Best 9 Pasta Salad Dressing Creamy Recipes

Pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. It is a popular choice for picnics, potlucks, and barbecues. Pasta salad is typically made with cooked pasta, vegetables, and a dressing. The type of pasta used can vary, but short pastas like penne, macaroni, and rotini are common choices. Vegetables that are often used in pasta salad include tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and olives. The dressing for pasta salad can be made with a variety of ingredients, including mayonnaise, sour cream, yogurt, olive oil, and vinegar. Some pasta salad recipes also include meat, seafood, or cheese.

This article provides recipes for three different pasta salad dressings: a creamy dressing, an oil and vinegar dressing, and a pesto dressing. The creamy dressing is made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese. The oil and vinegar dressing is made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard. The pesto dressing is made with fresh basil, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts.

Each of these dressings has its own unique flavor and texture. The creamy dressing is rich and flavorful, the oil and vinegar dressing is light and refreshing, and the pesto dressing is herbaceous and nutty. All three dressings are easy to make and can be used to create a variety of delicious pasta salads.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CHICKEN PASTA SALAD IN CREAMY CURRY DRESSING

Chicken Pasta Salad in Creamy Curry Dressing image

Categories Salad Milk/Cream Chicken Pasta Tomato Quick & Easy Lunch Basil Curry Summer Boil Gourmet Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free

Yield Serves 2

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1/4 pound rotelle
1 whole skinless boneless chicken breast (about 3/4 pound), poached and cut into bite-size pieces (about 1 1/2 cups)
5 cherry tomatoes, quartered
2 scallions, sliced thin
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil leaves
For the dressing
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon minced peeled fresh gingerroot
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon white-wine vinegar
3/4 teaspoon curry powder
dried hot red pepper flakes to taste
1 tablespoon finely chopped drained bottled mango chutney, or to taste

Steps:

In a large kettle of boiling salted water cook the pasta for 10 minutes, or until it is tender, refresh it in a colander under cold water, and drain it well. In a large bowl combine the pasta, the chicken, the tomatoes, the scallions, and the basil.
Make the dressing:
In a skillet cook the garlic and the gingerroot in the butter over moderately low heat, stirring, until the garlic is softened, add the cream, and cook the mixture, whisking, until it is thickened slightly. Whisk in the vinegar, the curry powder, the red pepper flakes, and the chutney.
Add the dressing to the pasta mixture, tossing the salad to combine it well, and season the salad with salt and pepper.

GARDEN PASTA SALAD WITH CREAMY DILL DRESSING

Garden Pasta Salad with Creamy Dill Dressing image

Make and share this Garden Pasta Salad with Creamy Dill Dressing recipe from Food.com.

Provided by PalatablePastime

Categories Vegetable

Time 40m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

3 cups bow tie pasta, cooked and drained
2 medium carrots, grated
1 cup broccoli floret
1/2 cup celery, thinly sliced
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1/2 cup cucumber, peeled,seeded,and diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
3 green onions, sliced thin
2/3 cup plain nonfat yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons dill weed
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Steps:

Mix together salad ingredients in a large salad bowl.
Mix together dressing ingredients in a small bowl.
Pour dressing over salad, tossing to coat evenly.
Refrigerate for 2-3 hours before serving.

CHICKEN PASTA SALAD IN CREAMY CURRY DRESSING

Chicken Pasta Salad in Creamy Curry Dressing image

I could eat a gallon of this at least once a week! What a delicious change from the ordinary chicken pasta salad. From Gourmet Magazine, July 1990.

Provided by anovamom

Categories Chicken

Time 20m

Yield 2 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1/4 lb rotelle pasta or 1/4 lb other spiral-shaped pasta, cooked and drained
3/4 lb cooked chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1 1/2 cups)
5 cherry tomatoes, quartered
2 scallions, sliced thin
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil leaf
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon minced ginger
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
3/4 teaspoon curry powder
dried red pepper flakes, to taste
2 tablespoons mango chutney (or to taste)

Steps:

In a large bowl combine the pasta, chicken, tomatoes, scallions, and basil. Set aside.
In a skillet, melt the butter over low heat. Add the garlic and ginger and cook until the garlic is softened.
Add the cream and cook the mixture, whisking until slightly thickened.
Whisk in the vinegar, curry powder, red pepper flakes, and chutney.
Add the dressing to the pasta mixture, tossing to combine well.
Season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 864.9, Fat 32.4, SaturatedFat 14.6, Cholesterol 198.9, Sodium 141.2, Carbohydrate 84.2, Fiber 12.3, Sugar 1.6, Protein 59.7

PASTA SALAD WITH CREAMY LEMON DILL DRESSING

Pasta Salad With Creamy Lemon Dill Dressing image

My son's favorite summer salad. Very light and refreshing on hot days. You can make it with low fat mayo and yogurt if you wish for a low cal version, and you can basically substitute any kind of veggies you want.

