Bacon-Buttermilk Dressing
A rich and smoky bacon-buttermilk dressing with fresh herbs and a hint of heat, perfect for salads or as a flavorful dip. The combination of crispy bacon, tangy buttermilk, and aromatic herbs creates a versatile dressing that adds depth and complexity to your dishes, appealing to those who love bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 6 slices lean bacon, diced ⓘ
- 1 cup buttermilk ⓘ
- 1 cup reduced calorie, no cholesterol mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 scallion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 small clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh chervil or parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- dash of hot pepper sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the diced bacon until crispy, then drain and let cool.
- In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, mayonnaise, chopped scallion, minced garlic, minced chervil or parsley, black pepper, salt, paprika, and hot pepper sauce.
- Add the cooked bacon to the mixture and stir well.
- Cover and chill the dressing for at least one hour to allow flavors to blend and mellow.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. Fresh herbs can be swapped based on availability; dill or cilantro also work well. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the hot pepper sauce. Make sure to let the dressing chill for at least an hour to enhance the flavors, making it perfect for drizzling over salads like Broccoli-Mandarin Salad.
Serving Suggestions
This dressing is fantastic on leafy green salads or as a dip for fresh vegetables. Try it drizzled over grilled chicken or as a zesty topping for pork recipes. It also adds a creamy touch to sandwiches or wraps, pairing wonderfully with dishes like Wimpies. Serve it alongside a light salad or as part of a picnic spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Stir well before using, as separation may occur. If the dressing thickens too much after chilling, thin it out with a little extra buttermilk. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bacon-Buttermilk Dressing contains roughly 244 calories, with 12g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), iron (39% of the Daily Value), and calcium (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 724mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular bacon instead of lean bacon?
Yes, you can use regular bacon for a richer flavor. Just be aware that it will increase the fat content of the dressing. Cook it until crispy, and drain well to avoid excess grease in your dressing.
What if I don't have buttermilk?
If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly. This will give you a similar tangy flavor to buttermilk for the dressing.
How can I make this dressing vegan?
To make a vegan version of this dressing, substitute the bacon with smoked tempeh or coconut bacon for a similar flavor. Use a vegan mayonnaise in place of the regular mayonnaise and plant-based milk mixed with a splash of vinegar as a buttermilk alternative.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).