Creamy Garlic Dressing

Nothing more satisfying that creamy, garlicky goodness. This creamy garlic dressing is absolutely delectable and you’ll be mopping it all up with whatever you can get your hands on. So good!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Dressing

This must be the best creamy garlic dressing recipe, and it is all you will ever need. It is a versatile and delicious dressing that can elevate your favourite greens. From the peppery bite of arugula to the milder flavour of romaine, it complements a wide range of textures and tastes. 

Made with simple ingredients, garlic is the star of the show providing a pungent and savoury flavour that pairs well with the creamy base of mayonnaise and Greek yoghurt. Vinegar adds a touch of brightness, while the Worcestershire sauce adds some umami undertones.

We also love homemade creamy garlic dressing because you no longer ever have to buy it from the supermarket. Homemade recipes allow you to customise it to your palette with minimal prep and easy-to-find ingredients. 

Apart from salads, it’s a wonderful condiment to drizzle over grilled meats, form a base for your vegetable bowl or simply as a dip for vegetable crudites for those long grazing days.

For more creamy style salad dressings, try our whipped feta dressing or spiced yoghurt dressing with honey.

What Is Creamy Garlic Dressing Made Of?

Creamy garlic dressing is a delightful combination of simple ingredients that come together to create a flavourful and versatile dressing. 

It is typically made of mayonnaise, a dairy base such as sour cream or Greek yoghurt, minced garlic, vinegar or lemon juice, and various seasonings. These ingredients are combined to create a thick and creamy dressing with a strong garlic flavour.

Is Creamy Garlic Dressing Gluten Free?

Creamy garlic dressing can be gluten-free, but it depends on the specific ingredients used in the recipe. 

Mayonnaise and sour cream are typically gluten-free, but it’s important to check the labels to ensure they are produced in a gluten-free facility. Some brands of mayonnaise and sour cream may contain additives or thickeners that could contain gluten.

Additionally, some recipes for creamy garlic dressing may include ingredients like soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce, which can contain gluten. 

If you’re following a gluten-free diet, be sure to use gluten-free versions of these ingredients or look for recipes that specifically state they are gluten-free.

Some gluten free salad dressings you may like are pomegranate molasses dressing and vegan tahini ranch dressing.

Ingredients

These are the ingredients you need for creamy garlic dressing:

• Garlic: It’s important to get good fresh garlic. The cheap ones all bundled up in a bag don’t have the flavours strong enough to give you all the garlicky goodness. The garlic is the hero of this dressing so you do need to choose the best.

• Greek yoghurt: Greek yoghurt is used in this recipe as a healthier option. It is also light and tangy which complements the mayonnaise perfectly.

• Mayonnaise: A whole egg mayonnaise with all its creamy goodness is recommended here.

• Apple cider vinegar: The garlic needs to have some acid so that it’s flavourful.

• Worcestershire sauce: Adding a little salty and umami goodness to the dressing. 

• Sugar: Needs a little sweetness to counteract the tartness and the pungent flavours. You can, of course, omit this if you wish.

• White onion: The salad onion is not as “in your face” as a regular onion. A more subtle allium that complements the garlic and does not take over the flavours.

Variations and Substitutions

Greek yoghurt substitute: The classic creamy garlic dressing does use sour cream instead of Greek yoghurt. We made the substitution to create a slightly healthier alternative. 

Whole egg mayonnaise: For a rich and creamy salad dressing, we recommend using whole egg mayonnaise. 

Worcestershire alternative: Not everyone is a fan of Worcestershire sauce. Feel free to substitute it with soy sauce to give it the umami flavours and saltiness it needs. A light premium soy sauce would be best.

Spices: A pinch of red pepper flakes, paprika, or black pepper can add a touch of heat or depth to the dressing.

Sweetener: Instead of sugar, you can add a touch of honey or maple syrup to balance the savoury and tangy notes, especially as Greek yoghurt is unsweetened.

Roasted garlic twist: For a milder but richer garlic flavour, roast the garlic cloves before adding them to the dressing. Wrap them in foil and roast at 180°C or 375°F  for 15-20 minutes until softened and golden brown.

Instructions

Step by step instructions for how to make creamy garlic dressing:

Before you start making your salad, make the creamy garlic dressing first, as the garlic needs time to work its magic.

It is ideal to let it sit in the fridge before serving, but it can also be made overnight.

Peel the garlic cloves and chop roughly.

Peel the salad onion and chop finely to yield 1 tsp.

In a food processor, add all the ingredients.

Blitz until well combined.

Set aside in the fridge for 1 hour. Remove it from the fridge and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving. We want the dressing to come to room temperature, not served cold.

How to Store

How long is homemade garlic dressing good for? It can last for a week in the refrigerator if placed in an airtight container. Stir well before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.

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