Chef’s Fashion Quick Salad Dressing
(Creamy, Balanced & Ready in Minutes)
A great salad dressing can turn even the simplest bowl of greens into something memorable. This Chef’s Fashion Quick Salad Dressing is designed to be fast, flexible, and full of balanced flavor. It blends the richness of olive oil and a creamy base with the sharpness of vinegar, brightness from lemon, and depth from herbs and mustard. The result is a smooth, restaurant-style dressing that works with leafy salads, pasta salads, grain bowls, or even as a drizzle for roasted vegetables. It comes together in minutes, uses pantry staples, and can be easily adjusted to suit your taste, which is exactly how professional kitchens approach dressing-making.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Mixing time: 5 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Yield: About 1 cup dressing (6–8 servings)
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
Extra virgin olive oil: ½ cup (120 ml)
Red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar: 3 tablespoons
Mayonnaise, sour cream, or plain yogurt: ¼ cup (60 g)
Seasonings
Garlic, minced (or garlic powder): 1 small clove or ½ teaspoon powder
Dried oregano: ½ teaspoon
Dried basil: ½ teaspoon
Salt: ¾ teaspoon
Freshly ground black pepper: ½ teaspoon
Other Flavorings
Lemon juice (fresh): 1 tablespoon
Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon
Honey or sugar: 1 to 2 teaspoons (to taste)
Instructions
In a medium bowl or jar, add the mayonnaise, sour cream, or yogurt as the creamy base.
Whisk in the Dijon mustard until smooth.
Add vinegar and lemon juice, whisking to combine.
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing.
Add minced garlic or garlic powder.
Sprinkle in oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
Whisk until the dressing is fully smooth and creamy.
Taste and add honey or sugar to balance acidity.
Adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.
Tips
Whisking while adding oil slowly helps create a smooth, stable dressing.
Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
Greek yogurt gives a lighter, tangier dressing than mayonnaise.
Let the dressing sit briefly so herbs fully hydrate.
Taste after resting, flavors often mellow slightly.
If the dressing is too thick, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water or milk.
Store in a sealed jar for easy shaking before use.
Fresh garlic is stronger, garlic powder is milder and smoother.
Balance acidity with sweetness gradually to avoid overpowering.
Serve at room temperature for best texture and taste.
Variations
Add fresh chopped parsley or dill for a brighter flavor.
Replace vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a softer tang.
Use all yogurt for a lighter, low-fat version.
Add a pinch of chili flakes for gentle heat.
Blend with roasted garlic for deeper flavor.
Add grated Parmesan for a savory twist.
Use lime juice instead of lemon for a sharper profile.
Add a splash of soy sauce for umami depth.
Turn it vegan by using plant-based mayo or yogurt.
Thin it out and use as a marinade for chicken or vegetables.
Q&A
Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
Yes, it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Do I need a blender?
No, a whisk or jar works perfectly.
Which creamy base is best?
Mayonnaise is richest, yogurt is lightest, sour cream is balanced.
Can I skip the sugar or honey?
Yes, but a little sweetness helps balance acidity.
Why does my dressing separate?
Shake or whisk again, natural separation is normal.
Is this dressing gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, use three times the amount of fresh herbs.
How do I make it thinner?
Add water, milk, or lemon juice a tablespoon at a time.
What salads does this work best with?
Green salads, pasta salads, chicken salads, and grain bowls.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, it scales easily for larger batches.
Nutrition
(Approximate per 2-tablespoon serving)
Calories: 110
Fat: 11 g
Carbohydrates: 2 g
Protein: 1 g
Sodium: 140 mg
Conclusion
Chef’s Fashion Quick Salad Dressing is all about balance, speed, and flexibility. With clear measurements and simple steps, it delivers a creamy, flavorful dressing that tastes polished without being fussy. Whether you keep it classic or customize it with herbs, spice, or citrus, this dressing adapts easily to your kitchen and your meals. Once you start making it at home, it quickly becomes a staple you rely on again and again.