Homemade Pasta Salad Dressing Recipe
This homemade pasta salad dressing is a simple, versatile blend of extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and dried herbs, perfectly balanced to add rich flavor and tang to any pasta salad. Ready in just 5 minutes, it can be customized with your favorite herbs and a touch of sweetness for a delightful, fresh dressing.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup dressing (serves 6-8 depending on usage) 1x
- Category: Salad Dressing
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (or your preferred oil)
- 1/4 cup vinegar (red wine, white wine, apple cider, or balsamic)
Flavor Enhancers
- 2 tablespoons Dijon or whole-grain mustard
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 tablespoon dried herbs (Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, or your favorite blend)
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
Instructions
- Gather Your Ingredients: Assemble all the necessary components, ensuring you have fresh herbs and high-quality vinegar on hand for the best flavor.
- Prepare the Base: In a jar or bowl, combine the olive oil and your choice of vinegar, creating the rich and tangy foundation of your dressing.
- Add the Aromatics: Mince fresh garlic or measure garlic powder and mix it into the oil and vinegar blend to infuse the dressing with savory aroma and depth.
- Introduce the Herbs and Spices: Sprinkle in dried herbs such as Italian seasoning, basil, or oregano, followed by salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
- Emulsify and Adjust: Whisk in Dijon or whole-grain mustard to emulsify the mixture, creating a smooth texture. Taste the dressing and add honey or maple syrup if a sweeter note is desired.
- Shake or Whisk: Secure the jar lid and shake the dressing vigorously or whisk thoroughly in a bowl until fully combined and emulsified.
- Dress and Enjoy: Pour the dressing over your pasta salad and toss gently for even coating, or serve on the side for guests to add as they prefer.
Notes
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh vinegar for the best flavor.
- Adjust garlic and herbs based on your taste preferences.
- Add honey or maple syrup sparingly to balance acidity if desired.
- Store leftover dressing in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Shake well before each use as ingredients may separate over time.
Keywords: pasta salad dressing, homemade dressing, vinaigrette, olive oil dressing, easy salad dressing, no-cook dressing, Italian herbs, tangy dressing, simple dressing
Find it online: https://servedbynora.com/homemade-pasta-salad-dressing-recipe/