Provided by Semra22

Categories Vegetable

Time 30m

Yield 10-12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 (12 ounce) package small shape pasta (wagon wheel, small shells etc.)
1 (19 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup chopped cucumber
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
3/4 cup mayonnaise
3/4 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
1 lemon, juice and zest of
1 garlic clove, crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon coarse black pepper

Steps:

Cook pasta according to directions or till just al dente. Drain pasta.
Combine the vegetables and pasta together in large bowl.
Whisk the mayonnaise, yogurt, fresh dill, lemon juice and zest, garlic, salt and pepper together.
Fold into pasta mixture. Chill in fridge 2 hours or so or till ready to eat.

CHICKEN PASTA SALAD WITH CREAMY LEMON DRESSING

Chicken Pasta Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing image

Whip up a yummy chicken and pasta salad dressed with a Greek yogurt lemon-poppy seed combo.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories Entree

Time 1h30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

2 containers (6 oz each) Greek Fat Free honey vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup milk
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons poppy seed
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
2 cups uncooked penne or rotini pasta
2 cups diced cooked chicken
2 cups baby spinach leaves
1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
1/2 cup thinly sliced celery
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted *

Steps:

In small bowl, mix dressing ingredients using wire whisk until well blended. Cover; refrigerate until ready to use.
Cook and drain pasta as directed on package. Rinse with cold water; drain.
In large bowl, mix cooked pasta, chicken, spinach, grapes and celery. Stir dressing; pour over salad and toss gently to coat. Refrigerate at least one hour before serving. Stir in almonds, reserving 2 tablespoons for garnish, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 360, Carbohydrate 44 g, Cholesterol 45 mg, Fiber 3 g, Protein 26 g, SaturatedFat 1 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 490 mg, Sugar 10 g, TransFat 0 g

PASTA SALAD WITH CREAMY HERB DRESSING

Pasta Salad With Creamy Herb Dressing image

Creamy pasta salad with lots of flavor from all the fresh ingredients. I made it for a family potluck and it was a big hit, everyone loved it. The veggies can easily be substituted for whatever kind you like or have on hand. This just happened to be what I had in my fridge the day I made it.

Provided by Veggie Girl.

Categories < 30 Mins

Time 30m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1/2 cup packed fresh parsley sprig, finely choppped
1/4 cup packed fresh basil, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh oregano, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups milk
3/4 cup light mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup cider vinegar
12 ounces fusilli (about 4 cups dry)
1 green pepper, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
1 cucumber, seeded and chopped
1 cup grated carrot
1 green onion, chopped

Steps:

To make dressing: Combine milk, mayonnaise, mustard, garlic, salt and pepper, stirring until smooth. Stir in finely chopped herbs. Gradually whisk in vinegar. Let stand for 10 minutes or until pasta is ready.
To make salad: In large pot of boiling water, cook fusilli according to package. Drain pasta and rinse under running cold water until cool. In large bowl, combine pasta, veggies and dressing. Toss to coat and sprinkle with green onions. Allow to cool in refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

SHRIMP PASTA SALAD WITH A CREAMY LEMON DRESSING

Shrimp Pasta Salad With a Creamy Lemon Dressing image

Very light flavor and low in calories. Originally meant to be a side dish I made some healthy substitutions and added shrimp. I usually serve with asparagus, the entire family loves it.

Provided by Brandi Starr

Categories Salad Seafood Salad Recipes Shrimp Salad Recipes

Time 40m

Yield 5

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

¼ cup Greek yogurt
¼ cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
10 ounces penne pasta
40 medium shrimp, or more to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil, or more to taste
salt and ground black pepper to taste
½ cup chopped scallions (green onions)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
½ lemon, thinly sliced

Steps:

Whisk yogurt, chicken broth, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, and 1 teaspoon black pepper together in a bowl until dressing is smooth.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water until pasta is slightly cooled.
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
Toss shrimp and 2 tablespoons olive oil together in a bowl; season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a glass baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven until shrimp are bright pink and cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes.
Toss pasta with dressing in a bowl. Add shrimp and scallions; season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and more pepper. Garnish pasta salad with Cheddar cheese and lemon slices.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 382.3 calories, Carbohydrate 45.1 g, Cholesterol 136 mg, Fat 12.2 g, Fiber 2.8 g, Protein 24.4 g, SaturatedFat 4.1 g, Sodium 759.8 mg, Sugar 2.8 g

CHINESE PASTA SALAD WITH CREAMY GINGER DRESSING

Chinese Pasta Salad With Creamy Ginger Dressing image

I just 'adopted' this recipe from the 'orphaned' recipe list - will be making and tweaking this soon. Sounds like a lovely recipe.

