This salad dressing always sits in a jar in my fridge and is a true staple in my house. I’ve tried many dressings, from new to funky, and tested plenty of delicious recipes, but this remains my favorite kind for any salad. I drizzle it over tuna salad for lunch, serve it with deli salad on Shabbos, and my husband loves it as a dip with schnitzel.
Each night at supper, we enjoy it with fresh lettuce greens and simply eat together. I’ve been making this recipe for so long that I can’t honestly remember where it began—maybe when my oldest was born and a friend sent a meal and included it. I first used a deli container, but it was messy to pour, so I splurged on a good dressing carafe where it is now stored.
Creamy Salad Dressing Recipe-The Short Answer
When that container wasn’t available, I used a Blender Bottle I bought for smoothies—it works excellent because of the little whisk ball, and as a bonus, it washes beautifully in the dishwasher. It feels like a Classic Creamy Italian Salad Dressing recipe you’d keep in your books, packed with delicious herbs and the perfect creamy addition to any garden salad.
It’s SO easy, naturally healthy, and this homemade salad dressing has no real comparison to what you buy at the store. I prepare it at home the old fashioned way, shaken in a mason jar or blended in a blender, bringing out rich classic Italian dressing flavours that coat greens perfectly. A light sprinkling of fresh Parmesan turns it into true salad heaven.
Ingredients
- I start with 1 cup mayonnaise or 1/2 cup whole-milk plain yogurt mixed with 1/3 cup olive oil for a creamy base.
- Whisk in 1 tablespoon Dijon or grainy mustard, plus 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar or Champagne vinegar with lemon juice.
- Season with a Pinch of salt, granulated sugar, and Freshly ground black pepper, then stir in 2 teaspoons honey and 1 teaspoon each of dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
- Add 2 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced or crushed, or use 1 tsp garlic powder for ease.
- Mix in parsley and 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated, for extra zest.
- If too thick, blend in 3/4 cup or a few Tbsp water to thin the dressing a little bit, ONLY IF NEEDED, adjusting each tablespoon or tsp to taste while relying on quality, natural, high-quality ingredients I trust in my own kitchen.
Instructions
- Place everything in a jar, seal, and shake, then Add all ingredients to a large mason jar and mix very well.
- I like to Whisk mustard, mayonnaise, and yogurt in a small bowl with salt, sugar, and pepper until combined, then blend in vinegar until smooth.
- Toss with salad greens or your favourite garden salad and serve immediately, or store in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
- Always shake well; if the dressing is too thick, add water one teaspoon at a time to thin to your desired consistency, then serve.
Notes & Nutrition
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
I always make this creamy salad dressing a day or two ahead of serving to save time, and from experience, it truly keeps a long time with proper storage.
- Store Leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep it stored in the refrigerator or fridge for up to 5 days.
- If you prefer this recipe without mayonnaise, substitute the mayonnaise with 1/4 cup vegetable oil.
- Shake very well or blend for best results.
I often prepare Classic Creamy Italian Salad Dressing this way, and the texture stays creamy and smooth every time.
Nutrition Breakdown
For Amount Per Serving (2 tbsp), here is a clear view based on a 2000 calorie diet and Percent Daily Values under Daily Value:
- Calories 197, including Calories from Fat 180
- Fat 20g (31%), Saturated Fat 3g (19%), Trans Fat 0.03g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 7g, Monounsaturated Fat 9g
- Cholesterol 9mg (3%), Sodium 145mg (6%), Potassium 23mg (1%)
- Carbohydrates 3g (1%), Fiber 0.1g (0%), Sugar 2g (2%), Protein 1g (2%)
- Vitamin A 42IU (1%), Vitamin C 2mg (2%), Calcium 36mg (4%), Iron 0.3mg (2%)
You will also notice percentage markers like 1%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 0%, and 19%, which help you quickly understand how it fits into your daily intake.
My Other Best Homemade Recipes
If you loved how quick this Creamy Salad Dressing Recipe (5-Minute Easy) is, you’ll also enjoy my Creamy Rose Pasta Sauce with a Secret Shortcut for another fast favorite. And if you crave bold flavor like I do, You’re One Drizzle Away from Cilantro Lime Crema Perfection is a must-try.
To sip alongside it, I often make Orange Mango Drink With Fizz, Tajin & Margarita Vibes or, for gatherings, The Blackberry Bourbon Smash Cocktail I Actually Make. Keeping it light? Go for Yogurt Fruit Smoothies Weight Loss Recipe That Works.
