Creamy Lemon Chive Dressing (Print version)

A rich, smooth dressing featuring sour cream, lemon juice, and fresh chives for versatile use.

# Ingredient List:

→ Dairy

01 - 1/2 cup sour cream
02 - 1/4 cup mayonnaise
03 - 2 tablespoons buttermilk (or milk for lighter texture)

→ Flavorings

04 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
05 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
06 - 1 teaspoon honey

→ Herbs & Seasonings

07 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
08 - 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
09 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
10 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

# How To Make It:

01 - Whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, and buttermilk in a medium bowl until smooth.
02 - Add fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey to the mixture, whisking until fully combined.
03 - Stir in chopped chives, parsley, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper evenly.
04 - Taste and modify seasoning to preference.
05 - Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes fresher and richer than anything store-bought, and takes less time than a trip to the grocery store.
  • The balance of tanginess and cream makes it work on almost everything—salads, grain bowls, roasted vegetables, even as a dip for raw carrots on a quiet Tuesday evening.
02 -
  • Don't skip the resting time—a cold dressing tastes sharper and more blended than one eaten straight away, and the herbs flavor the whole thing more thoroughly.
  • If you whisk too aggressively after adding the herbs, you'll bruise them and turn the dressing slightly bitter; fold them in gently instead.
03 -
  • Whisking by hand gives you better control than a blender and keeps you from over-mixing, which can break down the emulsion.
  • If you use very fresh herbs and taste as you go, you can dial in exactly how herbaceous you want it—some people love a whisper, others want the greens to announce themselves.

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