This is a silky and creamy salad dressing complemented by the herbaceous chive and cut through with the tartness of lemon juice. Perfect for a warm and heart salad recipe.
What is crème fraîche? Pronounced “krem fresh”, it is made from adding bacteria to cream and is essentially the French version of sour cream.
The difference between sour cream and crème fraîche is the higher fat content which makes crème fraîche more silky in consistency and won’t curdle or split as easily in higher temperatures.
Sour cream has a more sour taste whilst crème fraîche is more creamy and tart.
What is crème fraîche used for normally? Because of the higher fat content, creme fraiche is often used in sauces and soups. It can be whipped into salad dressings and used in sweet pastries and cakes.
I chose to use creme fraiche for this dressing to give you an alternative to heavier creams or mayonnaise.
Creme Fraiche and Chives Dressing Ingredients
Creme fraiche: Silky smooth French style sour cream that when folded through a salad just gives it lovely creamy finish without the heaviness.
Chives: Related to the onion, leeks and garlic, chives are a fantastic option to add to a recipe without overpowering the whole dressing. Just hints of pungent flavours.
Olive oil: Adding to the creaminess of the dressing and ensuring that it isn’t so thick so that it can be stirred through the salad.
Lemon: The juice of the lemon will aid in bringing out the acidic flavours of the creme fraiche.
Salt and pepper: Crack some fresh pepper and a pinch of good salt to taste.
Creme Fraiche and Chives Dressing Method
Rather than using mayonnaise as an ingredient for this salad dressing, I chose crème fraîche instead as the base.
With the slightly acidic taste, crème fraîche dressing helps cut through the starchy feel or any heavy salad but still give it a creamy taste. Throw in a little chopped chives for freshness.
Place crème fraîche, olive oil, lemon juice and chives in a small bowl. Mix together until well combined. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Best Salad for This Dressing
Potato Salad with Crème Fraîche [No Mayo, Gluten Free]
Give your everyday potato salad something different with marinated artichoke hearts, crispy maple-glazed pancetta tossed together with a tangy crème fraîche salad dressing. This delicious, comforting potato salad is gluten free and has no mayo, perfect for entertaining the crowds.
More Salad Dressing Recipes
Salad dressings are incredibly easy to make in the comfort of your own home. This way you can control the ingredients to suit your palate and you can make the exact portion you need for that one meal. We have a huge collection of recipes and you may just like some of these:
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Ingredient Pairing Ideas
If you’d like to create your own salad and have an ingredient you’d like to hero, we have a some great pairing suggestions to help you work out what flavours go well together.
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Recipe
Creme Fraiche and Chives Dressing
Ingredients
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Instructions
- Place crème fraîche, olive oil, lemon juice and chives in a small bowl.
- Mix together until well combined.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition
*Disclaimer: Nutritional information provided is an estimate only and generated by an online calculator.
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Mama Maggie's Kitchen
This looks incredibly delicious. Yum!
The Devil Wears Salad
It sure is! Give it a try some day.
Jar of Lemons
This is one of those recipes that is simple but doesn’t lack flavor. I need to add this into my rotation of recipes!
The Devil Wears Salad
Exactly right! We love the texture it gives our salads.
Chef Dennis
I am so loving this dressing! This Creme Fraiche and Chives Dressing looks really perfect for salads!
The Devil Wears Salad
It really is and oh so creamy and velvety!
Christie Gagnon
Such a lovely combination of flavors!
The Devil Wears Salad
Yup, finger lickin’ good!
Sue
Time to harvest my chives – love the combination with creme fraiche!
The Devil Wears Salad
Thanks Sue! It’s a great salad dressing:)
Emily Flint
This dressing sounds so delicious and easy to make, I can’t wait to try it with the chives in my garden!
The Devil Wears Salad
Oh yes you should! Great way to use them up.
Sara Hilzendeger
I LOVE creme frâiche! I’m going to have to try this.
The Devil Wears Salad
Me too! Super dooper creamy!
Alex
A delicious and simple to prepare dressing – wonderful with so many things!
The Devil Wears Salad
Yes it is! Gives that lovely creamy finish.
Kirsty
I can’t wait to try this!
How long does it keep for once made?
The Devil Wears Salad
Hi Kristy. I would say not more than 3 days after it is made:)