This Ina Garten Buttermilk Salad Dressing is a creamy and tangy recipe, which uses buttermilk and sour cream. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in just 5 minutes.
Ina Garten Buttermilk Salad Dressing Ingredients
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (Hellmann’s or Duke’s)
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced or microplaned
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1½ tsp dried dill
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh chives
- 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
- Few dashes Tabasco sauce (optional)
How To Make Ina Garten Buttermilk Salad Dressing
- Combine all ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, add sour cream, buttermilk, mayonnaise, garlic, salt, pepper, dill, chives, lemon juice, and Tabasco (if using).
- Whisk until smooth: Whisk everything together until fully combined and creamy.
- Taste and adjust: Taste and add more lemon juice or seasoning if needed.
- Chill and store: Refrigerate the dressing before serving. Store in a covered container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Recipe Tips
- How to thin the dressing: Add more buttermilk one tablespoon at a time if you prefer a runnier consistency.
- Can I use fresh dill instead of dried? Yes, substitute with 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill.
- How to mellow garlic flavor: Let the dressing sit for 15–30 minutes before serving to soften the sharpness of the raw garlic.
- Can I make this without mayo? You can, but the flavor and creaminess may change—use more sour cream instead.
- What type of buttermilk works best? Whole buttermilk gives the creamiest texture, but low-fat versions also work.
What To Serve With Buttermilk Salad Dressing
This dressing pairs well with crisp, hearty greens and makes a great dip for:
- Chopped romaine or iceberg salads
- Grilled chicken or turkey wraps
- Raw veggie platters
- Roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries
- Buffalo wings or tenders
How To Store Buttermilk Salad Dressing
Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Shake or stir before each use.
Freeze: Not recommended. The creamy texture may separate when thawed.
Buttermilk Salad Dressing Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 69
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and serving sizes used.
FAQs
Can I make buttermilk dressing ahead of time?
Yes, it actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours to let the flavors blend.
Is this dressing gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but double-check labels to be sure.
What’s the best salad to pair with this dressing?
It’s perfect on wedge salads, Cobb salads, or simple chopped veggie salads.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a great swap for a higher-protein, slightly tangier version.
How do I make it spicier?
Add more Tabasco or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
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Ina Garten Buttermilk Salad Dressing
Description
Creamy, tangy, and herb-flecked—this dressing makes every salad taste like it came from a restaurant kitchen.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients.
- Whisk until smooth and fully blended.
- Taste and adjust seasoning or lemon juice.
- Chill before serving. Store in fridge up to 4 days.