Provided by WaterMelon

Categories Chinese

Time 30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 19

Ingredients

1 lb precooked shanghai noodles
1 dash sesame oil (for noodles)
1/2 lb snow peas
1/2 lb shrimp, shelled deveined
2 tablespoons coriander, chopped ((cilantro)
2 tablespoons scallions, minced
1 tablespoon oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 teaspoon Chinese wine
3 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon egg white
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2/3 cup vegetable oil (not olive)
1 1/2 teaspoons soy sauce
2 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon cream

Steps:

Mix the marinade ingredients in a small bowl and add shrimp.
Blanch the noodles, rinse under cool water and sprinkle with sesame seed oil, toss, and set aside. (You may want to trim noodles with scissors to about 4 inches in length, to make serving easier.) Blanch whole snow peas and set aside.
Heat wok, add 1 tablespoon oil, when oil is hot, add shrimp and stir-fry until pink; set aside.
DRESSING: In a blender or food processor, mix ginger, garlic, egg yolk, egg white, and lemon.
Slowly drizzle in oil.
Mix in soy and cream; set aside.
Toss noodles, shrimps, and snow peas.
Mix in dressing to taste.
Garnish with scallions and coriander.
Serve at room temperature.

KITTENCAL'S CREAMY EGG DRESSING FOR PASTA SALAD

Kittencal's Creamy Egg Dressing for Pasta Salad image

I developed this dressing to use on any pasta or potato salad --- Club House Salads n' Dips Ranch Style dry mix will also work well --- all ingredients can be adjusted to taste --- prep time does not include boiling the eggs, this makes a ton of dressing you may reduce by half if desired --- you will also find this recipe here http://kittencalskitchen.com/2010/05/24/kittens-pasta-or-potato-salad-dressing-with-egg/

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories Salad Dressings

Time 10m

Yield 4 cups (approx)

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 (28 g) package dry hidden valley dry ranch dressing mix (can use another brand but Hidden Valley seems to be the best!)
2 cups mayonnaise
1 cup Miracle Whip (or just use 3 cups mayonnaise)
1/3-1/2 cup milk (or use buttermilk)
1/3 cup sweet relish (can add in more to taste)
2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
5 -6 hard-boiled egg yolks, mashed well
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon seasoning salt (or to taste)
seasoned salt and black pepper (can use white salt, seasoned is better)

Steps:

Mash the egg yolks to a fine powder (or as close to a fine powder as you can, save the whites to add in the pasta salad).
In a bowl, whisk together the dry dressing mix with mayo, salad dressing and milk until very smooth.
Mix in the sweet relish, mustard, garlic powder and seasoned salt.
Adjust the relish and mustard adding in more to to taste if desired.
Add in the mashed egg yolk and whisk vigorously to combine (there might still be small pieces of yolk, not too worry!).
Season with black pepper to taste.
Pour over cooked pasta or cubed potatoes and chill for a couple of hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 573.7, Fat 46, SaturatedFat 8.3, Cholesterol 295.6, Sodium 1108.7, Carbohydrate 38.1, Fiber 0.5, Sugar 11.3, Protein 5.6

Tips:

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients whenever possible. Fresh herbs, vegetables, and cheese will make a big difference in the flavor of your dressing.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors. There are endless possibilities when it comes to creating a creamy pasta salad dressing. Try adding different herbs, spices, or cheeses to find a combination that you love.
If you're short on time, you can use a store-bought dressing. However, be sure to choose a dressing that is made with high-quality ingredients and that doesn't contain any artificial flavors or preservatives.
Be sure to taste your dressing before you add it to your pasta salad. You may need to adjust the seasonings to taste.
If you're making a pasta salad ahead of time, be sure to store it in the refrigerator. Creamy dressings can spoil quickly, so it's important to keep them cold.

Conclusion:

A creamy pasta salad dressing is a delicious and versatile way to add flavor and moisture to your favorite pasta salad. With so many different recipes to choose from, you're sure to find one that you love. So next time you're making pasta salad, be sure to give one of these creamy dressings a try.