Say goodbye to lacklustre salads and hello to flavour-packed goodness with this zesty Lemon Garlic Dressing. With just a handful of ingredients and no mustard fuss, this 5-minute homemade salad dressing recipe with olive oil takes your greens to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Let’s chat about nutritious salads for a moment, shall we? You know, as a dietitian, I’m always nudging you towards those leafy greens. But here’s the thing – I truly believe in the power of salads to elevate main dishes and create a balanced plate.
And you know what often takes salads up a notch? The dressing. That’s where this lemon olive oil salad dressing comes into play. It’s born out of simplicity, yet it brings a burst of flavour (hello garlic!) that transforms any salad into something truly special. In fact, I often use this simple lemon garlic dressing as a marinade to create this Mediterranean Style Crispy Tofu Recipe.
If you’re like me and prefer homemade healthy salad dressing recipes over store-bought versions, then I’m confident the collection on the blog will spark heaps of inspiration. From tangy to creamy to traditional flavours, this selection caters to a variety of tastes and dietary needs. Yes, that includes options suitable for vegans, those following a diabetes-friendly diet, and individuals aiming for heart-healthy choices too!
Nutrition highlights
Brace yourself for a trio of health-supporting benefits packed into every zesty spoonful!
- Heart-healthy fats from olive oil
- Anti-inflammatory support from lemon
- Antioxidant benefits from garlic
Ingredients
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh cloves of garlic
- Dried oregano
- Dried thyme
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice
How to make it
Ready to whip up a batch of this flavour-packed dressing in just five minutes? Here’s how:
For a complete list of ingredient measurements and detailed step-by-step instructions, you can find everything you need in the printable recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
Food safe storage
Use immediately or store the sealed mason jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. Remember to shake well before each use. Enjoy!
Serving suggestions
Here are some of my favourite ways to enjoy your garlic lemon olive oil dressing:
- Classic Garden Salad: Pair with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and carrots for a refreshing side salad.
- Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: Drizzle over quinoa, and Grilled Vegetables for a burst of Mediterranean flavour.
- Simple Spicy Chicken Salad: Top romaine lettuce with pan-fried spicy chicken, and apple chunks then finish with a tangy twist of Lemon Garlic Dressing.
Diabetes diet advice
Adding vibrant salads to your meals is a great way to manage type 2 diabetes. They’re packed with goodness like dietary fibre and nutrients to help keep your blood sugar in check. And guess what? This simple lemon garlic dressing makes salads taste even better, so you’ll love eating them!
If you give this dressing recipe a go, I’d love to hear from you! Share your rating, leave a comment, and be sure to tag me on Instagram @DesiliciousRD! Seeing your creations makes my day!
Video
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil, extra virgin
- 1 tbsp garlic, fresh cloves, crushed
- 2 tsp oregano, dried
- 1 tsp thyme leaves, dried
- 1 tsp black pepper, coarse
- 1 tsp salt, sea salt
- 2 lemons, freshly juiced
Equipment
- 1 mason jar medium
Instructions
- In a mason jar, combine extra virgin olive oil, crushed garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme leaves, sea salt, black pepper, and lemon juice.
- Seal the mason jar tightly with a lid and shake the jar vigorously until all ingredients are well combined. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Notes
Serving suggestions
- Classic Garden Salad: Pair with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and carrots for a refreshing side salad.
- Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: Drizzle over quinoa, and Grilled Vegetables for a burst of Mediterranean flavour.
- Simple Spicy Chicken Salad: Top romaine lettuce with pan-fried spicy chicken, and apple chunks then finish with a tangy twist of Lemon Garlic Dressing.
Nutrition Information:
Keep in mind that the nutritional values provided are approximations and suggestions, and might fluctuate depending on ingredient variations, portion sizes, and recipe adjustments. This nutrition facts table cannot account for your individual needs. Your body — including your hunger and satiety cues — change daily. It’s perfectly fine to eat more or less on different days. Instead of letting food guilt take over, consider mindful eating.
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.