There’s something deeply satisfying about a perfectly balanced salad dressing, and homemade mayonnaise salad dressing truly stands out.
If you crave that creamy texture and a burst of flavor, making your own mayo-based dressing elevates any salad while ensuring freshness and personal touch.
This recipe excels with its creamy blend of mayonnaise, tangy lemon juice, and a hint of garlic, creating a smooth dressing with just the right zest. Drizzle it over a crisp garden salad or use it as a dip for veggies to add a touch of luxury to your meals.
What sets this recipe apart? It combines simplicity with gourmet flair. High-quality mayonnaise provides a rich texture, fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor, and a dash of Dijon mustard adds a subtle kick.
Homemade dressings are trending as people seek to avoid artificial ingredients. Try this recipe and transform your salads—share your variations or favorite uses!
Why I Love This Recipe?
- Versatility: Perfect not just for salads, but also for sandwiches, as a creamy dip, or even as a spread for your favorite wraps.
- Freshness: Making it from scratch means you control every ingredient, ensuring a fresher, more vibrant flavor.
- Customization: You can tweak the ingredients to fit your taste—add more lemon for a tangier twist or a pinch of herbs for extra flair.
- Simplicity: It’s straightforward to prepare and uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Best Mayonnaise Salad Dressing Recipe
Equipment
- Whisk
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
- Cutting Board and Knife
- Citrus Juicer
- Refrigerator
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1-2 tablespoons honey adjust to taste
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until well combined.
- Add the apple cider vinegar, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Whisk thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Taste the dressing and adjust the sweetness or acidity by adding more honey or vinegar if needed.
- Stir in the chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, to add a burst of flavor.
- If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add a bit of water or milk and whisk until you reach the desired thickness.
- Refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. This step is optional but enhances the overall taste.
- Once chilled, give the dressing a final stir and drizzle it over your favorite salad. Enjoy!
Notes
- Taste and Adjust: Regularly taste and adjust sweetness, acidity, and seasonings for a balanced flavor.
- Emulsify Carefully: Add olive oil slowly while whisking to achieve a smooth, emulsified texture.
- Customize Flavors: Experiment with herbs and other ingredients to customize the dressing to your liking.
Nutrition
NUTRITIONAL FACTS (PER SERVING)
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 tbsp) |
---|---|
Calories | Approx. 90 |
Total Fat | 9g |
– Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
Cholesterol | 5mg |
Sodium | 85mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 2g |
– Sugars | 1g |
Tips for Best Results
For the best results when making Mayonnaise Salad Dressing, consider the following tips:
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs to enhance the overall flavor of the dressing.
- Emulsify Gradually: When adding olive oil, pour it in a slow, steady stream while whisking continuously to achieve a smooth and well-emulsified consistency.
- Balance Flavors: Regularly taste the dressing as you mix and adjust the sweetness, acidity, and seasonings to achieve a well-balanced flavor profile that complements your salad.
- Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill for a burst of freshness and added complexity.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and intensify. This step enhances the overall taste.
- Customize to Taste: Feel free to customize the dressing by experimenting with different herbs, spices, or additional ingredients to suit your personal preferences.
- Consistency Matters: Pay attention to the thickness of the dressing. If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can adjust by adding a bit of water or milk.
- Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients, especially the mayonnaise and olive oil, are at room temperature before mixing. This helps with proper emulsification and results in a smoother dressing.
- Quality Olive Oil: Choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a richer flavor. The oil contributes significantly to the taste of the dressing, so using a good-quality option can elevate the overall experience.
- Gradual Honey Addition: When incorporating honey, add it gradually, tasting as you go. This allows you to control the sweetness level, ensuring it complements the other flavors without overpowering the dressing.
By following these tips, you can create a flavorful and well-textured Mayonnaise Salad Dressing that elevates the taste of your salads.
PRO TIP: To achieve an even creamier and velvety texture, consider using a hand blender or immersion blender when mixing the Mayonnaise Salad Dressing. This method ensures thorough emulsification, resulting in a consistently smooth dressing without the risk of separation.es based on your preferences. These variations can add exciting new dimensions to your Mayonnaise Salad Dressing, making it a versatile accompaniment to various dishes.