Dinner

Easy Garlic Dressing Recipe

ByMaya Arden February 7, 2026February 7, 2026

Introduction

This easy garlic dressing is a flavorful and creamy addition to salads, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats. With fresh garlic, tangy lemon, and Parmesan cheese, it’s simple to whip up and elevates any dish with minimal effort.

A clear glass bowl filled with creamy garlic dressing that is light yellow with small green and black specks, held near the top right by a woman's hand holding a silver spoon dipping into the dressing; in the background, there are two bulbs of garlic, a bright yellow half lemon, a green salad with red cherry tomatoes on a white plate, and fresh parsley leaves near the bottom left on a white marbled surface; a blue and white striped cloth with black dots is partially visible at the bottom right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Mince the garlic finely and sprinkle with a bit of coarse salt. Use the back of your knife to smash the garlic into a paste by pressing the knife into the garlic and dragging it towards you repeatedly until smooth.
Step 2: Add the garlic paste to a small mixing bowl along with the mayonnaise and red wine vinegar. Squeeze the lemon juice into the bowl and add the Dijon mustard. Whisk everything well to combine.
Step 3: Pour in the olive oil, sprinkle in the dried oregano, and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk again until the dressing is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Taste the dressing and season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to your liking. Adjust the flavor by adding more olive oil to mellow the tang or more lemon juice or vinegar to increase acidity.

Tips & Variations

For a smoother dressing, blend all ingredients in a food processor or blender.
Fresh oregano can be used instead of dried for a brighter herb flavor.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, tangier dressing.

Storage

Store the garlic dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir or whisk well before using as separation may occur. This dressing is best served chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A glass jar filled with a creamy, pale yellow sauce with small dark green and brown herb specks floating throughout. The jar sits on a small round wooden board. Around the jar, there are whole white garlic bulbs, a halved lemon, a whole lemon, garlic cloves, and some green parsley on a white marbled surface. The background is slightly blurred to keep the focus on the jar and ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use roasted garlic instead of raw garlic?

Yes, roasted garlic will give a sweeter, milder flavor to the dressing. Adjust the quantity to taste since roasted garlic is less pungent than raw.

Is this dressing suitable for vegans?

This recipe includes mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese, which are not vegan. To make it vegan, substitute with vegan mayonnaise and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.