Best 12 Pesto Salad Dressing Recipes

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Pesto salad dressing is a vibrant and flavorful condiment that can elevate any salad to a gourmet dish. Made with fresh basil, olive oil, nuts, and Parmesan cheese, this dressing is a perfect balance of savory, nutty, and tangy flavors. The best pesto salad dressing is made with high-quality ingredients, so be sure to choose the freshest basil, extra-virgin olive oil, and finely grated Parmesan cheese. With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious and versatile dressing that will add a pop of color and flavor to your salads.

Here are our top 12 tried and tested recipes!

CREAMY PESTO SALAD DRESSING



Creamy Pesto Salad Dressing image

I needed a salad dressing for an Italian dinner one night, and I wasn't in the mood for a vinaigrette. At our house, anything with pesto is a winner! :) This is a very thick salad dressing (especially if you use regular mayo), so you don't have to get your salad greens scrupulously dry - the excess water will loosen up the dressing.

Provided by CraftScout

Categories     Salad Dressings

Time 2m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 3

2 tablespoons prepared pesto sauce (Mom's Pesto, or store-bought)
2 tablespoons smooth Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (lite works well)

Steps:

  • Whisk to combine. Dress salad! :).

PASTA SALAD WITH LEMON-PESTO DRESSING



Pasta Salad with Lemon-Pesto Dressing image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 20m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 pound cavatappi, corkscrew pasta, or medium shells
Coarse salt
1 cup prepared pesto sauce from refrigerated case in supermarket
1 lemon, juiced and zested
1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
4 scallions, chopped
3/4 pound ricotta salata, chopped and crumbled, in specialty cheese case of market or 1 pound tub bocconcini mini pieces of mozzarella, drained, pieces halved
Black pepper

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it.
  • Place pesto, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, tomatoes, scallions and cheese in a large bowl.
  • Cook pasta to al dente then cold shock it and chill it down under cold running water. Drain well. Add to mixing bowl. Combine salad and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

BLACK BEAN-CHICKEN SALAD WITH CREAMY CILANTRO PESTO DRESSING



Black Bean-Chicken Salad with Creamy Cilantro Pesto Dressing image

Main-dish salad ready in 20 minutes! Serve this tossed chicken mixed with pasta, creamy cilantro pesto dressing, tomato and beans.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 teaspoons olive or vegetable oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 1/2-inch strips
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
2 cups uncooked rigatoni pasta (6 ounces)
1 large tomato, chopped (1 cup)
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 cups chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup pine nuts
1/3 cup olive or vegetable oil
1/4 cup whipping (heavy) cream
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
2 cloves garlic

Steps:

  • Prepare Creamy Cilantro Pesto Dressing. Heat oil in 10-inch skillet over medium- high heat. Cook chicken in oil 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink in center. Toss chicken, chili powder and garlic salt; set aside.
  • Cook and drain pasta as directed on package. Rinse with cold water; drain. Mix pasta, chicken, dressing, tomato and beans.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 545, Carbohydrate 54 g, Cholesterol 60 mg, Fiber 7 g, Protein 31 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 370 mg

VEGGIE RIBBON SALAD WITH ANY NUT PESTO DRESSING



Veggie Ribbon Salad with Any Nut Pesto Dressing image

Provided by Trisha Yearwood

Categories     side-dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 1/2 tablespoons chopped or sliced almonds, hazelnuts, brazil nuts (or any other nut)
1 cup loosely packed basil leaves
1/2 cup loosely packed parsley leaves
1 clove garlic
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 large carrot
1 large yellow squash
1 large zucchini
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Steps:

  • Put the nuts in a small dry skillet and cook over medium heat until lightly toasted, about 3 minutes; transfer to a plate to cool.
  • Combine the nuts, basil, parsley, garlic and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a food processor and pulse until very finely ground. With the motor running, gradually add the olive oil and process until well combined.
  • Use a Y-shaped vegetable peeler to slice the vegetables into ribbons. With the yellow squash and zucchini, it is easiest to slice the sides, working around the core (and then discarding the core). Toss the vegetable ribbons together in a bowl. Add just enough pesto to lightly coat, then add the lemon juice and Parmesan and toss to combine. Serve immediately (any remaining pesto can be kept refrigerated for up to 1 week).

THAI SPICES SHRIMP SALAD WITH ASIAN GREENS AND PESTO DRESSING



Thai Spices Shrimp Salad with Asian Greens and Pesto Dressing image

Categories     Salad     Food Processor     Pasta     Coconut     Basil     Macadamia Nut     Shrimp     Curry     Chill     Cabbage     Cilantro     Simmer     Boil     Bon Appétit

Yield Makes 6 first-course or 4 main-course servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

For dressing
3/4 cup (packed) coarsely chopped fresh basil
1/3 cup macadamia nuts, toasted
4 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil (preferably extra-virgin)
For shrimp
1 cup canned unsweetened coconut milk
1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
24 uncooked large shrimp (about 1 pound), peeled, deveined
2 ounces dried thin Chinese rice sticks (maifun) or angel hair pasta
4 cups thinly sliced Napa cabbage
4 cups thinly sliced bok choy leaves
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Fresh cilantro sprigs

Steps:

  • Make dressing:
  • Blend basil, nuts and vinegar in processor until nuts are finely ground. With machine running, gradually add oil and blend well. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to small bowl. (Dressing can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before using.)
  • Make shrimp:
  • Whisk coconut milk and curry paste in medium saucepan over medium-low heat until blended; bring to simmer. Add shrimp and simmer until shrimp are almost opaque in center, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Refrigerate shrimp in curry liquid, uncovered, until very cold, about 2 hours.
  • Place rice sticks in medium bowl. Cover with very hot water. Let stand until tender, about 25 minutes. Drain rice sticks. (If using pasta, cook in pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite. Drain well; rinse pasta with cold water and drain again.) Using knife or poultry shears, cut rice sticks or pasta into shorter (about 6-inch) lengths. Place noodles in medium bowl and toss with enough dressing to coat.
  • Combine cabbage, bok choy, green onions and chopped cilantro in large bowl. Toss with enough dressing to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Divide greens among plates. Top with noodles. Drain shrimp; place atop noodles, dividing equally. Garnish with cilantro sprigs. Pass any remaining dressing separately.

TOMATO AND CUCUMBER SALAD WITH A PESTO LIKE DRESSING.



Tomato and Cucumber Salad With a Pesto Like Dressing. image

Fresh out of the garden. What a nice way to serve those summer hierloom, Polish, Yellow, and Red tomatoes.

Provided by Rita1652

Categories     Greens

Time 15m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons fresh basil
1/4 cup olive oil
1 -2 anchovy, rinsed (optional)
2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
1/4 cup onion, rough chopped
1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
2 tablespoons water
1 pinch salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
4 cups chopped iceberg lettuce
3 tomatoes, sliced
1 cucumber, sliced

Steps:

  • Place all dressing ingredients in a blender and process till smooth and creamy.
  • Place all the lettuce on a large platter.
  • Arrange tomatoes and cucumbers on lettuce.
  • Pour some dressing on arrangement and serve some on the side for those that want it.

STETSON SALAD WITH PESTO BUTTERMILK DRESSING RECIPE - (4.2/5)



Stetson Salad with Pesto Buttermilk Dressing Recipe - (4.2/5) image

Provided by johnwhorfin

Number Of Ingredients 15

1/2 cup dry Israeli (pearl) couscous, cooked according to directions and cooled
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup asparagus, cut into 1 inch pieces
2 cups arugula
1/2 cup chopped roasted hazelnuts
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup super-sweet dried corn
DRESSING
1/2 cup basil pesto
1 shallot, chopped
1 cup buttermilk
Juice of one lemon
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • While couscous is cooking, heat up olive oil in a medium pan on medium high heat. Add asparagus pieces, and saute for 2-3 minutes, or until just tender crisp. Remove from heat and set aside to cool. In a large bowl, combine couscous, asparagus, arugula, hazelnuts, and feta. Toss with dressing to coat. You will likely have some dressing leftover. Just before serving, add dried corn. For the Dressing Add the ingredients except olive oil to a blender. Run the blender, slowly drizzling the olive oil as it blends into the dressing so it will emulsify. Add salt and pepper to taste (about 1/4 teaspoon of each).

PESTO SALAD DRESSING



Pesto Salad Dressing image

Make and share this Pesto Salad Dressing recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Toby Jermain

Categories     Salad Dressings

Time 10m

Yield 1 1/2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups packed fresh basil leaves or 2 cups fresh parsley leaves
1 tablespoon dried basil leaves, lightly crushed
1/3 cup chopped toasted walnuts
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons walnut oil (optional)
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 tablespoon freshly grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In bowl of food processor, pulse the dried basil with the fresh basil (preferred) or parley.
  • Add walnuts, garlic, vinegar, salt, pepper and Parmesan cheese, snd pulse 4-5 times.
  • Add olive oil and optional walnut oil, and process for about 10 seconds, until mixture is finely chopped but not pureed.
  • Excellent with a hearty salad, freshly cooked pasta, cold cooked rice, or cold cooked chicken or turkey.

THE OLD SPAGHETTI FACTORY'S CREAMY PESTO SALAD DRESSING RECIPE



The Old Spaghetti Factory's Creamy Pesto Salad Dressing Recipe image

Provided by á-170456

Number Of Ingredients 8

3/4 cup oil
1 cup mayonnaise
3/4 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons grated Romano cheese
2 tablespoons crushed dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 garlic clove minced
Hot pepper sauce to taste

Steps:

  • Whisk together oil and mayonnaise. Add buttermilk, cheese, basil, salt, garlic and hot sauce, to taste. Mix thoroughly. Cover and let flavors meld overnight in refrigerator. This also makes an excellent chicken marinade. This recipe yields ?? servings.

ARTICHOKE AND ASPARAGUS SALAD WITH PESTO-MAYONNAISE DRESSING



ARTICHOKE AND ASPARAGUS SALAD WITH PESTO-MAYONNAISE DRESSING image

Categories     Salad     Vegetable

Yield 4 people

Number Of Ingredients 6

two large artichokes
20 spears asparagus
two heads endive
lemon juice
1/3 cup Pesto
1/3 cup Fresh Mayonnaise

Steps:

  • Trim artichokes, taking off all but 1 inch of stem, chopping off top inch of leaves. Trim any pointy leaves with scissors. Place artichokes in a pot of boiling water with a few squirts of lemon juice. Boil for about 30-45 minutes, until outer leaves are easily removed and the meat on them is tender and easily scraped off with teeth. Remove from water, cover and refridgerate. Break woody ends off of asparagus. Bring a saucepan of lightly salted water to a boil. Add asparagus and boil for about 5 minutes, until tender but still relatively firm. Remove from hot water and plunge into ice water. Wrap in a towel and keep chilled Wash endive, removing whole leaves. For dressing, mix pesto and mayonnaise. Add salt and pepper to taste if necessary. Assemble salad. Divide asparagus spears and endive among plates. Cut each artichoke in half, and scoop out choke with a spoon. Arrange a half on each plate. Spoon dressing into the well left after removing the choke. serve.

LEMON PESTO BUTTERMILK SALAD DRESSING



Lemon Pesto Buttermilk Salad Dressing image

A great use for leftover buttermilk, this delicious dressing is from May 2010's Canadian Living. No buttermilk on hand? No problem. Add 1 tbsp white wine vinegar or lemon juice per cup of milk and microwave just long enough to curdle, about 10 seconds.

Provided by Katzen

Categories     < 15 Mins

Time 5m

Yield 1 1/3 Cups, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

2/3 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup light mayonnaise
1/3 cup basil pesto
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 pinch salt
1 pinch pepper

Steps:

  • Mix all ingredients together in an airtight container in the fridge, up to one week.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 130.7, Fat 10.5, SaturatedFat 1.9, Cholesterol 12.1, Sodium 325.3, Carbohydrate 7.5, Fiber 2.3, Sugar 3.3, Protein 2.9

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

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.

Tips for Making the Perfect Pesto Salad Dressing

- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your dressing. - Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and nuts. There are many different variations of pesto, so feel free to use whatever you like best. - Use a food processor or blender to make the dressing. This will help to create a smooth and creamy consistency. - Taste the dressing before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice. - Store the dressing in a jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. - Serve the dressing on salads, pasta, or grilled vegetables. It can also be used as a marinade or dipping sauce.

Conclusion

Pesto salad dressing is a delicious and versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes. It's easy to make and can be customized to your liking. So next time you're looking for a new way to dress up your salad, give pesto a try. You won't be disappointed!

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