Make salads sweet & savory with this quick Garlic Salad Dressing, a simple and flavorful blend that adds a zesty punch to any greens. Made with fresh garlic, heart-healthy olive oil, and sweet apple juice, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick homemade dressing.
For other easy salad dressing recipes without citrus, also try my fresh ginger dressing or my pomegranate sumac salad dressing.
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✔️ Why This Recipe is Great
Super Quick: This low histamine salad dressing whips up in less than 10 minutes, including prep time. It's a versatile garlic dressing, not only delicious but also packed with healthy fats and bold flavors perfect for enhancing any bowl fo greens.
Toppings to Pair: The flavor profile of a garlic salad dressing can be very strong, even without a creamy component, so the salad you put it on would benefit from the addition of fresh goat cheese, apple slices, and/or any tolerated nuts.
Low Histamine Salad Dressing: while you could also use this garlic dressing on roasted root vegetables, I make this primarily as a dressing for salads with seeds & a bit of fresh fruit (pomegranates or blueberries are surprisingly brightening), though some grilled chicken is also delicious.
🧄 Ingredients
Oil: You can use any oil for this dressing, but I’d encourage using avocado oil or olive oil if possible, though either can add a bitter undertone if using an older oil.
Apple Juice: I use the Martinelli apple juice from the glass jars, but use whatever you tolerate, even fresh-pressed or from frozen.
Garlic: all members of the allium family (onion, garlic, scallions, etc.) are rich in the cancer-fighting sulfur-containing substances, which make it a powerful antioxidant. Raw garlic also adds a delicious umami flavor to dishes, and anti-microbial qualities that help your gut foster helpful bacteria.
Thyme: this is my herb of choice for this particular garlic dressing (specifically lemon thyme), but that's mainly because it's what I already have growing in my garden. If you have other favorites or other herbs on hand, you can choose any bouquet of fresh herbs which tickles your taste buds.
See recipe card for exact ingredients and quantities.
🥗 How to Make Fresh Garlic Salad Dressing (Step-by-Step)
Step 1) In a food processor, combine the oil, apple juice, garlic, thyme, and salt. If you don’t have a food processor, mince the garlic cloves well then add everything to a small bowl or jar and whisk or shake well to blend (image 1).
Step 2) Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt or a splash more of apple juice for sweetness or to thin it out further (image 2). If you prefer a much thicker dressing, you can swap out half the apple juice for apple sauce.
Step 3) Let the dressing sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before using it on your favorite salads. Consider using this time to wash your greens and add your toppings, then dress everything and serve!
📝 Variations
- Add More Herbs: Mix in up to a teaspoon more of fresh or dried herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley for extra flavor.
- Spiced Kick: Add a pinch of cumin or fresh horseradish for some heat.
- Creamy Twist: Stir in a spoonful of tahini to create a creamier version.
- Citrus Zest: Squeeze in fresh lemon or lime juice for a bright, tangy flavor, as tolerated.
- Sweetened Dressing: Add a touch of honey or maple syrup to balance the garlic’s sharpness.
- Mustard Boost: Incorporate a quarter teaspoon of mustard powder for added depth and tang.
🧊 Storage (Freezing)
If you're eating low histamine, you can store this dressing in the fridge for an afternoon or in the freezer for up to 3 months (in an air-tight container; it will lose some texture in the freezer). Otherwise you can keep it in the fridge for up to one week.
👨🏻🍳 Expert Notes & Tips
Best Uses: This dressing pairs wonderfully with mixed greens, roasted vegetables, or even as a quick marinade for grilled chicken (try a cast iron pan).
Storage: Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day, or up to five days if you’re not eating low histamine. Just give it a good shake before using!
Flavor Boost: Add other ingredients such as a teaspoon of honey, mustard or apple vinegar to give this an extra punch of flavor.
❓ What to Serve With Garlic Dressing
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week (or just a few hours if eating low histamine). Shake or stir well before using.
Yes, this dressing is vegan as it contains plant-based ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and apple juice.
Yes, you can add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to suit your taste preferences and tolerances.
Yes, it works well as a marinade for vegetables, fish, or meats, adding a burst of garlic flavor.
Add a little honey or maple syrup to balance the sharpness, or reduce the amount of garlic you use.
Have you tried this recipe?
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📖 Recipe
Quick Garlic Salad Dressing
Equipment
- Food Processor
Ingredients
- ½ cup olive oil 120ml
- ¼ cup apple juice 60ml
- 3 garlic cloves large
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves alt. ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the olive oil, apple juice, garlic, thyme, and salt. If you don’t have a food processor, mince the garlic cloves then add everything to a small bowl or jar and whisk or shake well to blend.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt or a splash more of apple juice for sweetness.
- Let the dressing sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before using it on your favorite salads.
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