Best 3 Pesto Italian Salad Dressing Recipes

Indulge in a culinary journey through Italy with our delectable Pesto Italian Salad Dressing! This vibrant and versatile dressing adds a burst of flavor to any salad, transforming it into a sensory masterpiece. Crafted with fresh basil, aromatic garlic, nutty pine nuts, and tangy lemon juice, this dressing captures the essence of Italian cuisine. With its herbaceous notes, rich texture, and refreshing acidity, it elevates salads from ordinary to extraordinary. Additionally, we present a collection of exquisite salad recipes that showcase the versatility of our Pesto Italian Salad Dressing. From the classic Caesar salad with a pesto twist to the innovative Grilled Peach and Goat Cheese salad, these recipes offer a range of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with our Pesto Italian Salad Dressing and explore a world of delicious possibilities!

Let's cook with our recipes!

EASY PESTO SALAD DRESSING

Easy Pesto Salad Dressing image

This simple Italian-inspired pesto vinaigrette recipe is fresh, vibrant and easy to make. Perfect on any salad as a main course or as a side dish with Italian food. (Easily vegetarian and vegan)

Provided by Helen Best-Shaw

Categories Dressing

Time 3m

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

4 tbsp good quality olive oil
3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
3 tbsp pesto (use vegan if needed)
2 tsp mustard (mild)
2 tsp honey (maple or agave syrup if needed)
salt & pepper to taste

Steps:

Place all the ingredients in a jar. Screw the lid on tightly and give a good shake.
Adjust the seasoning and serve over salad leaves.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 61 kcal, Carbohydrate 1 g, Protein 1 g, Fat 6 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Cholesterol 1 mg, Sodium 45 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 1 g, ServingSize 1 serving

PESTO ITALIAN SALAD DRESSING

Pesto Italian Salad Dressing image

In this recipe I use my own pesto which I make in the summer, freeze in ice cube trays, then store in a freezer zip top bag. I use about half a cube for this recipe.

Provided by Donna Matthews

Categories Sauces

Time 10m

Yield 3 cups

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

2/3 cup white vinegar
1 1/3 cups canola oil
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons oregano
2 tablespoons dijon-style mustard
1 tablespoon pesto sauce, to taste
2 cloves garlic, scored

Steps:

Measure all ingredients into a glass jar.
(I use the 3 cup canning jar that my favorite spaghetti sauce comes in.).
note: you may substitute 2 teaspoons dry mustard for the Dijon style mustard.
Shake well.
Store in refrigerator.
After several days, you may wish to remove the garlic cloves.

ITALIAN-STYLE CHEF SALAD WITH CREAMY PESTO DRESSING

Italian-Style Chef Salad with Creamy Pesto Dressing image

Make and share this Italian-Style Chef Salad with Creamy Pesto Dressing recipe from Food.com.

Provided by yooper

Categories Lunch/Snacks

Time 10m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1/3 cup mayonnaise or 1/3 cup salad dressing
1/4 cup sour cream or 1/4 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons purchased refrigerated pesto sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 -3 tablespoons milk
6 cups torn mixed greens
1 cup mozzarella cheese or 1 cup provolone cheese, cut into thin strips (4 ounces)
4 ounces thinly sliced fully cooked ham or 4 ounces turkey, cut into thin strips
2 ounces thinly sliced salami or 2 ounces prosciutto, cut into thin strips
2 small tomatoes, cut into thin wedges
1 small yellow peppers or 1 small green pepper, sliced into rings
1 small onion, thinly sliced and separated into rings
1 (6 ounce) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and halved

Steps:

To prepare the Creamy Pesto Dressing, stir together the mayonnaise or salad dressing, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, pesto, and garlic in a small bowl.
Stir in milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, to make of desired consistency; set aside.
Divide the greens among four individual salad bowls or serving plates.
Arrange the mozzarella or provolone cheese, ham or turkey, salami or prosciutto, tomato, yellow or green pepper, onion and artichoke hearts over the greens.
Drizzle with the Creamy Pesto Dressing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 258.9, Fat 15.2, SaturatedFat 8, Cholesterol 57.7, Sodium 851.3, Carbohydrate 13.7, Fiber 5, Sugar 3.4, Protein 18.2

Tips:

Use fresh basil for the best flavor. If you don't have fresh basil, you can use dried basil, but the flavor will be less intense.
Use a good quality olive oil. The better the olive oil, the better the dressing will taste.
Don't over-process the dressing. You want it to be smooth, but not too thick.
Taste the dressing before you use it and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Use the dressing on salads, pasta, or grilled vegetables.

Conclusion:

Pesto Italian salad dressing is a delicious and versatile dressing that can be used on a variety of dishes. It's easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients. The next time you're looking for a new salad dressing, give this one a try. You won't be disappointed!