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Pioneer Woman Buttermilk Salad Dressing

Pioneer Woman Buttermilk Salad Dressing - recipe card
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This creamy, tangy buttermilk dressing comes together in minutes without any bacon or pork, making it a versatile addition to salads, roasted vegetables, and sandwiches. The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and a touch of honey balances the buttermilk’s sharpness with a subtle sweetness, delivering a restaurant-quality texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk, well shaken
  • 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream
  • 1/4 cup full-fat mayonnaise (e.g., Hellmann’s or Duke’s)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, from 1/2 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced or pressed through a garlic press
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon celery seed (optional, for extra flavor)
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper, for subtle heat

Instructions

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup well-shaken buttermilk, 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream, and 1/4 cup full-fat mayonnaise. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and homogenous. The dressing will have a thick, creamy base that clings to greens well.
  2. Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon honey, and whisk again. The lemon brightens the dairy while the honey rounds out the sharpness—adjust both to your taste if desired.
  3. Add the minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, and an optional 1/8 teaspoon celery seed for an extra savory depth. Whisk to incorporate all seasonings evenly.
  4. Stir in the fresh chives, parsley, and dill. Use a rubber spatula to fold the herbs through so they stay evenly distributed and don’t bruise.
  5. Add a pinch of cayenne for a subtle warmth that won’t dominate—just enough to balance the creamy dressing.
  6. Taste the dressing and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. At this stage, the seasoning should be slightly more pronounced than you want it to finish because the flavors will meld and mellow after chilling.
  7. Transfer the dressing to a glass jar or airtight container. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving; this rests the garlic and herbs, allowing the flavors to meld.
  8. When ready to serve, give the dressing a good stir because it will thicken slightly upon refrigeration. If it’s too thick for your preference, whisk in 1 to 2 teaspoons of buttermilk to loosen.
  9. Drizzle over salads, roasted vegetables, or use as a dip for fresh crudités.

Notes

Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Do not freeze as the dairy will separate. To serve after chilling, let the dressing sit at room temperature for 10 minutes, then stir well. If it thickens too much, whisk in a splash of buttermilk.

Nutrition

Keywords: buttermilk dressing, ranch-style dressing, creamy salad dressing, homemade dressing, no-cook recipe, American cuisine, condiment, quick and easy, herb dressing, vegetarian, gluten-free, Pioneer Woman-inspired

Find it online: https://inspiredbypioneerwoman.com/pioneer-woman-buttermilk-salad-dressing/