parmesan, or replace with nutritional yeast.
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Roasted Garlic Version: Use roasted garlic for a sweeter, milder garlic flavor.
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Yogurt Base: Replace mayo with plain Greek yogurt for a tangy, protein-rich alternative.
Storage/Reheating
Store the garlic dressing in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake or whisk before each use, as separation may occur naturally. This dressing is served cold and does not require reheating.
FAQs
How strong is the garlic flavor?
Very strong—this recipe uses raw garlic for a bold, punchy flavor. It’s for garlic lovers!
Can I use roasted garlic instead?
Yes, roasted garlic will mellow the flavor significantly and add a hint of sweetness.
Is this dressing good for salads?
Absolutely—it’s especially great on leafy greens, grain bowls, or chopped veggie salads.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it stores well for up to 5 days in the fridge and can even taste better after sitting for a few hours.
Is this dressing gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients used are naturally gluten-free.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
You can substitute plain Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo alternative.
Can I freeze garlic dressing?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture may change once thawed.
How can I reduce the tanginess?
Add more olive oil to soften the vinegar and lemon juice flavors.
Can I use pre-minced garlic?
Fresh garlic is best for full flavor, but pre-minced can be used in a pinch—just expect a slightly less vibrant taste.
Conclusion
This Easy Garlic Dressing is a fast, flavorful way to elevate your meals with minimal effort. Its bold garlic bite, balanced with tangy vinegar, lemon, and creamy elements, makes it an irresistible addition to salads, roasted vegetables, and more. If you’re a garlic fan, this quick homemade dressing is a must-try that you’ll want to keep in rotation all year long.
Print
Easy Garlic Dressing
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This bold and creamy garlic dressing is packed with fresh garlic flavor, tangy lemon, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for garlic lovers looking to add a punch of flavor to salads, sandwiches, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
- 6 fat cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons red vinegar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
- Salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Mince the garlic finely and sprinkle with a bit of coarse salt. Using the back of a knife, mash the garlic into a paste by pressing and dragging repeatedly until smooth.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the garlic paste, mayonnaise, and red vinegar.
- Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon into the bowl and add the dijon mustard. Whisk to combine.
- Add the olive oil, dried oregano, and Parmesan cheese. Whisk again until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
- Taste and season with salt and fresh cracked pepper. Adjust with more olive oil to mellow the flavor, or more lemon juice or vinegar for added tang.
Notes
- Best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Great as a dip, marinade, or sandwich spread in addition to salads.
- Use roasted garlic for a milder version with the same depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dressing
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 3mg
