Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Parmesan Peppercorn Dressing is a rich, creamy condiment bursting with sharp, tangy, and savory flavors. The bold taste of freshly cracked black pepper pairs perfectly with nutty Parmesan cheese, making it an ideal dressing for salads, dipping veggies, or drizzling over grilled meats. Its luxurious texture and zesty kick elevate any dish.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

mayonnaise
sour cream
Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
buttermilk
lemon juice
garlic (minced)
Dijon mustard
freshly ground black pepper
salt

directions

In a medium mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk. Whisk until smooth.

Add grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard. Stir well to incorporate.

Season with freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste. Adjust pepper level based on desired spiciness.

Transfer dressing to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Stir before serving. Use as a dressing, dip, or sandwich spread.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 1 ½ cups of dressing.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangier, lighter version.
Add a splash of white wine vinegar for extra acidity.
Stir in chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added freshness.
Use Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a sharper bite.

storage/reheating

Store Parmesan Peppercorn Dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Do not freeze, as the texture may separate upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts better into the dressing and offers better flavor, but pre-shredded can be used in a pinch.

Is this dressing spicy?

It has a noticeable peppery kick but is not overwhelmingly spicy. Adjust pepper to taste.

Can I make it thicker?

Yes, reduce the amount of buttermilk or add more mayonnaise to achieve a thicker consistency.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free mayo and sour cream alternatives and skip the cheese, or use a vegan Parmesan substitute.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all individual ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I use this as a dip?

Absolutely, it’s thick and flavorful enough to serve as a dip for vegetables, fries, or wings.

What salads pair best with this dressing?

It works wonderfully on chopped salads, steak salads, wedge salads, and even pasta salads.

Can I add anchovy paste?

Yes, a small amount of anchovy paste will deepen the umami flavor.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, it tastes even better after resting in the fridge for a few hours.

How do I thin it out?

Stir in a bit of extra buttermilk or milk until the desired consistency is reached.

Conclusion

Parmesan Peppercorn Dressing is a bold, creamy, and versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re tossing it with greens or using it as a zesty dip, this dressing brings gourmet flair and satisfying flavor to any dish.