Easy Garlic Dressing Recipe

Introduction

This easy garlic dressing is a creamy, flavorful sauce perfect for salads, grilled veggies, or as a dip. It combines fresh garlic with tangy vinegar and lemon for a bright, zesty finish.

Ingredients

• 6 fat cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Mince the garlic finely and sprinkle it with a bit of coarse salt. Use the back of your knife to smash the garlic into a soft paste by pressing and dragging the knife repeatedly.
2. Step 2: In a small mixing bowl, combine the garlic paste with mayonnaise and red wine vinegar. Squeeze in the lemon juice and add the Dijon mustard. Whisk well to blend all ingredients.
3. Step 3: Add the olive oil, dried oregano, and freshly grated Parmesan to the bowl. Whisk again until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
4. Step 4: Taste the dressing and season with salt and freshly cracked pepper as needed. Adjust the flavor by adding more olive oil to soften the tang or more lemon juice or vinegar to increase brightness.

Tips & Variations

• For a smoother dressing, blend all ingredients in a food processor instead of whisking by hand.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter, tangier version.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra freshness and color.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor; pre-grated can alter texture.

Storage

Store the garlic dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir well before each use. It’s best enjoyed chilled but can be brought to room temperature for easier pouring.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dressing ahead of time?

Yes, this dressing actually benefits from resting a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.

Is this dressing suitable for a vegan diet?

This recipe contains mayonnaise and Parmesan, which are not vegan. You can substitute vegan mayonnaise and a plant-based Parmesan alternative to make it vegan-friendly.

Easy Garlic Dressing Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 144 reviews

This Easy Garlic Dressing is a creamy, tangy, and flavorful dressing perfect for salads, drizzling over roasted vegetables, or as a dip. Made from fresh garlic, zesty lemon, red wine vinegar, and Parmesan cheese, this homemade dressing offers a rich and savory profile with simple ingredients blended into a smooth, vibrant sauce.

• Author: Yana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: About 3/4 cup (enough for 4–6 servings) 1x
• Category: Sauce/Dressing
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Garlic Paste

• 6 fat cloves garlic
• Coarse salt (for smashing garlic)

Dressing Base

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 lemon (juice only)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Flavor Enhancers

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the garlic paste: Mince the garlic cloves finely and sprinkle with a pinch of coarse salt. Using the back of your knife, press and drag it repeatedly over the garlic until it forms a smooth, soft paste. This technique helps mellow the garlic’s sharpness and enhances its flavor in the dressing.
2. Combine wet ingredients: Transfer the garlic paste to a small mixing bowl. Add the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and slightly emulsified, creating a creamy base.
3. Add olive oil and seasonings: Slowly pour in the olive oil while whisking continuously to incorporate it fully, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture. Then, add the dried oregano and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, whisking again until everything is evenly blended.
4. Adjust seasoning and flavor balance: Taste the dressing and season with salt and fresh cracked pepper according to your preference. If the dressing tastes too tangy, add a little more olive oil to mellow it out; if it needs more brightness, add a splash more lemon juice or red wine vinegar. Whisk again to combine any adjustments.

Notes

• Use fresh garlic for the best flavor and minimal bitterness.
• The coarse salt helps break down the garlic to release natural oils and flavor when making the paste.
• Freshly grated Parmesan adds a savory umami depth to the dressing.
• This dressing keeps well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Use as a salad dressing, a dip for vegetables, or a sauce for grilled meats and roasted vegetables.

Keywords: garlic dressing, easy garlic sauce, homemade salad dressing, creamy garlic dressing, Mediterranean dressing