Skip the fillers; this classic keto vinaigrette dressing relies on a slow oil drizzle to create a glossy, opaque sauce that grips your salad. It balances sharp vinegar with savory garlic for a rich, golden coating that never slides to the bottom.
Why This Bottle Belongs in Your Fridge
Instant Flavor Awakening
The combination of sharp Dijon and aromatic oregano creates a bold, savory profile that transforms boring lettuce into a craving.
Perfectly Clings to Greens
Unlike watery versions, the mustard acts as a magic binder, ensuring every bite is coated in a glossy, golden richness rather than pooling at the bottom of the bowl.
Zero Hidden Junk
You get total control over the ingredients, meaning fresh, pure flavors shine through without any artificial aftertaste.
A Pantry Staple for Fresh Eating
I absolutely love how this garlic herb vinaigrette dressing relies on humble ingredients to create something spectacular. The star here is the fresh garlic—it adds that necessary punch without needing a single grain of sugar to balance it out. Using a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil provides a lush mouthfeel that keeps me satisfied.
This is my go-to zero carb salad dressing recipe because it’s incredibly versatile. It works beautifully as a marinade for grilled chicken or drizzled over roasted asparagus. If you are looking to expand your homemade dressing repertoire, I highly recommend checking out my Zesty Low-Carb Lemon Herb Vinaigrette for a citrusy switch-up, or the No Added Sugar Fresh Raspberry Vinaigrette if you’re in the mood for something with a fruity note that still fits your goals.
Chef’s Tips for the Perfect Emulsion
The “Slow Drizzle” Secret: When adding the oil, pour it in a thin, steady stream while whisking like crazy. This creates a thick, creamy texture that feels decadent on the tongue.
Taste Test on a Leaf: Don’t taste the dressing plain from a spoon; it will be too sharp. Dip a piece of lettuce in to see how the flavors actually land on your food.
Mason Jar Hack: If you are in a rush, just dump everything into a mason jar and shake it violently for 60 seconds. It works almost as well as whisking!
Storage Smarts: Olive oil often solidifies in the fridge. Just let the jar sit on the counter for 10 minutes before dinner to bring it back to liquid gold.
Absolutely. While white wine vinegar offers a crisp brightness, champagne vinegar is lovely and mild. Just avoid balsamic if you are strictly watching carbs, or stick to a specific sugar-free recipe like my Homestyle Roasted Red Pepper Vinaigrette for a different vibe.
How long does this keep?
Since there are no preservatives, it’s best used within a week. I find the garlic flavor actually gets better and more robust after sitting for a day.
Skip the store-bought bottles often containing hidden sweeteners and additives. This clean-eating vinaigrette adds a savory kick with fresh garlic and a hint of oregano. It offers a bold flavor profile with absolutely no added sugar, making it a versatile choice for anyone monitoring their carb intake or seeking pure, whole-food ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Aromatics & Seasonings
1 clove garlic, minced (adds savoriness without salt)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (crushed between fingers)
1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt (or to taste) (approx. 1.5g)
1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (approx. 0.5g)
Base & Emulsifiers
1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (smooth or grainy) (approx. 22g)
1/4 cup white wine vinegar (or champagne vinegar) (60 ml)
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (high quality) (180 ml)
Instructions
Prepare the flavor base: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, Kosher salt, and cracked black pepper.
Dissolve the salt: Pour in the white wine vinegar. Whisk these ingredients vigorously for about 30 seconds. Chef’s Tip: Dissolving the salt in the vinegar before adding the oil ensures an even flavor throughout the dressing.
Emulsify the dressing: While whisking continuously with your dominant hand, slowly drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil into the bowl in a very thin, steady stream. Continue whisking until the mixture becomes opaque, glossy, and slightly thickened.
Final adjustment: Taste the vinaigrette using a fresh lettuce leaf (this gives a better gauge of flavor than tasting it plain). If it tastes too sharp, whisk in another teaspoon of olive oil; if it feels flat, add a tiny splash more vinegar or a pinch of black pepper. Transfer to a glass jar or cruet for serving.
Notes
Storage: Store in an airtight container (like a mason jar) in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The olive oil may solidify in the cold; simply let it sit on the counter for 10-15 minutes and shake well before using to re-emulsify.
Flavor Focus (Zero Sugar): This recipe relies on garlic and oregano for flavor complexity rather than sugar or honey, resulting in a zero-carb dressing suitable for Keto, Paleo.
Allergy Alert: This recipe contains Mustard. Ensure your Dijon mustard is certified gluten-free if you have severe gluten sensitivity (most are, but cross-contamination can occur).
Nutritional Information (Per 2-tablespoon serving)
Calories: ~185 kcal
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: ~140mg
Total Carbohydrates: <1g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 0g
Net Carbs: <1g
Protein: 0g
Vitamin E: ~2mg (10% DV)
Disclaimer: These are approximate estimates based on standard nutritional data. Values may vary based on brands, exact measurements, and specific ingredients. For precise calculations, use a nutrition tracking app like MyFitnessPal or consult a reliable database.
I hope this simple vinaigrette becomes a staple on your table just like it is on mine! It’s amazing how a few quality ingredients can turn a simple bowl of veggies into the highlight of the meal.
Remember, these are just my kitchen adventures and personal favorites—chat with your doctor or a nutritionist for personalized dietary tips!
Kristina Hanson is an independent wellness researcher and the founder of DailyZests. After a PCOS diagnosis, she focused her research on managing insulin resistance through evidence-based nutrition. Her work translates the science of DASH, Mediterranean, and Low-Carb eating into easy, family-tested recipes.
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