Best 8 The Perfect Pasta Salad Dressing Recipes
Pasta salad is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish. The key to a great pasta salad is the dressing, which can make or break the dish. There are many different recipes for pasta salad dressing, each with its own unique flavor profile. Some popular ingredients in pasta salad dressing include olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, herbs, and spices. The type of pasta you use can also affect the flavor of the dish, so be sure to choose a pasta that will complement the dressing you are using.
Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!
VERSATILE PASTA SALAD DRESSING RECIPE
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
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
SIMPLE PASTA SALAD DRESSING
A simple-to-make pasta salad dressing, based on the ingredient list found on a box of pasta salad mix. My recipe is almost identical to the Italian-style pasta salad that comes from a box, but it tastes better.
Provided by Caleb1993
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Salad Dressing Recipes
Time 10m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Blend canola oil, vinegar, corn syrup, lemon juice, onion, garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, parsley, basil, and red pepper flakes in a blender until smooth, about 30 seconds.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 231.5 calories, Carbohydrate 16.9 g, Cholesterol 0.7 mg, Fat 19 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 0.5 g, SaturatedFat 1.5 g, Sodium 219.8 mg, Sugar 5.8 g
ITALIAN DRESSING PASTA SALAD
This colorful salad is hearty enough to be a light meal in itself. It's a great make-ahead dish, since the full flavors of the herbs and veggies need a little time to blend. For more tasty ideas, check out these other cold pasta salad recipes.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 1h
Yield 36 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse with cold water; drain well. In two large bowls, combine the California vegetables, tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, onion, cheeses and pasta. , In a small bowl, combine the salad dressing, parsley, basil, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt and pepper. Pour over pasta mixture; toss to coat. Stir in olives. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. , Toss before serving. Serve with Romano cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 157 calories, Fat 10g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 15mg cholesterol, Sodium 405mg sodium, Carbohydrate 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 5g protein.
THE PERFECT PICNIC PASTA SALAD
Pasta salad is almost always the most disappointing side dish at the picnic or cookout, but this recipe shows you how to transform what is normally an "afterthought" to a dish that's good enough to enjoy on its own, or as the perfect complement to grilled meat. Top this with extra fresh chopped herbs if you like.
Provided by Chef John
Categories 100+ Pasta and Noodle Recipes Pasta by Shape Recipes
Time 3h45m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 22
Steps:
- Whisk Dijon mustard, cider vinegar, rice vinegar, salt, sugar, and cayenne together in a large bowl for about 30 seconds. Whisk in olive oil in 1-teaspoon increments until emulsified. Whisk in tarragon, dill, parsley, chives, and thyme. Remove and reserve 1/2 of the dressing in a separate small bowl.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Add snow peas, carrots, peas, and broccoli about 2 minutes before the pasta is done. Drain pasta and veggies well, but do not rinse.
- Transfer hot pasta mixture to the vinaigrette in the large mixing bowl and toss well to combine. Let rest for 5 minutes and toss again. Toss occasionally until the mixture is almost room temperature, 15 to 20 minutes.
- Add bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, green onions, salt, and the reserved dressing and toss well.
- Wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours before serving. Toss and adjust seasoning before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 491.9 calories, Carbohydrate 50.9 g, Fat 28.1 g, Fiber 3.9 g, Protein 9.1 g, SaturatedFat 3.9 g, Sodium 641.6 mg, Sugar 5.3 g
PASTA SALAD WITH HOMEMADE DRESSING
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
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
PERFECT PASTA SALAD:
This is an absolutely INCREDIBLE recipe. Every time I've made it I've had to double it and it is still gone in nothing flat. People will beg you for the recipe
Provided by Mrs. Jaye
Categories Kid Friendly
Time 30m
Yield 8-12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Mix together dressing first and set aside until sugar is dissolved completely.
- Cook pasta according to box directions and rinse under cold water until cool.
- Slice the sliced pepperoni circles in half and separate slices.
- Mix together with pasta and chopped items, except the provolone cheese.
- Pour dressing over it all and mix well.
- Chill well.
- Add provolone cheese to salad before serving, otherwise it gets soggy.
- You may have to add extra red wine vinegar or olive oil to get it to the desired consistency.
- Some people like it moist, others on the drier side.
- This is guaranteed not to last long before it is completely devoured!
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 595.1, Fat 34.5, SaturatedFat 7.3, Cholesterol 29.4, Sodium 825.6, Carbohydrate 55.9, Fiber 3.9, Sugar 11.1, Protein 14.9
PASTA SALAD DRESSING
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
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
THE PERFECT PASTA SALAD DRESSING
This vinaigrette comes from Hooters, the recipe coming from the Top Secret Restaurant Recipes cookbook. So choose your own favorite pasta salad ingredients and use this dressing for a winning combination.
Provided by Bone Man
Categories Salad Dressings
Time 15m
Yield 1 cup
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Blend with a mixer on high for about a minute -- it should be creamy and thick in appearance.
- Refrigerate for an hour or so before using.
- Note: the onion powder quantity is actually a "dash".
Nutrition Facts : Calories 1380.8, Fat 146, SaturatedFat 18.9, Sodium 460.7, Carbohydrate 23, Fiber 1, Sugar 19.7, Protein 1.1