Buttermilk dressing is a versatile condiment that can be used on salads, vegetables, and even meat. It's made with just a few simple ingredients, and it's easy to make at home. The key to a good buttermilk dressing is to use fresh buttermilk. Buttermilk that has been sitting in the fridge for too long will have lost its tanginess, and the dressing will be bland. Once you have your fresh buttermilk, simply whisk it together with some olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, dill, salt, and pepper. You can also add some chopped fresh herbs, such as chives, parsley, or cilantro, for extra flavor. The dressing will be thin at first, but it will thicken up as it chills in the fridge.
Buttermilk dressing has been around for centuries. It is thought to have originated in England, where it was used as a condiment for salads and vegetables. Buttermilk dressing was also popular in the American colonies, and it remains a staple of Southern cuisine today. Over the years, many different variations of buttermilk dressing have been developed, but the basic ingredients remain the same. Buttermilk, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard are the essential components of any good buttermilk dressing.
Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 cup fresh buttermilk
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried dill
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Optional: 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs, such as chives, parsley, or cilantro
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients until smooth.
Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Why It Works
Buttermilk is a tangy, slightly acidic liquid that adds flavor and moisture to the dressing.
Olive oil is a healthy fat that adds richness and creaminess to the dressing.
Apple cider vinegar adds a bit of sweetness and acidity to the dressing.
Dijon mustard adds a bit of spice and depth of flavor to the dressing.
Dill is a fresh herb that adds a bright, herby flavor to the dressing.
Salt and pepper are essential seasonings that help to balance the flavors of the dressing.