Creamy Garlic Salad Dressing

Ready to transform your salad game? This Creamy Garlic Salad Dressing is here to save the day! Rich and creamy, this easy to make recipe is a simple way to add excitement to your favorite greens or raw veggies.

Let’s be real: the right dressing can make all the difference in turning a salad from ho-hum to wholly satisfying. This creamy Garlic Parmesan Dressing is one of my favorites. Not only is it perfect for salads, but it also doubles as a fantastic dip for fresh vegetables or chicken wings!

What I love about this dressing is how quick and easy it is to make—no need for complicated ingredients or fancy techniques. Just a few simple staples from your kitchen, and you’ll have a rich and flavorful dressing that elevates any salad or veggie platter in no time!

Say goodbye to boring salads and hello to flavor-packed deliciousness! Add more garlicky goodness to your meal rotation with this easy Garlic Butter Chicken and Epic Garlic Butter Spread!

Why You'll Like This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of garlic and Parmesan creates a creamy dressing with a punch of flavor. It takes your veggies to the next level.
• Versatile: It's a great salad dressing for drizzling over side salads or as a dip for vegetables or chicken.
• Quick and Easy: This garlic parmesan salad dressing comes together in minutes with simple ingredients.
• Customizable: Adjust the ingredients for this creamy garlic salad dressing to match your personal taste.

Ingredients

Scroll Down to the Bottom of this Post for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Printable Recipe Card 

• Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the dressing.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory depth, nutty flavor and umami richness.
• Whole Buttermilk: Contributes tanginess and a lighter texture.
• Milk: Thins out the dressing to your desired consistency.
• Garlic Cloves: The star ingredient! Fresh garlic gives the dressing its bold, full-flavored garlic taste.
• Fresh Minced Parsley or Dried Parsley: Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note.
• Lemon Juice: Provides acidity that brightens up the dressing and balances the richness.
• Salt and Black Pepper or Seasoning Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.

Tools You'll Need

• Liquid Measuring Cups
• Dry Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Mixing Bowl or Mason Jar
• Garlic Press
• Whisk
• Spatula

How to Make Creamy Garlic Salad Dressing

1. In a mixing bowl or mason jar, add mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, whole buttermilk, milk, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, and salt and pepper or seasoning salt. Stir or shake until smooth and well combined.

2. If you prefer a thinner dressing, add more buttermilk or milk gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
3. Sample the dressing and adjust any ingredients to suit your taste.

4. Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
5. Shake or stir the dressing again before serving.

Pro Tips and Substitutions

• Garlic Intensity: Adjust the number of raw garlic cloves based on your preference for garlicky flavor; you can use roasted garlic for a milder taste.
• Dairy Ingredient Alternatives: For a lighter version, substitute regular mayonnaise with light mayonnaise. You can substitute whole buttermilk with Greek yogurt, low-fat buttermilk or sour cream.
• Lemon Juice Alternative: If you need a substitute for lemon juice, you can add acidity by using lime juice, dijon mustard or bold vinegars like white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
• Fresh Herbs and Seasonings: Swap fresh parsley for other herbs like chives, dill, or cilantro for a different flavor profile. You could also add onion powder or thinly sliced green onions. If using garlic powder instead of fresh garlic, start with ¼ teaspoon and add more to taste.
• Vegan Option: Use a vegan mayonnaise and a non-dairy milk to make this dressing suitable for plant-based diets.

How to Use Garlic Salad Dressing

This homemade creamy garlic dressing has the best flavor and is incredibly versatile. It can enhance a variety of dishes beyond just salads. Here are some creative healthy recipes and food ideas you can use with it:

1. Salad Enhancer: Drizzle it over your favorite salad or grain-based salads.
2. Dip for Vegetables: Use it as a dip for fresh veggies.
3. Marinade: Marinate chicken, shrimp, or tofu in the creamy salad dressing before grilling or roasting.
4. Sandwich Spread: Spread it on sandwiches or wraps instead of mayonnaise.
5. Pasta Salad: Toss it with pasta and vegetables for a quick and tasty pasta salad with bold flavor.
6. Pizza Drizzle: Use it as a finishing touch over homemade or store-bought pizza.
7. Grain Bowls: Mix it into grain bowls with brown rice or farro, topped with vegetables and protein.
8. Chicken Wings: Toss cooked chicken wings in it like it's a garlic sauce.
9. Baked Potatoes: Drizzle over baked potatoes or potato wedges .
10. Egg Dishes: Use it as a dressing for potato or egg salad.

Storage

Store garlic salad dressing in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before Serving give it a good shake, as the ingredients may separate over time. I wouldn't recommend freezing this dressing as the ingredients will separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Recipes that Use Garlic

• Creamy Garlic Pork Chops
• Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
• Crispy & Garlicky Green Beans
• Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta