Looking for a dressing that’s rich, tangy, and peppery—one that beats anything from a bottle? This Creamy Parmesan Peppercorn Dressing is just what your salads have been missing. Using simple ingredients like sour cream, mayonnaise, parmesan, and freshly cracked peppercorns, this homemade version comes together in minutes and adds a gourmet twist to everyday greens.
Why You’ll Love It
- Fresh flavor over preservatives – you control the quality and quantity of each ingredient.
- Customizable spice – coarse peppercorns give structure; adjust their coarseness for mild or bold pepper flavor.
- Versatile – not just for lettuce: works great with roasted vegetables, chicken salads, even as a dip.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup vinegar
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup finely grated parmesan (preferably Parmigiano Reggiano, or you can substitute with domestic parmesan or Grana Padano)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- ¼ cup minced Italian flat‑leaf parsley
- 1½ tablespoons coarse freshly cracked black peppercorns (adjust to taste)
- 1 clove garlic, made into a paste
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vinegar, sour cream, mayonnaise, parmesan, oregano, parsley, garlic paste, and most of the cracked peppercorns.
- Taste and season with salt and (if desired) more pepper. If the dressing is too thick, thin with water, one ounce at a time, until you reach the consistency you like.
- For texture: crush the peppercorns fresh with a mallet, mortar and pestle, or coarse grinder. Add bit by bit so you can calibrate how peppery you want it.
- Chill before serving to let the flavors meld. Store in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 7 days.
Helpful Tips & Variations
- Buttermilk substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon white vinegar; let sit 5–10 minutes.
- Texture options: Use a whisk (classic), a food processor, an immersion blender, or even shake everything in a mason jar. Just add the coarse peppercorns after blending if you want texture.
- Adjusting the bite: Finer pepper grind = more immediate heat; coarser = bursts of flavor. Optional: start mild, taste, then add more.
Nutrition & Yield
- Yield: Makes a bit over 2 cups of dressing, about 16 servings (≈ 2 tablespoons per serving).
- Nutrition (per 2 Tbsp):
- Calories: ~60 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~2.4 g
- Protein: ~1.8 g
- Fat: ~4.9 g (saturated ~2 g)
Serving Suggestions
- Drizzle over crisp mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion.
- Toss with steamed broccoli or cauliflower for a flavorful veggie side.
- Use as a dip for fresh crudités or grilled chicken strips.
- Try it as a spread inside wraps or sandwiches for extra flavor.
Conclusion
If you’re tired of store‑bought dressings with preservatives and bland flavors, this Creamy Parmesan Peppercorn Dressing is a must‑try. It’s simple, made in minutes, fully customizable, and brings that restaurant‑style tang & richness to your table. Give it a whirl—you probably won’t go back to bottled again.