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

If you’ve been hunting for a tangy, velvety, and super easy-to-make dressing that fits perfectly into your low-carb lifestyle, you’re seriously going to love this Creamy Lemon Keto Salad Dressing Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out—bright lemon flavor balanced with creamy mayo and a hint of garlic that just makes any salad pop! When I first tried this, it quickly became my go-to for everything from leafy greens to roasted veggies. Stick with me and I’ll share all my best tips to help you nail it every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Keto-friendly & Low-Carb: Designed to fit perfectly into your ketogenic diet without sacrificing flavor.
Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
Versatile Usage: Great not just on salads but as a dip or sauce for grilled veggies and meats.
Make Ahead Friendly: Flavors deepen when chilled, making it perfect for meal prep.

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 lemon dressing, healthy salad dressing, dairy-free lemon salad topping

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together in perfect harmony to deliver that creamy yet zesty bite that wakes up your taste buds without loading you up with carbs. Be sure to use fresh lemon juice for brightness and good-quality olive oil for richness — it really makes the difference!

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 lemon dressing, healthy salad dressing, dairy-free lemon salad topping

Mayonnaise: I recommend using a full-fat, sugar-free mayo to keep things creamy and keto-compliant.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is key here; bottled just doesn’t bring the same brightness.
Olive Oil: Choose extra virgin for the best flavor and health benefits.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang that balances the creaminess perfectly.
Garlic Powder: Brings just a whisper of savory depth without overpowering.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, but start small and adjust to taste.
Black Pepper: Just a pinch to give a gentle kick.

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 like to switch things up depending on the season or what I have in the fridge. This Creamy Lemon Keto Salad Dressing Recipe is so easy to customize, I encourage you to experiment and make it your own.

Herb Boost: Adding fresh chopped herbs like dill or parsley really brightens the flavor—I tried dill once and my family went crazy for it!
Spicy Kick: Mix in a dash of cayenne pepper or a bit of hot sauce if you want a lively, spicy version.
Garlic Lover’s: If you adore garlic like I do, swap garlic powder for freshly minced garlic—but be careful not to overpower the lemon.
Vegan Option: Replace mayo with a creamy avocado base or blended silken tofu for a dairy-free version.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Keto Salad Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Magic

Start by adding your mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into a small bowl. I like to whisk with a fork, but a small whisk works great too. Whisk until everything is blended and smooth—no streaks of oil or mayo—that’s the sign you got it just right. If it looks a little thick, don’t worry, the lemon juice and olive oil balance it out perfectly.

Step 2: Chill and Let Flavors Marry

Pop your dressing in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. I discovered this trick when I first tried the recipe—it really lets those flavors relax and blend beautifully. Trust me, you’ll find it tastes way better after chilling. If you’re in a rush, 15 minutes helps too, but an hour is best if you have the time.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Lemon Keto Salad Dressing Recipe

Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Nothing beats fresh lemon juice for brightness and acidity, which makes your dressing pop.
Adjust Thickness: If you’d like a thinner dressing, just whisk in a splash of water or more olive oil a little at a time.
Make it Ahead: I like prepping this the night before so the flavors meld—plus saves time during busy meals.
Taste Before Serving: After chilling, always taste and tweak seasoning; sometimes it needs a pinch more salt or a touch more lemon juice.

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Keto Salad Dressing Recipe

Creamy Lemon Keto Salad Dressing Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love sprinkling chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top when I serve this dressing—it adds a fresh pop of color and flavor. Sometimes, I add a few toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for a bit of crunch that pairs perfectly with creamy lemon.

Side Dishes

This dressing isn’t just for leafy greens. I often drizzle it over roasted cauliflower, grilled zucchini, or use it as a sauce for baked chicken breasts. It brings incredible freshness to Mediterranean-style meals or simple keto bowls.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like serving this dressing in a small glass jar with a rustic wooden spoon on the side. It looks charming, and guests can help themselves. Another fun idea is offering a “dressing flight” alongside various keto salads—this Creamy Lemon Keto Salad Dressing is always the star!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover dressing in a sealed jar or container in the fridge. It stays fresh and delicious for up to a week, so it’s perfect for meal prepping your keto lunches or dinners without stress. Just give it a quick stir before using again if the oil has separated a bit.

Freezing

Freezing this dressing isn’t my favorite because the texture can get a bit grainy when thawed, but if you need to, freeze in small portions. Thaw in the fridge overnight and give it a good whisk before serving to smooth things out.

Reheating

This dressing is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t usually necessary. If you do want to warm it slightly, just let it sit out for a bit rather than heating, to avoid breaking the emulsion and losing that creamy texture.

FAQs

Is this Creamy Lemon Keto Salad Dressing Recipe dairy-free?

Yes! This recipe contains no dairy—it uses mayonnaise as the creamy base, which is typically egg-based and oil-based. Just be sure to use a mayo that doesn’t contain hidden sugars or dairy ingredients if you have sensitivities.
Can I use lemon juice concentrate or bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

While fresh lemon juice delivers the brightest and freshest flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. Just keep in mind the flavor might be slightly less vibrant, so you may want to adjust the amount to taste.
How long will this dressing last in the fridge?

This dressing stays fresh for about 5 to 7 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Always give it a quick sniff and stir before using leftovers.
Can I make this dressing thicker or thinner?

Absolutely! To make it thinner, whisk in a little more olive oil or water. To thicken, reduce the olive oil a bit or add a bit more mayo. Adjust to your preferred consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Lemon Keto Salad Dressing Recipe has been a total game-changer in my kitchen—it’s quick, fresh, and so versatile that it really keeps my salads exciting. I love sharing it with friends because it’s that effortless recipe everyone asks for. You’re going to enjoy how easily it fits into your keto lifestyle, and I promise it will brighten up your meals in the best way. Give it a try and see how it transforms your salads into something special—you won’t regret it!