Best 3 Home Opener Pasta Salad Dressing Recipes

Creating a refreshing and flavorful pasta salad dressing to accompany your home opener pasta salad is an exciting culinary endeavor. With endless possibilities for customization, there's a dressing that caters to every palate's preference. Whether you enjoy tangy, creamy, or herbaceous flavors, the ideal dressing can elevate your pasta salad to a dish that shines at your home opener gathering. From classic vinaigrettes to creamy Caesar dressings and zesty pesto sauces, the options are endless. So, let's dive into the world of pasta salad dressings and discover the perfect recipe to make your home opener pasta salad a memorable dish.

Let's cook with our recipes!

6 EASY PASTA SALAD DRESSING RECIPES

6 Easy Pasta Salad Dressing Recipes image

Provided by Andrea Vaughan

Time 5m

Number Of Ingredients 5

Ingredients

2 cups fresh basil leaves
2 cloves garlic
2/3 cup olive oil
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
Pasta salad suggestions: Cooked penne, diced onion, cherry tomatoes and shredded mozzarella.

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

HOME-OPENER PASTA SALAD DRESSING

Home-Opener Pasta Salad Dressing image

I devised this recipe after searching the net and trying out recipes until I found a mix I liked. If I show up without this salad at BBQ's, there are usually some pretty unimpressed people around!

Provided by clarkie24

Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Salad Dressing Recipes

Time 20m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

½ cup creamy salad dressing (such as Miracle Whip®)
½ cup olive oil
¼ cup red wine vinegar
2 large cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons spicy Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon chopped fresh basil
¼ teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
¼ teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
¼ teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons pickle juice, or more to taste

Steps:

Beat salad dressing, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, sugar, pepper, salt, basil, oregano, thyme, and parsley together in a bowl with a whisk until smooth; add pickle juice and stir to thin the dressing to your desired consistency.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 172.4 calories, Carbohydrate 3.9 g, Cholesterol 5 mg, Fat 17.5 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 0.1 g, SaturatedFat 2.4 g, Sodium 229.5 mg, Sugar 2.5 g

Tips:

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables, herbs, and cheese will give your pasta salad the best flavor. If you can, try to buy organic ingredients whenever possible.
Choose the right pasta: A short pasta, like penne or macaroni, is best for pasta salad. It will hold the dressing and toppings better than a long pasta, like spaghetti or linguine.
Cook the pasta al dente: Pasta should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. This will prevent it from becoming mushy when you add the dressing.
Cool the pasta before adding the dressing: This will help the dressing to adhere to the pasta and prevent it from becoming watery.
Use a light dressing: A light dressing will allow the flavors of the pasta, vegetables, and cheese to shine through. A vinaigrette dressing is a good option, or you can make a simple dressing with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs.
Add a variety of vegetables: Vegetables add color, flavor, and nutrients to pasta salad. Some good options include tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and zucchini.
Add some protein: Protein can help to make pasta salad a more filling meal. Some good options include grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Add some cheese: Cheese adds flavor and richness to pasta salad. Some good options include Parmesan, mozzarella, or feta cheese.
Serve pasta salad chilled: Pasta salad is best served chilled. This will help the flavors to meld together and it will be more refreshing on a hot day.

Conclusion:

Pasta salad is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to use up leftover pasta and vegetables, and it can be easily customized to suit your own taste. With a little creativity, you can create a pasta salad that is both healthy and satisfying.