Parmesan Pepper Dressing Recipe – Tangy Homemade Salad Dressing with Garlic & Lemon Recipe
This tangy homemade Parmesan Pepper Dressing combines creamy mayonnaise or yogurt with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, cracked black pepper, and a zesty touch of vinegar or lemon juice. Enhanced with optional garlic, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs, it’s an easy-to-make salad dressing bursting with flavor, perfect for elevating your greens or as a dip.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: About 1 cup (serves 6-8) 1x
- Category: Salad Dressing
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing Base
- ½ cup mayonnaise, yogurt, or buttermilk
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning & Flavor
- 1–2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1–2 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt to taste (use sparingly)
Optional Herbs
- Fresh herbs (parsley or basil, optional)
Instructions
- Base: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt, or buttermilk until smooth to create a creamy foundation for the dressing.
- Add Cheese: Gradually whisk in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated, ensuring a thick and cheesy texture.
- Season: Add freshly cracked black pepper starting with 1 teaspoon, then adjust according to your taste preference for a peppery kick.
- Tanginess: Stir in vinegar or lemon juice gradually, tasting as you go, to achieve a balanced tangy flavor.
- Optional Add-ins: Mix in minced garlic, Dijon mustard, or fresh herbs like parsley or basil to enhance the dressing’s complexity and depth.
- Adjust: Taste the dressing and add salt sparingly if needed to balance out all flavors perfectly.
- Chill: Transfer the dressing to an airtight jar and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Lighter version: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a tangier flavor with fewer calories.
- Vegan option: Replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast and use plant-based mayo or yogurt alternatives.
- Storage: Store in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days. Shake or stir well before each serving.
- Avoid freezing: Freezing can cause the texture to break and separate.
- Tip: Always use freshly grated Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor and aroma.
Keywords: Parmesan pepper dressing, homemade salad dressing, creamy dressing, tangy dressing, garlic dressing, lemon dressing, easy dressing
