If you’ve ever dined at Carrabba’s Italian Grill, you know that one of the highlights of the meal is their delightful Creamy Parmesan Dressing. This dressing is a perfect balance of rich flavors and creamy textures that elevate any salad. Whether you’re drizzling it over a fresh garden salad or using it as a dip for veggies, this copycat recipe captures that restaurant-quality taste right in your own kitchen. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to whip up, taking only a few minutes to prepare. Let’s dive into how you can create this irresistible dressing at home.

Top Reasons to Make Creamy Parmesan Dressing (Carrabbas copycat)

Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients, you can have this dressing ready in no time.
Versatile: Perfect for salads, sandwiches, or as a dip for appetizers.
Fresh Ingredients: You control the quality of the ingredients, ensuring a fresh and flavorful outcome.
Cost-Effective: Making your own dressing is often cheaper than buying bottled versions.
Flavor Packed: The combination of Parmesan, garlic, and herbs creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients at a Glance

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 medium clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon minced fresh tarragon
1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)

Recommended Tools

Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl works best for combining all the ingredients.
Whisk or Fork: Use this to blend everything together smoothly.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the best flavor balance.
Storage Container: A jar with a tight lid is perfect for storing your dressing in the fridge.

Cook Creamy Parmesan Dressing (Carrabbas copycat) Like This

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all the ingredients listed above. Having everything at hand makes the process smooth and efficient.

Step 2: Combine the Base

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the 1/2 cup of mayonnaise and 1/4 cup of buttermilk. Whisk them together until they are fully blended and creamy.

Step 3: Add Flavor

Next, add in the 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 minced garlic clove, and the 1 teaspoon each of chopped fresh parsley and minced fresh tarragon. These ingredients will infuse the dressing with robust flavor.

Step 4: Season It

Stir in the 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. If you’re using anchovy paste, add it at this stage. This optional ingredient adds a layer of umami that enhances the overall taste.

Step 5: Mix Well

Using your whisk or fork, mix all the ingredients until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Step 6: Chill Before Serving

For the best flavor, cover the dressing and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Substitutions by Category

Dairy: If buttermilk is not available, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1/4 cup of milk with 1/4 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
Cheese: For a different flavor, try using Pecorino Romano cheese instead of Parmesan.
Herbs: If you don’t have tarragon, dill or chives can be great substitutes that still complement the dressing.
Mayonnaise: For a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise.

Things That Go Wrong

Too Thick: If your dressing turns out too thick, simply whisk in a little more buttermilk until you reach your desired consistency.
Flavors Not Blending: If the flavors seem off, let the dressing sit longer in the fridge to allow the ingredients to meld.
Overpowering Garlic: If you’re sensitive to garlic, start with half a clove and adjust to your taste.
Separation: If your dressing separates after being stored, just give it a good stir or whisk before using.

Storing Tips & Timelines

To keep your Creamy Parmesan Dressing fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best used within 5-7 days, but it can last up to 10 days. Always give it a quick stir before serving as the ingredients may settle over time.

Questions People Ask

Can I use non-dairy alternatives for this dressing?

Yes! You can substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayonnaise and use a non-dairy milk combined with vinegar as a buttermilk alternative to create a dairy-free version of this dressing.

What can I serve this dressing with?

This Creamy Parmesan Dressing is fantastic on salads, especially a simple green salad or a Shaved Brussels Sprout Caesar With Parmesan. It can also be a delicious dip for fresh vegetables or a sauce for grilled chicken.

Is this dressing gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients used in this recipe are gluten-free, making it suitable for anyone avoiding gluten in their diet.

Can I make this dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead of time enhances the flavor. Just remember to store it in the refrigerator and give it a stir before serving.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, making your own Creamy Parmesan Dressing (Carrabbas copycat) is not only simple but rewarding. With just a handful of ingredients, you can recreate the restaurant experience at home. Whether you’re drizzling it over a crisp salad, using it as a dip, or pairing it with grilled meats, this dressing is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients and whip up a batch today – your taste buds will thank you!

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