If you’re anything like me, you know that a great salad dressing can totally elevate your greens from ‘meh’ to ‘wow!’ That’s why I’m excited to share this Creamy Lemon Salad Dressing Recipe that is absolutely fan-freaking-tastic. It’s tangy, rich, and super simple to whip up with ingredients you probably already have on hand. I love this because it brings bright, fresh lemon flavor balanced with creamy tang, and I promise once you try it, your salads—and even veggies or chicken—will never be the same.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super simple ingredients: You probably have everything in your pantry, making this dressing a breeze to make anytime.
- Bright and tangy flavor: The fresh lemon juice packs a citrus punch that wakes up your salad like nothing else.
- Creamy yet light texture: Thanks to mayo and olive oil, you get luscious creaminess without feeling heavy.
- Perfect for keto and low-carb diets: It’s full of healthy fats and zero added sugars, making it a guilt-free delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Lemon Salad Dressing Recipe really lies in its simple yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Fresh lemon juice is the star player here, so I always recommend picking a bright, juicy lemon for the best flavor kick. A good-quality olive oil rounds things out with a silky mouthfeel, and Dijon mustard adds a little tangy complexity.
- Mayonnaise: Use a good-quality mayo for smoothness and richness; homemade or store-bought works fine.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice brings vibrant acidity—you’ll want it fresh, no bottled stuff!
- Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a silky texture and a hint of fruitiness.
- Dijon mustard: Gives the dressing a subtle tang and helps emulsify the mix.
- Garlic powder: Just a pinch adds a lovely background flavor without overpowering.
- Salt: Essential for balancing out the tartness and enhancing flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild kick and rounds out the taste.
Variations
I have to confess, I love a good twist on a reliable recipe, and this Creamy Lemon Salad Dressing Recipe is no exception. Once you get the basics down, you can make it your own with some easy swaps or additions to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Herb Infusion: I often add fresh herbs like dill or basil—I love how it freshens up the dressing and pairs beautifully with garden salads.
- Avocado Creaminess: Blending in a bit of avocado turns this into an ultra-smooth, nutrient-packed dressing that’s perfect for creamy texture lovers.
- Spicy Kick: A dash of cayenne or a sprinkle of chili flakes ups the heat and gives a whole new dimension to the flavor.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap mayonnaise for vegan mayo or coconut yogurt, and you’ll still get creamy goodness without dairy.
How to Make Creamy Lemon Salad Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you start mixing, make sure you have fresh lemon juice squeezed and measured out. I always zest the lemon first, just in case I want to add a little zest later for extra brightness. Having all your ingredients ready makes the process smooth and quick.
Step 2: Whisk It All Together
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I like to use a whisk because I find it helps emulsify the ingredients beautifully, creating a creamy, uniform texture. Whisk until everything is perfectly blended — you’ll notice the dressing turning smooth and glossy, which is exactly what you’re aiming for.
Step 3: Chill and Let Flavors Marry
This step makes all the difference. I always prepare this dressing at least 30 minutes before serving and let it chill in the fridge. It gives the flavors time to really blend and mellow, which results in a dressing that tastes like it was cooked all day. If you can, make it a few hours ahead or even the day before—trust me, it’s worth it.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Lemon Salad Dressing Recipe
- Freshness Matters: Using freshly squeezed lemon juice delivers the brightest, most authentic lemon flavor—skip the bottled ones!
- Whisk or Blend: I learned that whisking vigorously or even using a small blender helps emulsify the dressing better and gives it that gorgeous creamy texture.
- Adjust Seasoning Last: After chilling, taste your dressing and adjust salt or lemon juice as needed—it can sometimes mellow out in the fridge.
- Storage Tip: Use an airtight container and give the dressing a good shake before each use, as separation is natural but easy to fix.
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Salad Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling freshly cracked black pepper or some finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top when serving—small touches that make it feel special and fresh. Sometimes a little lemon zest garnish adds a beautiful pop of color and additional zing.
Side Dishes
This creamy lemon dressing pairs insanely well with crisp green salads, but I also use it as a drizzle over roasted veggies, grilled chicken, or even as a dip for crunchy fresh crudités. My family goes crazy for it as a topping on avocado toast or as a tangy sauce for fish tacos.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, I like to serve this dressing in a pretty glass jar with a small wooden spoon next to a bright, colorful salad platter. Adding edible flowers or citrus slices around the bowl really impresses guests visually and elevates the whole table setting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover dressing in a glass jar with a tight lid in the fridge, and it usually keeps well for about a week. Because it’s mayo-based, you want to make sure it stays chilled and is freshly shaken before drizzling over your food again.
Freezing
Freezing this dressing isn’t really ideal since the texture can separate and become grainy upon thawing. I personally skip freezing and prefer to just make a fresh batch, which takes only 5 minutes, whenever I need more.
Reheating
No reheating necessary! This dressing is best served chilled or at room temperature. Just give it a good stir or shake before using if it’s been sitting in the fridge.
FAQs
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Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, fresh lemon juice provides a brighter, fresher, and more vibrant flavor that really makes this Creamy Lemon Salad Dressing Recipe shine. If you must use bottled, look for one without additives and adjust the amount to taste.
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Is this dressing keto-friendly?
Absolutely! This dressing is perfect for keto and low-carb diets because it’s made with healthy fats from mayonnaise and olive oil and contains zero sugars or carbs. It’s a great way to add flavor while staying in ketosis.
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How long does the dressing last in the fridge?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this Creamy Lemon Salad Dressing Recipe lasts about 5 to 7 days. Always give it a good stir or shake before using, as ingredients may separate over time.
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Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
You can swap mayo for Greek yogurt to make a lighter dressing, but the texture and flavor will be tangier and less rich. Adding a little olive oil can help retain creaminess. I recommend trying small batches to see what your taste prefers.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Lemon Salad Dressing Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s reliable, fresh, and effortlessly delicious every single time. Whether you’re dressing a simple green salad or using it as a dip, it never disappoints. I really hope you give it a try and discover how something so simple can brighten up your meals the way it did mine. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll keep coming back for more!
Print
Creamy Lemon Salad Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dressing
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This creamy lemon dressing is a tangy, flavorful keto-friendly salad dressing that combines mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and Dijon mustard with a hint of garlic and spices. Perfect for adding a bright, zesty touch to your salads while keeping it low-carb and rich.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing early: For the best flavor, prepare the dressing as early as possible to allow the ingredients to blend well together in the refrigerator.
- Mix ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dressing until ready to use. This helps the flavors meld and intensify.
Notes
- This dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor and brightness.
- Adjust the garlic powder and salt to taste if desired.
- Great for keto salads, grilled vegetables, or as a dip for low-carb snacks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
