If you’ve been hunting for a fresh, tangy, and utterly smooth dressing, you’re going to love this Creamy Lemon Salad Dressing Recipe. I absolutely love how it brightens up any salad with just the right zing of lemon and a luxurious creaminess that feels just right. Whether you’re in a rush or planning ahead, this quick mix-and-chill recipe is a total game changer for your salads, veggies, or even as a dip.

🤍

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Simple: Just a handful of everyday ingredients whisked together in minutes.
Bright & Creamy Balance: The lemon juice adds fresh brightness while mayo and olive oil create smooth richness.
Versatile Usage: Not just for salads – try it as a dip or drizzle on roasted veggies.
Keto-Friendly: Low in carbs and full of flavor, perfect if you’re watching your macros.

The image shows a close-up of a small clear glass jar filled with thick, creamy white dressing with tiny brown specks, some of which is dripping down the side. A metal spoon sticks out from the jar. To the left, there is a white bowl filled with golden brown croutons, varying in shades and textures, some smooth and some rough. In the background, a large white bowl holds bright green leafy lettuce, showing fresh, wavy textures. The surface beneath everything is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Lemon Salad Dressing, Lemon Salad Dressing, Quick Salad Dressing, Homemade Salad Dressing, Citrus Salad Dressing

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients here play well together to achieve a smooth, tangy, and flavorful dressing. When buying lemons, choose ones that are firm and heavy for their size—they’ll have the juiciest punch. And trust me, using freshly squeezed lemon juice makes all the difference in taste versus bottled.

Flat lay of creamy white mayonnaise dollop, a small white ceramic bowl with bright yellow freshly squeezed lemon juice, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl holding smooth pale yellow Dijon mustard, a small white ceramic bowl with fine white garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl of fine white salt, a small white ceramic bowl containing freshly ground black pepper, all arranged symmetrically and naturally fresh, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Lemon Salad Dressing, Lemon Salad Dressing, Quick Salad Dressing, Homemade Salad Dressing, Citrus Salad Dressing

Mayonnaise: I prefer a good-quality, creamy mayo as the base—it provides that silky texture.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is key here to keep the flavor vibrant and zesty.
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for a fruity note, but mild olive oil works perfectly too.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang and helps emulsify the dressing beautifully.
Garlic Powder: Gives just a hint of savory depth without overpowering the lemon.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors—make sure not to skip it!
Black Pepper: Freshly cracked if possible, for a nice gentle heat.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love to keep this Creamy Lemon Salad Dressing Recipe flexible, changing it up to match what’s in my fridge or the season. You can easily tweak it to suit whatever mood or diet you’re in!

Herb-Infused: Adding fresh herbs like dill or basil brightens it even more—my family goes crazy for this fresh twist.
Spicy Kick: A pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce gives it a nice warmth if you like things with a little bite.
Dairy Version: Swap mayo with Greek yogurt to add tang and creaminess, which I do when I want it lighter.
Vegan Swap: Use vegan mayo and skip the Dijon mustard if you prefer a totally plant-based version that’s just as creamy.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Salad Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Good Stuff

Grab a small bowl and add your mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk them all together until you get a smooth, creamy consistency. I like to take my time here because the smoother the blend, the better it clings to your salad greens. If you see it looking a little thick, you can add a tiny splash of water or a little more olive oil to loosen it.

Step 2: Chill to Let Flavors Marry

Pop your dressing into the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This is when the magic happens – the flavors meld and mellow together, making it taste even richer. Trust me, I’ve made the mistake of serving it right away, and it just wasn’t as vibrant. Planning ahead here really pays off!

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Lemon Salad Dressing Recipe

Fresh is Best: Always squeeze your own lemons fresh—you’ll taste the difference, I promise.
Whisk Vigorously: Taking a minute to whisk thoroughly helps the oil emulsify with the mayo for a velvety texture.
Adjust to Taste: Don’t be shy about tweaking salt, pepper, or lemon juice depending on the salad you’re pairing it with.
Storage Tip: Keep it chilled in an airtight container and shake or whisk gently before each use, especially if it has been sitting for a while.

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Salad Dressing Recipe

Creamy Lemon Salad Dressing Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle some freshly cracked black pepper and a little lemon zest on top right before serving—adds a fresh pop and looks so inviting on the salad. Sometimes, chopped fresh parsley or chives really elevate the whole bowl with herbal freshness.

Side Dishes

This dressing pairs beautifully alongside grilled chicken or fish, turning even a simple meal into something special. I also love drizzling it over roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli for that creamy brightness that cuts through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served this dressing in little glass jars with tiny wooden spoons alongside a vibrant colorful salad bar—guests loved mixing in their favorite toppings! Another time, I used it as a dip with crudité platters, and it disappeared so fast I barely got a taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover dressing in a clean, airtight jar in the refrigerator and it keeps beautifully for up to 5 days. Before each use, I give it a good stir or shake because the oil and mayo can separate a bit, but it blends back together quickly with a little love.

Freezing

Honestly, I don’t recommend freezing this dressing. The texture can become grainy when thawed because mayonnaise doesn’t freeze well. It’s so quick to whip up fresh, I find it easier to just make a new batch.

Reheating

No reheating needed here! This dressing is best served cold or at room temperature. If it’s been in the fridge, just pull it out a few minutes ahead so the flavors and texture shine their best.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

While you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, fresh lemon juice brings a brighter, fresher flavor that really lifts the dressing. If you must substitute, choose a high-quality bottled lemon juice and adjust the amount to taste.
Is this dressing suitable for keto and low-carb diets?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally low in carbs and high in healthy fats from mayonnaise and olive oil, making it perfect for keto or low-carb eating plans.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt?

Yes! Using Greek yogurt will make the dressing a bit tangier and lighter in calories, which I personally enjoy when I want a fresher feel. However, the texture will be less rich compared to mayo.
How long can I keep this dressing in the fridge?

You can store it in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Just give it a good stir or shake before using as separation is normal.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Creamy Lemon Salad Dressing Recipe enough—it’s a staple in my kitchen because it’s so straightforward yet full of flavor. Whether you’re jazzing up a simple side salad or looking for a quick tangy dip, this dressing really pulls everything together. Go ahead, give it a try; I bet once you taste it, you’ll be making it again and again like me!