Homemade Buttermilk Dressing Recipe
Introduction
This creamy homemade buttermilk dressing is a fresh and flavorful addition to salads, veggies, or as a dip. It combines tangy buttermilk with herbs and garlic for a perfectly balanced taste that’s easy to make at home.

Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove (pressed)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (divided)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives
Instructions
- Step 1: In the bottom of a medium bowl, combine the pressed garlic clove, salt, and fresh lemon juice.
- Step 2: Add 1/2 cup buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, pepper, dried dill, and chopped fresh chives. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Step 3: Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup buttermilk to adjust the dressing to your desired consistency. Mix well.
- Step 4: Chill the dressing in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Tips & Variations
- For a fresher herb flavor, substitute dried dill with 1 teaspoon of fresh dill.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a thicker, tangier dressing.
- Adjust the amount of buttermilk to make the dressing thicker or thinner depending on your preference.
Storage
Store the buttermilk dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir well before each use. It can be served chilled or at room temperature. Do not freeze as the texture may separate.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Regular milk won’t provide the same tangy flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 3/4 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Is this dressing suitable for dairy-free diets?
This recipe contains buttermilk, sour cream, and mayonnaise, which are dairy-based. To make a dairy-free version, use dairy-free mayonnaise and sour cream substitutes, and replace buttermilk with a non-dairy milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar.
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Homemade Buttermilk Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 1 1/4 cups of dressing 1x
Description
This homemade buttermilk dressing is a creamy, tangy, and flavorful accompaniment perfect for salads, vegetables, or as a dip. Made with fresh lemon juice, garlic, herbs, and a blend of sour cream, mayonnaise, and buttermilk, it offers a refreshing, versatile dressing that’s easy to prepare and perfect for enhancing any dish.
Ingredients
Buttermilk Dressing Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove (pressed)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (divided)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh chives
Instructions
- Combine Aromatics: In the bottom of a medium bowl, add the freshly pressed garlic clove, salt, and lemon juice together to release their flavors and form the base of the dressing.
- Add Core Ingredients: Pour in 1/2 cup of buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, pepper, dried dill, and the finely chopped fresh chives. Whisk all ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and completely combined.
- Adjust Consistency: Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup buttermilk, stirring to achieve the desired texture for your dressing, whether thicker for dips or slightly thinner for salads.
- Chill and Serve: Place the dressing in the refrigerator and chill for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold as a dressing or dip.
Notes
- For a zestier flavor, increase the lemon juice slightly or add a splash of vinegar.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted or added, such as parsley or dill, for variation.
- Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Stir the dressing again before serving if it separates slightly during chilling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dressing
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: buttermilk dressing, homemade dressing, creamy dressing, salad dressing, buttermilk, garlic dressing, dill dressing, chive dressing

