Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

Absolutely! One small clove of minced garlic can replace the garlic powder. Keep in mind that fresh garlic will give a more intense flavor, and the dressing won't keep quite as long (about 1 week).

My dressing separated after sitting in the refrigerator. Is it still good?

Yes! Oil and vinegar naturally separate when left to sit. This is perfectly normal and expected. Just give the dressing a good shake before using, and it will re-emulsify.

Can I make this dressing with a different vinegar?

Certainly! White wine vinegar makes a milder dressing, while balsamic creates a sweeter, more robust flavor. Apple cider vinegar works well too, bringing a fruity note to the mix.

Is this dressing gluten-free and vegan?

The dressing is naturally gluten-free. To make it vegan, simply replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Both alternatives work perfectly and maintain the necessary balance of flavors.

Garlic & Herb Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe

Name: Garlic & Herb Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-484954H31S
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Base Ingredients; 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/3 cup red wine vinegar; Flavor Enhancers; 1 Tablespoon honey; 2 teaspoons dijon mustard; 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder; Herbs & Seasonings; 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves; 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves; 1 teaspoon dried parsley leaves; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

This homemade Garlic & Herb Vinaigrette is a game-changer for your salads! Bursting with aromatic herbs and zesty garlic, this dressing comes together in just 5 minutes with pantry staples. Perfectly balanced between tangy and savory, it transforms even the simplest greens into something special. Skip the store-bought bottles filled with preservatives and whip up this fresh, flavorful dressing that will become your new kitchen staple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Quick: Five minutes is all it takes to create this flavor-packed dressing. Perfect for those nights when you’re scrambling to get dinner on the table!
Budget-Friendly: Using basic pantry ingredients means you’ll save money compared to those pricey bottled dressings while getting a far superior product.
Customizable: The basic recipe is fantastic as is, but you can easily adjust the herbs and seasonings to match your meal or mood.
No Weird Ingredients: Everything in this dressing is pronounceable and beneficial—no additives, preservatives, or mysterious “natural flavors.”

Ingredients You’ll Need

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The foundation of our dressing, providing richness and that distinct fruity flavor. Use the best quality you can afford—you’ll taste the difference.
Red Wine Vinegar: Brings the perfect tangy punch that balances the oil. Its robust flavor stands up beautifully to the herbs.
Honey: Adds just enough sweetness to round out the acidity from the vinegar. It also helps emulsify the dressing.
Dijon Mustard: Works as both a flavor enhancer and an emulsifier, helping the oil and vinegar blend harmoniously.
Garlic Powder: Provides that wonderful garlic flavor without the bite of fresh garlic. It distributes evenly throughout the dressing.
Dried Herbs (Basil, Oregano, Parsley): This trio creates the Mediterranean flavor profile that makes this dressing special. Using dried herbs means you can make this anytime.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and is essential for a well-balanced dressing.
Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity that completes the flavor profile.

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

Herb Variations

Switch up the herb blend based on what you have or what you’re serving. Try rosemary and thyme for a French twist, or dill and parsley for something lighter.

Fresh Herb Version

When summer gardens are overflowing, substitute fresh herbs for dried. Use about three times the amount listed (so 3 teaspoons of fresh basil instead of 1 teaspoon dried).

Lemon Herb Vinaigrette

Replace half the red wine vinegar with fresh lemon juice for a brighter, citrusy version that pairs beautifully with seafood.

Spicy Garlic Vinaigrette

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat that will wake up your taste buds.

How to Make Garlic & Herb Vinaigrette

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Collect all ingredients and a mason jar or other container with a tight-fitting lid. Measuring everything directly into the jar saves on cleanup.

Step 2: Combine and Shake

Add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, dried parsley, salt, and pepper to your jar.

Step 3: Emulsify

Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until everything is well combined and the dressing has slightly thickened.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Dip a piece of lettuce or bread into the dressing to taste. Adjust seasonings if needed—maybe a touch more honey if it’s too tangy, or another pinch of salt if flavors aren’t popping.

Step 5: Store

Keep refrigerated until ready to use. Remember to shake well before each use as the ingredients will naturally separate.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Quality Matters: Use the best quality olive oil you can afford—it’s the backbone of this dressing.
Mason Jar Magic: Making and storing your dressing in the same container means one less thing to wash.
Make Ahead: This dressing actually improves after sitting for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Room Temperature Serving: As noted in the recipe, this dressing thickens when cold. For the best texture and flavor, take it out of the refrigerator 15 minutes before serving or run the sealed jar under warm water.
Taste as You Go: Always test your dressing before serving. Dip a leaf of whatever salad green you’re using to see how the flavors work together.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This versatile dressing shines on robust greens like romaine, kale, or spring mix. Add some crunch with cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onions for a classic garden salad.

Beyond Salads

Don’t limit this dressing to just greens! Try these creative uses:

Drizzle over roasted vegetables fresh from the oven
Use as a marinade for chicken or fish (30 minutes is perfect)
Toss with warm pasta and fresh vegetables for a quick pasta salad
Brush onto bread before grilling for an elevated garlic bread
Serve as a dipping sauce for crusty bread

Complete Meal Ideas

For a complete dinner, serve a salad dressed with this vinaigrette alongside grilled chicken, pasta, or a hearty soup. The Mediterranean flavors complement Italian, Greek, and French cuisine beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This vinaigrette will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The vinegar acts as a natural preservative.

Freezing

While you technically can freeze this dressing, the quality suffers upon thawing. Since it’s so quick to make fresh, freezing isn’t recommended.

Reheating

This dressing isn’t meant to be heated, but remember to bring it to room temperature before using. If it’s too thick from refrigeration, let it sit out for a few minutes or run the sealed container under warm water briefly.

Remember that olive oil will solidify in the refrigerator. This is completely normal and doesn’t mean your dressing has gone bad!

FAQs

Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

Absolutely! One small clove of minced garlic can replace the garlic powder. Keep in mind that fresh garlic will give a more intense flavor, and the dressing won’t keep quite as long (about 1 week).
My dressing separated after sitting in the refrigerator. Is it still good?

Yes! Oil and vinegar naturally separate when left to sit. This is perfectly normal and expected. Just give the dressing a good shake before using, and it will re-emulsify.
Can I make this dressing with a different vinegar?

Certainly! White wine vinegar makes a milder dressing, while balsamic creates a sweeter, more robust flavor. Apple cider vinegar works well too, bringing a fruity note to the mix.
Is this dressing gluten-free and vegan?

The dressing is naturally gluten-free. To make it vegan, simply replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Both alternatives work perfectly and maintain the necessary balance of flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic & Herb Vinaigrette isn’t just a dressing—it’s the secret weapon that will transform your everyday meals. There’s something deeply satisfying about creating something so flavorful with such minimal effort. Next time you’re tempted to grab a bottle from the store, remember that this homemade version is just five minutes and a shake away. Your salads will thank you, and I guarantee once you try it, there’s no going back to store-bought!