Creamy Parmesan Dressing Recipe for Salads

Introduction

This creamy and tangy Parmesan dressing is a delightful addition to salads, sandwiches, and even as a dip for your favorite vegetables. With its balance of flavors from garlic, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce, this dressing elevates any dish it accompanies. Easy to prepare and perfect for make-ahead meals, let’s dive into the ingredients and instructions for this delicious dressing.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

1 cup mayonnaise
½ cup buttermilk
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
4 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated

Prep Time

The preparation time for this creamy Parmesan dressing is approximately 10 minutes.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes (including refrigerating time)
Yield: About 1 ½ cups of dressing

To make the dressing, begin by whisking together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Once the base is well combined, add the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until fully incorporated.

To enhance the flavors, cover the dressing and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving. This simple step allows the ingredients to meld together, offering a richer taste. Finally, give the dressing a good stir before using it to ensure a consistent texture. Enjoy this versatile dressing for a delightful twist on your favorite meals!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Combine Base Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, minced garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and ground black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Incorporate Cheese

Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture. Stir gently until the cheese is fully incorporated into the dressing.

Step 3: Chill the Dressing

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the dressing for at least 20 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.

Step 4: Final Stir

Before serving, give the dressing a good stir to ensure it is well-mixed. This will re-emulsify the mixture and make it smooth again.

Notes

Storage

The dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Serving Suggestions

This dressing works great as a salad dressing, a dip for vegetables, or a topping for sandwiches and wraps.

Variations

Feel free to experiment by adding herbs such as dill or parsley for a different flavor profile or adjusting the amount of garlic based on your preference.

Creamy Parmesan Dressing Recipe for Salads
Creamy Parmesan Dressing Recipe for Salads

Cook techniques

Whisking

Whisking is essential for combining ingredients smoothly. In this recipe, whisk the mayonnaise, buttermilk, garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until the mixture is homogeneous.

Incorporating Ingredients

To ensure even distribution of flavors, add the grated Parmesan cheese gradually. Stir gently until fully mixed into the dressing.

Resting

Allowing the dressing to rest in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes lets the flavors develop and meld, enhancing the overall taste.

Stirring

Before serving, it’s important to stir the dressing again to ensure that the ingredients are well mixed after resting.

FAQ

Can I substitute the mayonnaise?

Yes, Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used as a substitute for mayonnaise if you prefer a lighter dressing.

How long can I store this dressing?

The dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Is it possible to make this dressing without garlic?

Yes, you can omit the garlic if you’re not a fan or if you have dietary restrictions. The dressing will still taste great without it.

What can I use this dressing for?

This dressing works well as a salad dressing, dip for vegetables, or a spread for sandwiches.

Can I add other ingredients to this dressing?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the dressing by adding herbs, spices, or even hot sauce for an extra kick.

Conclusion

The creamy garlic Parmesan dressing is a versatile and flavorful addition to your meals. Perfectly balanced with the richness of mayonnaise and the tang of buttermilk, it enhances salads, sandwiches, and even as a dipping sauce. Its robust flavor profile makes it a delightful complement to a variety of dishes.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Garden Salad

Serve this dressing over a fresh garden salad, featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and shredded carrots.

Chicken Wraps

Drizzle the dressing inside a tortilla wrap filled with grilled chicken, lettuce, and sliced bell peppers for a zesty bite.

Veggie Platter

Use the dressing as a dip for a colorful assortment of fresh vegetables such as celery, bell peppers, and broccoli.

Pasta Salad

Mix the dressing into a cold pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, olives, mozzarella, and fresh basil.

Potato Wedges

Serve the dressing alongside crispy baked potato wedges for a savory dipping experience.

Grilled Shrimp Tacos

Top grilled shrimp tacos with a spoonful of this dressing for an extra layer of flavor.

Creamy Parmesan Dressing Recipe for Salads
Creamy Parmesan Dressing Recipe for Salads