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    Deliciously Creamy Parmesan Dressing: Quick and Easy Recipe for Families

    This Creamy Parmesan Dressing offers an effortless way to create restaurant-style salads in your own kitchen! Crafted with a mayo and buttermilk base, brightened by a hint of lemon juice, and completed with freshly grated parmesan, it’s a delightful addition to any meal.

    You know those sauces that are so delicious you could easily enjoy them straight from the spoon?

    This Creamy Parmesan Dressing is one of those for me. It’s an incredibly straightforward recipe that yields the absolute best dressing for salads, sandwiches, wraps, and much more!

    Why I ADORE this recipe!

    • Superior to store-bought!— Whipping up your own dressing at home is simple, and the flavor is unparalleled!
    • Easy ingredients— Chances are, you have most of these ingredients in your pantry already.
    • Flexible— This Creamy Parmesan Dressing is perfect for a robust salad or as a condiment for sandwiches, wraps, fresh veggies, pasta salad, and more. Its versatility is remarkable!

    Recipe Insights

    In this section, I will share some tips and tricks for crafting the best Creamy Salad Dressing possible.

    Don’t forget to scroll down for the COMPLETE recipe card!

    Ingredients + Alternatives

    • Mayonnaise— I suggest using regular, full-fat mayo for the richest flavor and thickest texture.
    • Buttermilk
    • Garlic
    • Lemon Juice
    • Worcestershire Sauce— A splash of this adds a lovely umami element to complement the creamy mayo.
    • Salt and Pepper
    • Parmesan Cheese

    Be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete list of ingredients and their quantities.

    Recipe Variations

    If you love this recipe as much as we do and are looking for some quick ways to switch it up, these suggestions will inspire you!

    • Spicy Parmesan Dressing— Add a bit of heat with a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
    • Light Parmesan Dressing— Replace the full-fat mayo with a lighter version for a less rich dressing that’s still delicious!

    Recipe Guide

    I’m going to spotlight a few essential steps in the recipe, but be sure to refer to the recipe card for detailed instructions on making the Creamy Salad Dressing.

    mayonnaise in a mixing bowl.mayonnaise in a mixing bowl.

    In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise and buttermilk, whisking until smooth.

    spices added to a mayo dressing base.spices added to a mayo dressing base.

    Next, incorporate garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, along with salt and pepper to taste.

    parmesan added on top of dressing.parmesan added on top of dressing.

    Sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

    finished creamy Italian parmesan dressing in a mixing bowl.finished creamy Italian parmesan dressing in a mixing bowl.

    Mix until well combined, then refrigerate for 20 minutes prior to serving.

    Recipe Tips

    1. Opt for freshly grated parmesan – While I appreciate the fresh stuff, using pre-shredded parmesan is a great time-saver too. The taste difference is minimal, so your dressing will still be delicious!
    2. Refrigerate before serving – I recommend placing the completed dressing in the fridge for about 20 minutes before serving. This allows it to thicken up for an even creamier consistency.

    Recipe Short Cuts

    If you need to whip this up but are short on time, here are some options to speed up the process!

    • Utilize pre-shredded parmesan – I know I mentioned that freshly grated parmesan is best, but if you’re pressed for time, pre-shredded will work just fine. The outcome will still be tasty!
    • Prepare and store for later – You can easily prepare this dressing in just 10 minutes, and then keep it in the fridge for up to two weeks. Make it in advance so it’s ready when you are.
    a half full container of creamy parmesan dressing.a half-full container of creamy parmesan dressing.

    Suggestions for Pairing with Creamy Parmesan Dressing

    This creamy dressing is fantastic on salads, but there are numerous other delightful ways to enjoy it.

    Select one or more of these recipe ideas to incorporate your homemade dressing throughout your meal.

    Recipe Inspirations

    Storing Creamy Parmesan Salad Dressing

    Store your homemade dressing in the refrigerator, where it typically remains fresh for about two weeks when kept in your preferred salad dressing container. I’ve found it can even last longer!

    When it’s time to serve, be sure to shake or stir well to redistribute the flavors evenly.

    Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

    What gives Creamy Italian Salad Dressing its creamy texture?

    The creamy texture and rich flavor are achieved through a base of mayonnaise and buttermilk used in this dressing.

    More SIMPLE Dressing Recipes

    You can browse all of my simple salad recipes here, or check out some of our readers’ favorite dressing recipes listed below.

    Creamy Parmesan Dressing

    This Creamy Parmesan Dressing is a straightforward way to prepare restaurant-quality salads in your own kitchen! Crafted with a mayo and buttermilk foundation, this dressing is elevated with a dash of lemon juice and crowned with freshly grated parmesan.

    Preparation Time: 10 minutes

    Chill Time: 20 minutes

    Total Time: 30 minutes

    30 servings

    Instructions 

    • In a medium bowl, blend the mayonnaise, buttermilk, garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.

    • Mix in the parmesan cheese, stirring until fully blended.

    • Refrigerate the dressing for a minimum of 20 minutes or until you’re ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld.

    Nutrition Information

    Serving: 1tablespoon, Calories: 69kcal (3%), Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 2g (4%), Fat: 7g (11%), Saturated Fat: 2g (13%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 6mg (2%), Sodium: 156mg (7%)Potassium: 15mg, Fiber: 0.01g, Sugar: 0.3g, Vitamin A: 42IU (1%), Vitamin C: 0.3mg, Calcium: 51mg (5%), Iron: 0.1mg (1%)

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