Zesty Buttermilk Salad Dressing Recipe by Ina Garten: Fresh Joy

Whipping up a salad dressing that Ina Garten buttermilk salad dressing recipe promises to deliver can turn an ordinary meal into a culinary delight.

Creamy, tangy, and packed with fresh herbs, this dressing brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your plate.

The secret lies in carefully balanced ingredients that dance together in perfect harmony.

buttermilk provides a rich, velvety base that elevates every leafy green and crisp vegetable.

Bold herbs and a touch of zesty seasoning create a symphony of taste that will make you fall in love with salads all over again.

Simple yet sophisticated, this recipe proves that homemade dressings are always better than store-bought alternatives.

Get ready to drizzle pure deliciousness over your next salad creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 1

Everything for Ina Garten’s Buttermilk Salad Dressing

• Buttermilk: Creamy foundation that gives tangy richness and smooth texture to the dressing.
• Sour Cream: Adds luxurious depth and silky consistency with subtle acidic undertones.

• Mayonnaise: Provides creamy body and helps bind ingredients together.
• Dijon Mustard: Introduces sharp, zesty kick and helps emulsify the dressing.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens overall flavor profile and adds fresh citrusy punch.

• Garlic Powder: Delivers subtle, aromatic warmth without raw garlic intensity.
• Salt: Amplifies and balances all other flavors in the dressing.
• Black Pepper: Contributes gentle, spicy background note with mild heat.

Tools That Help Whisk Ina’s Buttermilk Dressing

• Medium-sized bowl: Perfect for mixing all ingredients comfortably.
• Whisk: Essential for blending the dressing smoothly and creating a creamy texture.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure ingredients for consistent flavor.
• Measuring spoons: Precise for adding salt, pepper, and other seasonings.
• Spatula: Great for scraping down sides of the bowl and ensuring everything is mixed well.

Shake Up a Dressing Like Ina Does

• Gathering Supplies

Find a medium bowl and gather your favorite whisk. Fresh buttermilk and creamy ingredients will transform your salad experience.

• Blending Magic

Pour all components into the bowl and whisk with enthusiasm. Let the ingredients dance together, creating a smooth and delightful texture that will elevate any green creation.

• Flavor Perfection

Take a small taste and adjust seasonings to match your personal palate. Every dressing has a unique character waiting to be discovered.

• Chill Time

Tuck the dressing into the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to mingle and develop depth. The cool environment will help the ingredients harmonize and become even more delicious.

Try These Flavor Additions to Buttermilk Dressing

• Swap buttermilk with Greek yogurt for a tangier, creamier dressing that adds extra protein.
• Chop fresh herbs like dill, chives, or parsley to brighten the dressing and enhance its aromatic profile.
• Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a subtle kick that elevates the entire salad experience.
• Keep the dressing in an airtight container for up to 5 days, giving it a quick shake before each use to re-blend the ingredients.

Serve Buttermilk Salad Dressing Like a Pro

• Drizzle Over Fresh Greens: Enhance crisp salad leaves like romaine, arugula, or mixed greens with this creamy buttermilk dressing for a zesty flavor boost.
• Veggie Dip Delight: Serve as a cool, tangy dipping sauce for raw vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers at your next gathering.
• Sandwich and Wrap Spread: Slather on sandwiches or wraps to add a rich, creamy texture and bright tanginess that elevates simple lunch options.
• Grill Companion: Use as a delicious drizzle over grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or as a dipping sauce for charred meats to add a refreshing layer of flavor.

Chill and Store Buttermilk Dressing the Right Way

• Refrigerate Promptly: Store the dressing in an airtight container to maintain its fresh, creamy texture and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• Maximize Freshness: Consume the buttermilk dressing within 5-7 days for optimal flavor and quality, checking for any signs of separation or off-smell before use.
• Smart Prepping: Prepare the dressing ahead of time to save cooking stress and allow flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste profile.
• Stir Before Serving: Gently whisk or shake the dressing before each use to recombine any natural separation and restore its smooth, consistent consistency.

Creamy Buttermilk Salad Dressing Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 1 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s buttermilk salad dressing brings creamy, tangy elegance to leafy greens and fresh vegetables. Home cooks can easily whip up this simple, flavorful recipe that adds zesty charm to any salad.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk
• ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
• ¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise, best quality such as Hellmann’s or Duke’s
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh chives
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ tsps dried dill
• 2 tsps fresh lemon juice
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• Few dashes of Tabasco sauce, optional

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Instructions

1. Mixing: In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, green onions, fresh dill, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and black pepper until completely smooth and well-incorporated.
2. Flavor Calibration: Taste the dressing and fine-tune the seasoning by adding extra herbs, salt, or pepper to achieve a perfectly balanced and vibrant flavor profile.
3. Chilling: Refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow the ingredients to meld together, enhancing the overall taste and ensuring a refreshingly cool serving temperature.

Notes

• Maximize Flavor Fusion: Whisk ingredients vigorously to ensure every ingredient blends seamlessly, releasing maximum taste potential.
• Temperature Matters: Refrigerate dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow herbs and spices to fully develop their aromatic profiles.
• Customize Your Taste: Adjust seasoning gradually, tasting as you go to create a personalized dressing that perfectly matches your palate.
• Storage Strategy: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, giving the flavors time to intensify and meld beautifully.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg