This post may contain affiliate links.

Sometimes a simple green salad is the only partner you need for your favorite dinner recipe. When that’s the case, top your salad with this simple, 1-minute Creamy Mayo Vinaigrette to create a classic house salad that is sure to become your signature dish!

simple lettuce & tomato salad with old fashioned, creamy may dressing

There is nothing quite as versatile as a simple green salad. It’s an easy go-to that perfectly rounds out almost every meal. But just because the salad is simple doesn’t mean your dressing can’t be special.

Liven things up with this easy mayonnaise-based vinaigrette. It’s so good, I call it my “house dressing”! It’s creamy without being heavy, and with the time it takes for you take the top off the Ranch, you can have a light & tangy, crave-worthy homemade dressing that adds pizzazz without being overwhelming.

full shot of salad and dressing to that they are served together

Ingredients for Salad & Mayo Dressing

butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce
tomatoes
green onions
green bell pepper
real mayonnaise
red wine vinegar
sugar
salt & pepper

How to Make Creamy Mayo Vinaigrette Salad Dressing

After prepping and chopping your salad ingredients, add mayo, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt & pepper to a glass jar (like a canning jar). Screw the lid on tightly and shake until all ingredients are mixed.

When ready to serve your salad, simply pour the dressing over prepared the lettuce, tomatoes, pepper and onions. Toss the salad and dressing together until all ingredients are coated well. Add a little cracked pepper to your salad and serve!

Don’t have a canning jar? No problem, just whisk the dressing ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.

Why We Love This Dressing

I seriously consider this recipe my go-to “house salad & dressing” for every occasion. And when I serve it, I am constantly giving away the recipe. The secret to its success is a simple one– it’s a nostalgic nod to a salad we all ate growing up at potlucks, church picnics, even family get-togethers. One taste and you’ll know. There’s nothing better than food that takes you back.

Also, it goes with everything. I mean, for real everything. From broiler burgers and crock pot BBQ chicken thighs to comfort dishes like Southern Cottage Meat & Potatoes Pie or Easy One Pot Beef Stroganoff. Even American-Italian favorites like Classic Lasagna and Ultimate Baked Spaghetti dance off the plate when paired with this green salad and creamy mayo vinaigrette.

up close of green salad with creamy mayo dressing to show ingredients and texture

And lastly, this straightforward salad leaves plenty of room to add in extra veggie favorites like the ones below if the mood strikes. With so many ways to mix it up, you don’t have to serve or eat the same salad twice! One recipe, lots of mileage.

carrots
red cabbage
radishes
cubed cheddar
avocado
boiled eggs
bacon
croutons

If You Make This Recipe, I Can’t Wait To Hear About It!