This lemon and garlic parmesan dressing is my favorite homemade dressing to make. It’s packed lemony garlicky flavor and cheesy parmesan and it’s versatile to use on anything from greens to pasta salads to meat and roasted veggies.

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Why you’ll love this

This garlic parmesan salad dressing is easy to make and you can whip it up in just a couple of minutes using basic ingredients you probably have on hand.

This dressing combines the bright and zesty flavors of lemon juice with cheesy parmesan and fresh garlic. It’s truly just SO good.

This is a great salad dressing for everything from a giant dinner salad to a simple bed of romaine lettuce.

You can use this simple garlic parmesan dressing for:

• Your favorite garden salad or my fave Italian grinder salad
• Sliced raw veggies like cucumbers and red bell pepper
• Pasta salads like my high protein pasta salad
• Marinating meats and veggies before grilling
• Drizzling on your favorite sandwiches

Homemade salad dressing takes your salads to the next level because they are so much tastier than store-bought dressings. So what are you waiting for?

Let’s get into what you need!

What you need for this parmesan garlic dressing

• Extra virgin olive oil: Homemade salad dressings are a great opportunity to get more heart-healthy olive oil into your life! I also love using avocado oil.
• Lemon juice: I recommend using fresh lemon juice for sure. Make your life easier with a citrus squeezer! You can use the pre-squeezed stuff in a pinch, but it’s not as good (I know, bummer).
• Parmesan cheese: Grated parmesan cheese adds just the right amount of cheesy flavor and creaminess to this dressing.
• Honey: You can also use maple syrup. I like to use honey or maple syrup because they combine easily into dressings.
• Fresh garlic: Fresh garlic is one of my favorite additions to homemade dressings! If you prefer a mellow garlic flavor, you can roast it instead. To save chopping time, use a garlic microplane (it turns it into a garlic puree). You can also use garlic powder in a pinch.
• Dijon mustard: Just a small amount of dijon mustard adds flavor and helps the dressing to emulsify.
• Spices: For spices, you’ll just need Italian seasoning, salt and black pepper.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a small bowl and whisk until thoroughly combined. Taste test and add more salt and pepper as needed to taste.

Note: If you want more of a creamy dressing, use a food processor or blender to quickly blend the ingredients

Recipe FAQ

Does this dressing store well?

You can store this dressing in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. When it’s refrigerated, it’s normal to separate and solidify a bit. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before giving it a good shake!

Can I use vinegar instead of lemon juice?

Yes, this dressing recipe works great with the same amount of white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar or white balsamic vinegar.

Shop this recipe:

• Lemon squeezer: This citrus juicer is one of my most used kitchen items. It’s quick and simple to use for any time you need a squeeze of lemon or lime.
• Microplane: You can use this microplane for garlic or ginger to save yourself time chopping!

Variation ideas

• Add fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or even cilantro.
• Use roasted garlic instead of fresh for a milder garlic flavor.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Add a scoop of plain Greek yogurt for a creamy parmesan dressing.
• Add a splash of worcestershire sauce for a savory flavor boost.

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