This mayonnaise salad dressing is a creamy and tangy homemade dressing made with mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, sugar, and fresh parsley. Quick and easy to prepare, it works perfectly as a salad dressing, sandwich spread, or dipping sauce. Ideal for green salads, coleslaw, potato salad, and pasta salad, this simple recipe uses basic pantry ingredients for a smooth and flavorful result. Popular for easy homemade dressings, creamy salad sauces, and quick salad recipes, it adds rich flavor to everyday meals and meal prep ideas.

Ingredients

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
⅛ teaspoon kosher salt (or table salt)
⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

In a medium bowl, add mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and garlic powder.
Whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Stir in the chopped parsley if using.
Use immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy salad dressing is quick to prepare and uses simple pantry ingredients. It adds a rich, tangy flavor to salads and works as a versatile dressing or dip for everyday meals.

Tips

Whisk thoroughly to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
Adjust vinegar for more tang or mayonnaise for extra creaminess.
Let it chill for 15–30 minutes for improved flavor.
Use fresh parsley for a brighter taste.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.
Replace sugar with honey for a natural sweetness.
Add Dijon mustard for extra depth of flavor.
Use dried parsley if fresh is not available.

FAQs

How long does it last in the fridge?
It can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, as long as you use a dairy-free mayonnaise.

Is it suitable for dipping?
Yes, it works well as a dip for vegetables, fries, and sandwiches.

Serving

Serve this dressing over green salads, coleslaw, pasta salads, or potato salads. It also pairs well with grilled chicken, wraps, and sandwiches.

Suggestions

For extra flavor, add a pinch of black pepper or a splash of lemon juice. You can also mix in herbs like dill or chives to customize the taste for different salad styles.