Lemon Garlic and Herb Dressing

This vibrant and refreshing garlic herb dressing is one of the easiest ways to add major flavor to your daily salads. The combination of fresh lemon juice, bright herbs, and sharp garlic will take absolutely any dish to the next level, whether you're enjoying a simple side salad or want something to make your potato or pasta salads extra special. It couldn't be easier, either - just blend everything together and you're good to go!

I've been sharing all of my favorite homemade dressing recipes and wanted to share this one as fast as possible.

It's so light and fresh and tastes way better than any of the pre-made dressings you'll find at the store. It can make any and all vegetable salads way more exciting, even if you're just serving ordinary salad greens with whichever veggies are hanging around on your counter. 

I love serving a sweetened version of this lemon garlic dressing over my Roasted Asparagus Pasta Salad. The roasted veggies and pasta soak up that dressing. You'll definitely want a second helping!

And really, this dressing is one of the freshest-tasting ones I make! Many of my homemade dressing recipes can be thrown together with pantry staples, but this lemon garlic version relies on almost entirely fresh ingredients. It's truly the perfect dressing for your spring and summer salads!

Why you’ll love this Garlic Herb Vinaigrette Dressing

• Infused with tons of fresh flavor
• Incredibly easy recipe ready in mere moments
• Bright, refreshing flavors thanks to the fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon juice
• Tastes like pure summer sunshine
• Versatile topping for nearly any salad, roasted veggies, grain bowls, and more
• Great for garlic lovers who can never get enough

Garlic Herb Dressing Ingredients

This homemade vinaigrette is unlike some of my other salad dressings since it requires almost all fresh ingredients. It's not the kind you can necessarily throw together at the last minute unless you have herbs in the fridge from the grocery store or growing in your garden. But, it is so worth it to track down the freshest herbs you can find. The flavor difference is night and day between fresh and dried. Those herbs will also give the vinaigrette its naturally green color!

• Fresh herbs - Parsley and dill work well here, but you can mix and match different types of herbs depending on the season and your personal preferences.
• Fresh garlic - Fresh garlic is so much better than garlic powder. Although you can sub the powder in a pinch, I highly recommend using the fresh stuff. Feel free to add more, if you're a major garlic fan.
• Fresh lemon juice - This adds such a lovely bright, summery flavor. You can substitute other vinegars if needed, but nothing quite compares. The closest alternative would be white wine vinegar.
• Olive oil - To help turn the dressing into a smooth, satisfying vinaigrette.
• Kosher salt + black pepper 

How to Make Herb Salad Dressing

You'll need some sort of blender to help break down the herbs and bring this dressing together. I usually use a blender, but you can try a mini food processor, immersion blender, or whatever you have on hand. 

• To a high speed blender, add parsley, dill, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper.
• Blend until smooth.

Tip: If you like to meal plan, make a double batch to store in the fridge and use all week long.

Storing Suggestions

Store any leftover garlic herb dressing in an airtight container or mason jar in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.

If the oil solidifies during refrigeration, simply let the garlic dressing set at room temperature to return to a liquid state. Stir or shake well, and serve.

Tips for Making the Best Garlic Herb Dressing

• Make it creamy. Add some vegan sour cream for a naturally creamy garlic dressing.
• Substitute, if needed. Although I recommend sticking with lemon juice, I totally understand if you need to make some swaps. I'm recommend using white or red wine vinegar, if possible. White vinegar can work, but may be a little too tangy for some folks.
• Taste as you go. The nice thing about making homemade dressings is how forgiving they are. It's really all about listening to your taste buds. Try the dressing and if it doesn't seem full of flavor, add a little more salt. If it's too sour, add a little more oil. 
• Sweeten to taste. I don't find that this recipe always needs sweetness, but you can always add a little maple syrup if needed.

How to Serve

The acidity and bright, fresh flavors are perfect for serving alongside rich Italian recipes, like my Cheezy Vegan Lasagna, to cut through the richness.

I also enjoy this garlic herb dressing recipe over a bed of leafy greens with whichever fresh veggies we have on hand. It doesn't always have to be complicated!

The vinaigrette can really make hearty root veggies pop and is an ideal dressing for a summery potato salad. Use it as a simple marinade or garnish for roasted veggies to take their flavor over the top.