Name: Creamy Lemon Keto Salad Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ⅓ cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ⅛ teaspoon salt; 1 pinch black pepper

If you’re on the lookout for a tangy, rich, and downright delicious salad dressing that fits your low-carb lifestyle, then you’re going to adore this Creamy Lemon Keto Salad Dressing Recipe. It’s incredibly easy to whip up, packed with fresh flavors, and perfect for dressing up any salad or veggie bowl. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to keep a jar stashed in your fridge at all times!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything at home for this dressing, making it stress-free to prepare.
Keto-Friendly and Low-Carb: Perfect for staying on track without sacrificing flavor.
Bright, Creamy Flavor: The fresh lemon juice cuts through the richness beautifully.
Versatile Usage: Beyond salads, it’s great as a dip or drizzle over grilled meats and veggies.

The image shows a close-up of a small clear glass jar filled with thick, creamy white dressing with tiny brown specks, some of which is dripping down the side. A metal spoon sticks out from the jar. To the left, there is a white bowl filled with golden brown croutons, varying in shades and textures, some smooth and some rough. In the background, a large white bowl holds bright green leafy lettuce, showing fresh, wavy textures. The surface beneath everything is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Lemon Keto Salad Dressing, keto salad dressing, low-carb salad dressing, easy keto salad dressing, healthy lemon salad dressing

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Creamy Lemon Keto Salad Dressing Recipe plays an essential role, balancing creaminess, acidity, and subtle spice to create that perfect bite. Here’s what makes them work so well together.

Flat lay of creamy white mayonnaise dollop, a small white ceramic bowl with bright yellow freshly squeezed lemon juice, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl holding smooth pale yellow Dijon mustard, a small white ceramic bowl with fine white garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl of fine white salt, a small white ceramic bowl containing freshly ground black pepper, all arranged symmetrically and naturally fresh, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Lemon Keto Salad Dressing, keto salad dressing, low-carb salad dressing, easy keto salad dressing, healthy lemon salad dressing

Mayonnaise: Use a high-quality, full-fat mayo as the creamy base—it really makes the dressing luscious.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Fresh is key here! Bottled lemon juice just can’t compare to that fresh zing.
Olive oil: Adds depth and richness; extra virgin is best for flavor but any good quality olive oil works.
Dijon mustard: Brings a gentle heat and tang that wakes up the dressing.
Garlic powder: For a mellow garlic touch—easy to control without overpowering the lemon.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, so don’t skip it!
Black pepper: Adds a little kick and a touch of warmth.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how this Creamy Lemon Keto Salad Dressing Recipe can be a blank canvas to tweak based on what you have or your mood. Feel free to experiment with different herbs or swapping ingredients to suit your taste!

Add fresh herbs: When I want a garden-fresh vibe, I toss in chopped dill or parsley—totally elevates the flavor.
Spicy kick: Toss a pinch of cayenne or a few drops of hot sauce for a spicy twist that my family really enjoys.
Dairy swap: For a creamier, tangier dressing, I sometimes swap mayo for sour cream or Greek yogurt (just watch carbs).
Garlic alternative: Fresh minced garlic can be used for a bolder flavor, but use sparingly to keep things balanced.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Keto Salad Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients

Grab a small bowl and add the mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth, silky, and perfectly blended. You’ll notice the dressing immediately smells fresh and vibrant—the lemon really makes it pop!

Step 2: Let It Chill

I always recommend making this dressing ahead of time—at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator—so the flavors have a chance to marry and mellow. That cooling step brings everything together, making each bite punchier and more harmonious. When I first started making this, I was impatient to try it right away and noticed a milder taste without chilling.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Lemon Keto Salad Dressing Recipe

Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice can be too harsh or flat; fresh juice brightens the whole dressing.
Whisk Vigorously: I learned that whisking well helps create a creamy, emulsified texture rather than a separated one.
Adjust Acidity to Taste: Start with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, but if you like it tangier, add a little more gradually.
Store Properly: Keep dressing in a sealed container in the fridge and always give it a quick stir before serving.

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Keto Salad Dressing Recipe

Creamy Lemon Keto Salad Dressing Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I often garnish salads dressed with this creamy lemon dressing with some toasted nuts or seeds—they add a wonderful crunch and earthy contrast that I love. Fresh herbs like basil, chives, or parsley sprinkled on top add an extra pop of color and freshness that really impresses guests.

Side Dishes

This dressing works beautifully alongside keto-friendly side dishes like roasted Brussels sprouts, grilled chicken, or a simple avocado and tomato salad. My family especially enjoys it drizzled over crispy kale chips or even grilled shrimp for a light meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve this dressing in small mason jars with colorful striped straws alongside a salad bar setup. Guests love the personal touch, and it makes it super easy to portion control the dressing. You can also drizzle the dressing artistically over plated salads for a classy restaurant-style look that always earns compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Creamy Lemon Keto Salad Dressing Recipe in a small airtight jar or container in the fridge. It keeps wonderfully for up to a week. Be sure to give it a good stir or shake before each use as natural separation can occur.

Freezing

While I don’t usually freeze this dressing because of the mayonnaise base, I’ve tried freezing it once and found the texture changed slightly after thawing, becoming a bit grainy. For best results, fresh or refrigerated storage is your friend here.

Reheating

No reheating needed! This dressing is best served cold or at room temperature. Simply take it out of the fridge 10 minutes before serving to take the chill off and let those flavors shine.

FAQs

Can I use a different oil in this Creamy Lemon Keto Salad Dressing Recipe?

Absolutely! While olive oil offers great flavor, you can use avocado oil or even a light, neutral oil like grapeseed oil if you prefer. Just keep in mind that oils with stronger flavors might alter the final taste.
Is this dressing suitable for paleo diets?

Since mayonnaise often contains eggs and sometimes non-paleo oils, you’ll want to use a paleo-friendly mayo alternative to keep it aligned with paleo guidelines. Always check ingredients to be sure.
How long does this dressing last in the fridge?

This creamy lemon keto salad dressing typically stays fresh for up to one week when stored in an airtight container. Always smell and taste before using to ensure it’s still good.
Can I add fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

Yes! Fresh minced garlic will add a more robust flavor, but be sure to use it sparingly—start with a small amount as raw garlic can be quite potent compared to garlic powder.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Creamy Lemon Keto Salad Dressing Recipe takes simple ingredients and turns them into something so fresh and satisfying. It’s hard to believe it only takes five minutes to make—it’s honestly become my go-to for quick, healthy meals or when I want to dress up a simple salad without fuss. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a staple in your kitchen just like it has in mine!