Creamy Lemon Salad Dressing Recipe

If you’re looking for a bright, tangy salad dressing that’s rich and velvety, you’ve got to try this Creamy Lemon Salad Dressing Recipe. I absolutely love how this dressing brings a fresh zing to any salad without being overpowering, and you’ll find it’s incredibly easy to whip up with just a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re dressing up a simple green salad or adding a little something extra to your keto-friendly meals, this creamy lemon dressing is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Creamy Lemon Salad Dressing Recipe

• Mayonnaise: I always use full-fat mayo for creaminess and richness—it’s the base that makes this dressing indulgently smooth.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is a game changer. Bottled just can’t compete in flavor or brightness.
• Olive Oil: Adds a subtle fruity note and smooth texture; extra virgin is best for flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: This wakes up the dressing with a mild tang and helps emulsify the ingredients beautifully.
• Garlic Powder: Just a pinch to add a savory depth without overwhelming the lemon’s brightness.
• Salt: Balances all the flavors—don’t skip!
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground is ideal for a gentle peppery kick.

Variations

I love that this Creamy Lemon Salad Dressing Recipe is a fantastic base for tweaks, so feel free to make it your own. Sometimes I add a little fresh herbs, and other times I swap olive oil for avocado oil for a different subtle flavor.

• Add Fresh Herbs: I once mixed in some chopped dill and parsley, which gave the dressing an herbaceous lift that my family really enjoyed.
• Make It Spicy: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give this dressing a nice little kick without overpowering the lemon.
• Dairy-Free Option: If you’re avoiding dairy but love creaminess, try swapping mayo for a vegan mayonnaise, and it still tastes amazing.
• Extra Creamy: A spoonful of Greek yogurt stirred in adds extra tang and a smooth texture if you want to switch things up.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Salad Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Measure Everything

I always start by measuring out all my ingredients and setting them on the counter. It makes the whole process smooth and stress-free. Make sure your mayonnaise is at room temperature to help the flavors marry better.

Step 2: Whisk Ingredients Together

Grab a small bowl and add mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until the dressing looks silky and well blended. I like to use a balloon whisk – it really helps achieve a smooth texture fast.

Step 3: Refrigerate for Best Flavor

This is a big game changer: refrigerate your creamy lemon salad dressing for at least 30 minutes before using. I discovered this trick after the first time I tried it fresh—letting it chill really lets the flavors blend and mellow in a way that makes every bite taste balanced and bright.

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Salad Dressing Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing salads with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and sometimes a zest of lemon peel to echo the dressing’s brightness. A few toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds also add a wonderful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy dressing.

Side Dishes

This creamy lemon dressing pairs incredibly well with crisp mixed greens, roasted vegetables, or even as a sauce for grilled chicken or fish. My go-to side dishes are garlic roasted asparagus and a simple quinoa salad—it all ties together perfectly!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this dressing in little individual glass jars with tiny wooden spoons—cute and practical. It also pairs well drizzled artistically over a composed salad platter with colorful veggies laid out in rows for a beautiful table centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps beautifully for up to one week. Before serving again, a good stir or quick whisk brings it back together since separation can happen naturally.

Freezing

Freezing mayonnaise-based dressings isn’t something I usually recommend because the texture can change and separate on thawing. I personally avoid freezing this creamy lemon dressing to keep its silky consistency intact.

Reheating

This dressing is best served cold or at room temperature. If it’s been chilled, just let it sit on the counter for 10 minutes and give it a gentle stir before drizzling – no reheating needed!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I’ve made this Creamy Lemon Salad Dressing Recipe so many times now, and it never fails to impress both me and my guests. Its bright lemon zing combined with the creamy base is just irresistible. If you’re looking to brighten up your salads or add a little something extra that’s easy and delicious, you’ve got to give this a try. Trust me, once you’ve made it, you’ll want to keep a jar in your fridge at all times!

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