Creamy Lemon Dressing
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This Creamy Lemon Dressing is a bright, fresh way to wake up salads, grain bowls, roasted vegetables, or even grilled chicken and fish. Made with the goodness of Greek yogurt, it’s silky, tangy, and packed with sunny lemon flavor. It’s just rich and creamy enough to make an everyday salad feel special.
Why This Recipe is a Keeper!
I love recipes like this Creamy Lemon Dressing that work hard in the kitchen with minimal effort. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or pulling together a quick salad for dinner, this versatile dressing adds freshness and flavor to just about anything.
Fresh lemon juice gives it a bright, vibrant flavor, while the creamy texture makes it rich enough to drizzle over salads, grain bowls, roasted vegetables, seafood, chicken, or to use as a dip. It’s the kind of versatile homemade dressing that tastes fresh, light, and far better than anything from a bottle.
This lemony salad dressing recipe is:
- Make ahead! Can be made one to two days in advance.
- Quick and easy! It comes together in minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Rich and creamy! Wholesome Greek yogurt makes it rich and satisfying without feeling heavy.
- Versatile! The bright, fresh lemon flavor instantly livens up salads, vegetables, seafood, and chicken. Fresh herbs such as dill, parsley, basil, chives, or tarragon can easily be added to customize the flavor and make it your own.
Once you try this creamy lemon dressing, you’ll always want to keep a jar in your refrigerator for an easy way to add fresh, bright flavor to everyday meals!
How to Make My Creamy Lemon Salad Dressing:
Recipe Ingredients:
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this creamy lemony salad dressing recipe. The exact quantities are on the recipe card below.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Extra-virgin olive oil is the highest-quality, least-processed olive oil. It’s extracted mechanically without heat or chemicals. Use the best-quality olive oil that fits your budget for the freshest, best flavor.
- Greek Yogurt: I prefer full-fat (5%) Greek yogurt for the best flavor. However, if you’re used to something lower in fat, by all means use it. You can substitute sour cream for the yogurt. To make this dressing dairy-free, substitute plant-based sour cream or yogurt. Silken tofu is also an option.
- Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh is best!
- White Wine Vinegar: White wine vinegar has a more nuanced, balanced flavor than sharp white distilled vinegar because it’s made from white wine. Mild rice vinegar is also a good option.
Step-By-Step Instructions:
- Gather and prep all the ingredients.
- Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl. You can also add the olive oil slowly while whisking to help the dressing emulsify and become silky smooth.
- It may not look like it’s coming together at first, but keep whisking!
- That’s it!! Done and delish!
Chef Tips and Tricks:
- Start with freshly squeezed lemon juice and grated zest for the brightest, freshest flavor.
- Let the dressing sit for 10 to 15 minutes before serving so the flavors can blend.
- Stir fresh herbs such as dill, parsley, basil, or chives into the Creamy Lemon Dressing for extra flavor and freshness.
Recipe FAQs:
Although this Creamy Lemon Dressing can be made one to two days in advance, it will keep in the refrigerator for up to five days. If it separates at all, simply whisk it back to a smooth consistency.
Absolutely! Substitute plant-based yogurt for the dairy yogurt.
Creamy Lemon Dressing
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, preferably full-fat
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice, from 1 large or 2 small lemons
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Cayenne pepper, to taste
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl.
- You can also add the olive oil slowly while whisking to help the dressing emulsify and become silky smooth. It may not look like it's coming together at first, but keep whisking.
Notes
- To make this dressing dairy-free, substitute plant-based sour cream or yogurt. Silken tofu is also an option.
- Rice vinegar can be used in place of white wine vinegar.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor.
- Let the dressing rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving so the flavors meld.
- Add fresh herbs such as dill, parsley, basil, or chives for extra freshness and flavor.
- Can be made one to two days in advance.
- It will keep in the refrigerator for up to five days. If it separates at all, simply whisk it back to a smooth consistency.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are automatically calculated using unbranded products and are estimates only. Actual results may vary based on ingredients used and portion sizes. Adjust as needed for dietary restrictions, allergies, or health concerns.
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