Best 4 Simple Pasta Salad Dressing Recipes

Pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. It's perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or potlucks because it can be made ahead of time and served chilled. This collection of simple pasta salad dressings includes a variety of flavors, from classic vinaigrette to creamy pesto. With so many options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect dressing to complement your favorite pasta salad recipe. From a tangy lemon vinaigrette to a creamy avocado ranch dressing, these recipes are easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you're looking for a light and refreshing dressing or a rich and creamy sauce, you're sure to find the perfect recipe here. So gather your ingredients and get ready to make a delicious pasta salad that everyone will love.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

VERSATILE PASTA SALAD DRESSING RECIPE

Versatile Pasta Salad Dressing Recipe image

This easy pasta salad dressing is adaptable and versatile. Mix it with your favorite pasta and toppings for a delicious side dish.

Provided by Julie Blanner

Categories Dressing

Time 3m

Number Of Ingredients 4

Ingredients

¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup lemon juice (or vinegar)
2 Tablespoons whole grain mustard
1 Tablespoons garlic (minced)

Steps:

Combine ingredients in a jar.
Shake until it reaches full emulsion.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 87 kcal, Carbohydrate 1 g, Protein 1 g, Fat 9 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 57 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 1 g, ServingSize 1 serving

3 EASY PASTA SALAD DRESSINGS

3 Easy Pasta Salad Dressings image

recipes for creamy, balsamic and Italian dressings

Provided by Emma Chapman

Categories condiment

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

¼ cup mayo
¼ cup greek yogurt
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
salt + pepper
¼ cup olive oil
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon mustard (dijon)
salt + pepper
¼ cup olive oil
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
½ lemon (juiced)
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

Steps:

For each of the dressings, simply combine all the ingredients in a small mixing bowl and whisk until well combined.

PASTA SALAD DRESSING

Pasta Salad Dressing image

A flavorful dressing for a pasta salad. With the combination of mayo and olive oil, a light and creamy dressing is created that allows the flavor from the herbs to come through to provide a burst of flavor.

Provided by Tina Kennard

Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Salad Dressing Recipes

Time 10m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup olive oil
¼ cup red wine vinegar
1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon white sugar
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon ground thyme
¼ teaspoon dried basil

Steps:

Beat mayonnaise, olive oil, vinegar, mustard, garlic, sugar, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and basil together in a bowl with a whisk until smooth.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 224.4 calories, Carbohydrate 2 g, Cholesterol 5.2 mg, Fat 24.4 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 0.2 g, SaturatedFat 3.5 g, Sodium 247.3 mg, Sugar 0.7 g

PASTA SALAD WITH HOMEMADE DRESSING

Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing image

Pasta salad filled with veggies, cheese, and seasoning. Very tasty and versatile -- is great to make ahead.

Provided by BONNIES

Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Rotini Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 8h45m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

1 (8 ounce) package uncooked tri-color rotini pasta
6 ounces pepperoni sausage, diced
6 ounces provolone cheese, cubed
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
¾ cup chopped green bell pepper
¾ cup chopped red bell pepper
1 (6 ounce) can pitted black olives
¼ cup minced fresh parsley
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup olive oil
¼ cup red wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon ground mustard seed
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente. Drain, and rinse with cold water.
In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta, pepperoni, provolone cheese, red onion, cucumber, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, olives, parsley, and Parmesan cheese.
In a jar with a lid, mix the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, basil, oregano, ground mustard, salt, and pepper. Seal jar, and shake well.
Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta salad, and toss to coat. Cover, and chill 8 hours in the refrigerator

Nutrition Facts : Calories 442.8 calories, Carbohydrate 25.4 g, Cholesterol 38.9 mg, Fat 32 g, Fiber 3.8 g, Protein 15.9 g, SaturatedFat 9.5 g, Sodium 835.7 mg, Sugar 2.6 g

Tips for Making the Best Pasta Salad Dressing:

Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh herbs, flavorful oils, and tangy vinegars will make all the difference in your dressing.
Balance the flavors: Aim for a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and umami flavors in your dressing.
Emulsify the dressing: Whisking the dressing vigorously or using a blender will help to emulsify it, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
Season to taste: Always taste your dressing before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Experiment with different variations: There are endless possibilities when it comes to making pasta salad dressing. Try adding different herbs, spices, or cheeses to create your own unique flavor combinations.

Conclusion:

With so many delicious variations to choose from, you're sure to find a pasta salad dressing that you'll love. So next time you're making pasta salad, don't just use a store-bought dressing. Take a few minutes to make your own homemade dressing and you'll be amazed at how much better your pasta salad tastes.