Elevate your salads with this creamy homemade Garlic Dressing. Using fresh ingredients, it’s easy to make and truly delicious!
Are you tired of store-bought dressings that lack that special touch? We’ve got the recipe for you! This delightful creamy garlic dressing recipe will take your salads to the next level. Bursting with the robust flavors of fresh garlic and Parmesan cheese and boasting a creamy texture, this dressing will surely be your go-to.
In addition to salads, you can enjoy the versatility of this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Dressing in other dishes too! It adds a burst of flavor to Cob Salad, Pasta Salad, and more. Use it as a dip for veggies, a sandwich spread, or even a marinade. Let your taste buds explore the delightful possibilities this dressing brings to your meals!
Why This Recipe Works
- Fresh Garlic: Using fresh garlic imparts a vibrant and authentic flavor to the dressing, ensuring it stands out from the crowd.
- Creamy Texture: The combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese creates a luxurious and velvety consistency, coating your salads beautifully.
- Tangy Twist: The addition of lemon juice adds a zesty tang that balances the richness of the dressing, making it irresistibly flavorful.
- Parmesan Perfection: The inclusion of Parmesan cheese adds a delightful nuttiness and depth of flavor, elevating the dressing to a whole new level.
Ingredient Notes
- Fresh Garlic: Opt for plump and firm garlic cloves for the best flavor. You can substitute with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and then adjust to taste.
- Mayonnaise: Use a high-quality mayonnaise for optimal taste and texture. You can substitute it with additional sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Sour Cream: Look for full-fat sour cream for a rich and creamy dressing. Greek yogurt can be a substitute if desired.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice yields the best results, but vinegar can be used as a substitute.
- Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is our preferred choice for this recipe. Alternatively, choose a neutral-tasting oil like vegetable or canola oil.
- Mustard: Dijon mustard is smooth, creamy, and slightly tangy. It adds a subtle, sophisticated flavor, or use yellow mustard for a classic, mildly tangy flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan cheese for the best results. The cheese adds a delightful nutty flavor. If desired, you can substitute with grated Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese.
Step By Step Instructions
Gather your ingredients: 2 cloves of fresh garlic, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons mustard, and add it to a food processor or blender.
Add a 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and salt and pepper to taste.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust: Give the dressing a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt, lemon juice, or Parmesan cheese, according to your preference.
Transfer and store: Pour the creamy garlic dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before using.
Enjoy: Drizzle this delectable dressing over your favorite salads, use it as a dip, or sauce up your sandwiches and wraps.
Recipe Tips
- For a thinner consistency, add a splash of milk or buttermilk to the dressing until desired thickness is achieved.
- Customize the herbs according to your taste preference or what you have on hand.
- Experiment with adding other flavors, such as a touch of garlic powder or a pinch of Italian seasoning, for a creative twist.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
- Store the creamy garlic Parmesan dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Before using, give the dressing a good stir to recombine any separated ingredients.
- This dressing is not suitable for freezing as the texture may become compromised.
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Let’s Make Easy Garlic Dressing
Ingredients
- 2 cloves fresh garlic whole peeled
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice adjust to taste
- 1/4 cup oil such as olive oil
- 2 teaspoons mustard optional, for added flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped herbs such as parsley, dill basil or chives
Instructions
- Add the whole garlic cloves, mayonnaise, sour cream, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, pepper, oil, and mustard (if using) to a food processor or blender.
- Blend the ingredients well until they are thoroughly combined and the garlic cloves are finely chopped and incorporated into the dressing.
- Add the chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, and dill) to the mixture and blend briefly to distribute the herbs throughout the dressing.
- Taste the dressing for seasoning and add salt as needed. Adjust the salt and other seasonings according to your preference.
- Transfer the creamy garlic dressing to an airtight container.
- Store the dressing in the refrigerator to chill and allow the flavors to meld together.
Penny says
I made this on Monday and had it all week for lunch. it’s really delicious! I know you said it’s good for 3 days, but it lasted 5 for me.
Erren Hart says
Your positive feedback means the world to me. I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe!