Simple Dill Dressing Recipe

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This simple dill dressing recipe is a staple in my kitchen during the warmer months. It’s cool, creamy, and full of fresh flavor — just right for tossing with crisp greens or spooning onto grilled veggies at summer gatherings. Quick to make and easy to love.

Love from-scratch dressings? Try my Spicy Peanut Dressing, Tangy Mustard Dressing, or Thousand Island Dressing next.

A small glass carafe filled with creamy ranch dressing sits on a black countertop, surrounded by kitchen items including a brown jar, green mugs, a white towel, and a container holding wooden utensils.

Introduction

I’ve been making this dill dressing for years, and it’s one of those recipes I always come back to when I want something that feels fresh and homemade without much effort. It’s creamy and tangy with a clean, herby flavor that elevates everything it touches — salads, roasted vegetables, grain bowls, even sandwiches.

It’s also surprisingly good as a bread dip. I know that’s not the usual way to serve a creamy dressing, but paired with my rosemary parmesan bread, it’s downright addictive. Made with ingredients I always have on hand and dried herbs from my spice rack, it comes together fast and can be easily adjusted to suit your taste or occasion.

This post is also included in my collection of homemade condiments, which focuses on simple methods and familiar ingredients.

Why This Recipe Works

Comes together quickly and easily, with just a few pantry spices and two basic dairy ingredients.
Thick and creamy by design, so it works beautifully as both a dressing and a dip.
Pairs especially well with bold flavors, and is the perfect match for my buffalo chicken salad.
Tastes even better after a short rest — store it in the fridge and let the flavors develop before serving.
Made with a simple dry mix, which you can prepare in bulk and keep on hand for fast, flavorful meals anytime.

Ingredients For Dill Dressing

This recipe relies on a blend of dry seasonings mixed with a creamy base. Use quality ingredients for the best flavor, but feel free to use what you have on hand.

Mayonnaise: Forms the rich, creamy base of this dressing — I always use my homemade mayonnaise for the best flavor and texture.
Buttermilk: Adds a tangy kick and thins the dressing just enough to make it pourable without losing body.
Lemon juice (optional): Just a small splash brightens everything up and brings a clean, fresh note to the finished dressing.

See recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

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Variations or Substitutions

Make it thicker with mayo or sour cream, by reducing the buttermilk or replacing some of the mayo with sour cream.
Turn it into a dip, by using less buttermilk for a thicker, scoopable consistency.
Adjust the spice level, by adding more or less red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
Swap the citrus, by using lime juice in place of lemon for a different flavor.
Prep the dry mix ahead, by tripling or quadrupling the dry ingredients and storing in an airtight container.

How To Make Dill Dressing

This recipe is easy to prepare and comes together in just a few minutes.

Variety of spiced mixed together in a white bowl sitting on a table with a whisk on one side and a green and white cloth on the other.

White liquid in a white bowl sitting on a table with a whisk on one side of it and a green and white cloth on the other.

Step 1: Combine onion powder, dried dill weed, dried chives, garlic granulated, ground black pepper, dried parsley, and red pepper flakes (optional) in a bowl.

Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, and lemon juice (optional).

White liquid with herbs in it in a white bowl with a whisk sitting in it on a table next to a green and white cloth.

Mason jar of white liquid sitting on a countertop next to a green and white cloth with kitchen utensils in the background.

Step 3: Whisk the dry spice mix into the liquid ingredients until the dressing is smooth and well blended.

Step 4: Refrigerate for up to 10 days. The freshness of the buttermilk will affect the storage time.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make the seasoning mix ahead of time?

Yes. Mix the dry spices in bulk and store in an airtight jar for quick prep later.

How long will this dill dressing last in the fridge?

Up to 10 days, but the actual shelf life will depend on the freshness of your buttermilk.

Can I make it thicker for dipping?

Absolutely. Reduce the buttermilk or use sour cream for a thicker, scoopable dip.

Is this dill dressing good with fish?

Yes! Dill and seafood are a perfect pair. Try it with salmon, cod, or fish sandwiches.

What’s the best way to use it in summer?

Drizzle it over cucumbers and onions, serve with veggie platters, or use as a burger topping.

Serve

This dill dressing is one of those recipes that works any time of year, but it really shines in the summer. I love it drizzled over sliced cucumbers, mixed into pasta salads, or spread on cucumber sandwiches for a fresh, creamy bite. It’s also excellent served on the side of chicken wings made with my original buffalo sauce — the coolness of the dressing balances the heat perfectly.

As a dip, it’s great with fries, onion rings, or especially my garlic asiago potato wedges, but it’s just as good spread on burgers, wraps, or even a grilled sandwich like my green apple grilled cheese, where the tangy herbs pair beautifully with the tart apple and sharp cheddar. One of my favorite ways to serve it? Over salmon burgers topped with sautéed beet greens — the combo is surprisingly simple and one I go back to again and again.

A bowl of creamy dill dressing with visible herbs and spices sits on a wooden surface next to a white towel with green grid lines.

Expert Tips

Adjust the heat: Increase or reduce red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
Make it thinner or thicker: Add more buttermilk for a pourable dressing or more mayo for a thicker dip.
Serve: This dressing pairs beautifully with fresh vegetables or chips and makes a simple, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Watch the shelf life: Use within 10 days and check your buttermilk’s expiration date before mixing.
Let it rest: The flavor improves after a few hours in the fridge, so make it ahead when possible.

Other Recipes You’ll Love

Vegan Honey Mustard Dressing
Easy Vegan Italian Dressing
Balsamic Mustard Salad Dressing
Cajun-style Tartar Sauce
Old-Fashioned Southern Tartar Sauce
Spicy Garlic Aioli Sauce

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This dill salad dressing is fresh, creamy, and full of flavor. It’s the perfect way to add a delicious, herby kick to any salad. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think. Be sure to leave a review and let me know how it turned out for you. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments — I’m happy to help!