This Creamy Parmesan Dressing is a simple way to whip up restaurant-style salads at home! Made with a base of mayo and buttermilk, lightened with a dash of lemon juice, and finished with freshly grated parmesan, it’s a scrumptious addition to any dish.
This Creamy Parmesan Dressing is definitely one of those for me. It’s an incredibly easy recipe that results in the best dressing for salads, sandwiches, wraps, and so much more!
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- Better than store-bought!— Making your own dressing at home is a breeze, and the taste is unmatched!
- Simple ingredients— You likely have most of these ingredients already in your kitchen.
- Versatile— This Creamy Parmesan Dressing is ideal for hearty salads or as a condiment for sandwiches, wraps, fresh veggies, pasta salads, and beyond. Its flexibility is impressive!
Recipe Notes
This Creamy Parmesan Dressing recipe is genuinely as straightforward as it sounds! Just 10 minutes of prep and a few basic ingredients result in a tasty, customizable condiment that everyone will love.
In this section, I will provide some helpful tips for making the best Creamy Salad Dressing possible.
Make sure to scroll down for the FULL recipe card!
Ingredients + Alternatives
- Mayonnaise— I recommend using regular, full-fat mayonnaise for the richest flavor and thickest consistency.
- Buttermilk
- Garlic
- Lemon Juice
- Worcestershire Sauce— A splash of this adds a delightful umami kick to enhance the creamy mayo.
- Salt and Pepper
- Parmesan Cheese
Don’t forget to check the recipe card at the end of this post for the complete list of ingredients along with their measurements.
Recipe Variations
If you enjoy this recipe as much as we do and want to find some quick ways to modify it, here are some ideas to spark your creativity!
- Spicy Parmesan Dressing— Introduce a bit of heat with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Light Parmesan Dressing— Substitute full-fat mayo with a lighter variety for a less rich dressing that still tastes great!
Recipe Steps
I’ll highlight some important steps in the recipe, but make sure to refer to the recipe card for detailed instructions on preparing the Creamy Salad Dressing.


In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and buttermilk, whisking until well combined.
This Creamy Parmesan Dressing provides an effortless way to enjoy gourmet salads at home. Crafted with a base of mayonnaise and buttermilk, this rich dressing is brightened with a hint of lemon juice and finished off with freshly grated parmesan. It’s an excellent addition to salads and works wonderfully as a condiment for burgers, wraps, pasta salads, and much more.
1. **Combine Ingredients**
Start by mixing in garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, along with salt and pepper to your liking.

2. **Add Parmesan**
Top your mixture with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

3. **Mix Thoroughly**
Ensure all ingredients are well combined for a creamy and rich dressing.

Enjoy this versatile dressing on your favorite salads or as a tasty complement to various dishes!
Combine the ingredients thoroughly and refrigerate for 20 minutes before serving to enhance the flavor.
Cooking Tips
- Choose freshly grated parmesan – While I love the taste of freshly grated cheese, using pre-shredded parmesan can save you time. The flavor difference is slight, ensuring your dressing remains delightful!
- Chill before serving – I suggest refrigerating the dressing for about 20 minutes once made. This helps it achieve a thicker and creamier texture.
Time-Saving Tips
If you’re in a hurry, here are some suggestions to streamline the preparation process!
- Use pre-shredded parmesan – Though I mentioned the benefits of freshly grated cheese, pre-shredded options will do just fine in a pinch, still yielding a tasty result!
- Make and store – This dressing can be quickly whipped up in just 10 minutes and stored in the fridge for up to two weeks, making it easy to prepare in advance.


Serving Suggestions for Creamy Parmesan Dressing
This rich dressing enhances salads wonderfully, but there are many other delightful ways to enjoy it.
Consider one or more of these ideas to incorporate your homemade dressing into your meals creatively.
Serving Ideas
Storing Your Creamy Parmesan Dressing
Keep your homemade dressing in the refrigerator, where it usually stays fresh for about two weeks within your chosen salad dressing container. It may even remain good for longer!
When ready to serve, give it a good shake or stir to mix the flavors thoroughly.
Common Questions About the Dressing
What contributes to the creamy texture of Creamy Italian Salad Dressing?
The mayonnaise and buttermilk base in the dressing provide the creamy texture and robust flavor.
More SIMPLE Salad Dressing Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, take a moment to explore additional quick recipes for those busy evenings!
You can check out all of my simple salad recipes here, or browse some of our readers’ favorite dressing ideas listed below.
Creamy Parmesan Dressing
This Creamy Parmesan Dressing provides an easy way to create restaurant-style salads right in your home! Utilizing a mayo and buttermilk base, this dressing is enhanced with a touch of lemon juice and topped with freshly shredded parmesan.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
servings
Instructions
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
Incorporate the parmesan cheese, stirring until thoroughly combined.
Chill the dressing for at least 20 minutes or until you’re ready to serve, allowing the flavors to blend.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1tablespoon, Calories: 69kcal (3%), Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 2g (4%), Fat: 7g (11%), Saturated Fat: 2g (13%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 6mg (2%), Sodium: 156mg (7%)Potassium: 15mg, Fiber: 0.01g, Sugar: 0.3g, Vitamin A: 42IU (1%), Vitamin C: 0.3mg, Calcium: 51mg (5%), Iron: 0.1mg (1%)
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