This simple sour cream dressing is creamy, tangy, and packed with herb flavor from tarragon and a bright splash of vinegar. It works equally well on a crisp garden salad, grilled chicken, or sliced cucumbers. Use it as a sandwich spread, a vegetable dip, or a chip dip for easy entertaining.
If you prefer a thinner dressing, stir in a little milk until you reach the desired consistency. For a thicker spread or dip, omit the milk. Swap the herbs to suit your pantry—fresh dill, chives, or parsley are excellent alternatives. The dressing comes together in under five minutes and develops more depth after chilling for an hour or two.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Quick and easy. Made with pantry staples and no cooking required, ready in minutes.
Very versatile. Use it as a dressing, dip, or sandwich spread; adjust thickness easily.
Customizable. Change the herbs or vinegar to match your taste or the meal.
Ingredient Notes
- Mayonnaise: Provides richness and smooth body.
- Sour cream: Delivers tang and creamy texture.
- Tarragon vinegar: Gives a subtle herbal brightness; white wine vinegar is a good substitute.
- Dried tarragon: A little goes a long way—rub or crumble before adding to release flavor.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Add savory depth without overpowering the dressing.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground tastes best.
- Milk: Optional—adds looseness for dressing consistency.
Steps to Make Easy Sour Cream Dressing
- In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and vinegar.
- Add the dried tarragon, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Stir until smooth and well blended.
- If you want a thinner dressing, add milk a teaspoon at a time until you reach the desired texture.
- Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld. Stir again before serving.
Tips for Best Results
- Use full-fat mayonnaise and sour cream for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
- Make it ahead—chilling deepens the flavor and makes the dressing more cohesive.
- Stir in chopped fresh herbs like dill, chives, or parsley just before serving for brightness.
- Leave out the milk for a thicker spread or dip that’s perfect for sandwiches or raw vegetables.
Recipe Variations
- Herb swap. Replace tarragon with fresh dill, parsley, basil, or chives to change the profile.
- Ranch-style twist. Add dried parsley and dill plus a squeeze of lemon juice for familiar ranch notes.
- Greek-style. Stir in a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt and a pinch of oregano for a Mediterranean touch.
- Creamier dip. Skip the milk and serve as a thick dip for vegetables, crackers, or chips.
- Spicy version. Add a pinch of cayenne or a few drops of hot sauce for heat.
Serving Suggestions
- Dress a simple green salad or use over grilled or baked chicken for extra flavor.
- Spoon onto cucumber or tomato slices for a quick side or appetizer.
- Spread on sandwiches or wraps in place of plain mayo for added tang and herbs.
- Use as a dip for raw vegetables, crackers, or chips at casual gatherings.
- Drizzle over roasted vegetables or baked potatoes to add richness and seasoning.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Keep the dressing in a jar or airtight container in the refrigerator and use within 4–5 days.
Before serving: If the dressing separates, stir or shake well to recombine.
Freezing: Not recommended—dairy-based dressings often separate and change texture after freezing and thawing.
Easy Sour Cream Dressing
Diana Rattray
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Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp tarragon vinegar, or white wine vinegar
- ¼ tsp dried tarragon, crumbled
- Dash garlic powder
- Dash freshly ground black pepper
- Dash onion powder
- 1 tbsp milk, or to desired consistency
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and vinegar and mix until smooth. Stir in the dried tarragon, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. If needed, add up to 1 tablespoon of milk, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. Cover and chill before serving.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Nutritional information is an estimate generated by a third-party tool based on the ingredient list. Use it as a guideline only—actual values depend on exact measurements, brands, and serving sizes.