Introduction

This 5-Minute Garlic Dressing is the best ever homemade vinaigrette you’ll make! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a creamy, flavorful dressing perfect for salads, marinades, or drizzling over roasted vegetables. It pairs wonderfully with hearty dishes like Cheesy Taco Potatoes Recipe or Ultimate Mashed Potatoes Recipe. Ready in minutes and bursting with fresh garlic flavor, it will become your new go-to dressing.

Ingredients

This creamy, zesty Easy Garlic Dressing Recipe comes together with pantry staples for a bold, tangy flavor that elevates any salad.

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 5 cracks black pepper

Timing

Prep Time	5 minutes
Cook Time	0 minutes
Total Time	5 minutes

Context: This Easy Garlic Dressing Recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it perfect for quick meal prep.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Mince the Garlic

Peel 3-4 fresh garlic cloves and finely mince them using a sharp knife. For the most potent garlic flavor in your Easy Garlic Dressing Recipe, use freshly minced garlic rather than pre-minced jarred versions.

Step 2 — Combine Wet Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, ¼ cup lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar. The acid from the lemon juice and vinegar will help balance the rich oil and sharp garlic.

Step 3 — Add Seasonings

Add 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to the bowl. The mustard acts as an emulsifier to help bind the dressing together.

Step 4 — Incorporate Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic until fully distributed. For a milder garlic flavor, let the dressing sit for 10-15 minutes before proceeding—the acid will slightly mellow the raw garlic bite.

Step 5 — Whisk Vigorously

Whisk the mixture continuously for 1-2 minutes until the dressing becomes slightly thickened and emulsified. You’ll see the oil and acid combining into a cohesive mixture rather than separating.

Step 6 — Taste and Adjust

Dip a lettuce leaf into the dressing and taste. Adjust seasoning as needed—add more salt for flavor balance, more lemon for brightness, or more honey if too acidic.

Step 7 — Transfer to Container

Pour the finished Easy Garlic Dressing into a glass jar or airtight container. A mason jar works perfectly for both storage and shaking before use.

Step 8 — Store Properly

Refrigerate the dressing for up to one week. The olive oil may solidify slightly when chilled—simply let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes and shake well before using.

Nutritional Information

Calories	120
Protein	0.5g
Carbohydrates	2g
Fat	12g
Fiber	0g
Sodium	180mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Greek yogurt for mayonnaise — Adds protein and creaminess with fewer calories.
• Avocado oil for olive oil — Milder flavor and higher smoke point for a neutral base.
• Rice vinegar for white wine vinegar — Slightly sweeter, gluten-free alternative.
• Coconut aminos for soy sauce — Lower sodium and soy-free option.
• Maple syrup for honey — Vegan-friendly sweetener with a rich flavor.
• Nutritional yeast for Parmesan — Dairy-free cheesy flavor boost.
• Fresh herbs for dried — More vibrant taste with no additives.
• Lemon juice for vinegar — Bright, fresh acidity with no sulfites.

Serving Suggestions

• Drizzle this Easy Garlic Dressing Recipe over crisp garden salads, especially those with romaine or mixed greens.
• Use it as a marinade for grilled chicken or vegetables to infuse them with savory garlic flavor.
• Pair with Mediterranean dishes like Greek salad, falafel, or as a dip for warm pita bread.
• Elevate grain bowls by tossing it with quinoa, farro, or couscous along with roasted vegetables.
• Perfect for pasta salads—simply toss with cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, olives, and fresh herbs.
• Serve alongside antipasto platters or as a zesty dressing for coleslaw and potato salad.

For an elegant touch, serve the dressing in a small pitcher or cruet at the table, allowing guests to add it to their plates as desired. This Easy Garlic Dressing Recipe also stores well, so you can make a batch ahead for quick weeknight meals or casual gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using old, sprouted garlic. Fix: Choose firm, fresh bulbs for a sweeter, more mellow garlic flavor in your Easy Garlic Dressing Recipe.
• Mistake: Adding raw garlic directly to the oil. Fix: Mince or crush the garlic first to properly infuse the oil and distribute flavor evenly.
• Mistake: Not balancing the acidity. Fix: Start with a 3:1 oil-to-vinegar ratio and adjust to taste, ensuring your dressing isn’t too sharp.
• Mistake: Skipping the emulsification step. Fix: Whisk vigorously or shake the jar thoroughly to create a stable, creamy dressing that won’t separate quickly.
• Mistake: Using pre-minced jarred garlic. Fix: Freshly mince your own garlic to avoid the metallic, harsh taste that can overpower the dressing.
• Mistake: Over-salting the dressing initially. Fix: Season lightly at first, then do a final taste and adjust after the flavors have melded.
• Mistake: Storing the dressing incorrectly. Fix: Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge; the olive oil can solidify, so let it come to room temperature and shake before use.
• Mistake: Not letting the dressing rest. Fix: Allow your Easy Garlic Dressing Recipe to sit for at least 30 minutes so the garlic flavor can properly infuse and mellow.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store this Easy Garlic Dressing Recipe in an airtight jar or bottle in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Keep it at or below 40°F (4°C) for food safety.
• Freezer: Freeze the dressing in ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.
• Reheat: This Easy Garlic Dressing Recipe is typically served cold. If separation occurs, let it reach room temperature and shake or whisk to recombine—do not heat.

Always use clean utensils when handling the dressing to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.

Conclusion

This Easy Garlic Dressing Recipe is a versatile staple for your kitchen. Try it over a fresh Marinated Cucumber Onion and Tomato Salad or your favorite greens. We hope you love it—please leave a comment with your results and subscribe for more simple recipes!

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FAQs

Can I make this Easy Garlic Dressing Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this Easy Garlic Dressing Recipe in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake or stir well before serving as ingredients may separate.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh garlic?

If fresh garlic is unavailable, you can substitute with 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. However, fresh garlic provides the best flavor for this Easy Garlic Dressing Recipe. Adjust the quantity to suit your taste preference.

How can I make this dressing creamy?

To make a creamy version, simply add 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise to the recipe. Blend all ingredients thoroughly until smooth. This variation still maintains the simplicity of the Easy Garlic Dressing Recipe.