Creamy Basil Pesto Salad Dressing
This creamy basil pesto dressing is inspired by the beloved Old Spaghetti Factory recipe. It's a vibrant blend of rich mayonnaise, tangy buttermilk, and fragrant basil, enhanced with the savory notes of Romano cheese and garlic. This versatile dressing can elevate any salad, and is also perfect as a marinade for grilled chicken. Simply whisk the ingredients together, let the flavors meld overnight, and you’ll have a delicious dressing that’s sure to impress your family and friends!
20
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Oil
3/4 cup (None)
Mayonnaise
1 cup (None)
Buttermilk
3/4 cup (None)
Grated Romano Cheese
2 tablespoons (Grated)
Dried Basil
2 tablespoons (None)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Garlic
1 clove (Minced)
Hot Pepper Sauce
To taste (Serve at table)
Paprika
1/4 teaspoon (Optional)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, whisk together the oil and mayonnaise until smooth and creamy.
2
Slowly add the buttermilk while continuing to whisk until fully combined.
3
Stir in the grated Romano cheese, dried basil, salt, minced garlic, and paprika (if using) until well blended.
4
Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning with hot pepper sauce, adding more for desired heat.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Before serving, give the dressing a good stir and adjust consistency with a touch more buttermilk if too thick.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the inspiration for this Creamy Basil Pesto Salad Dressing?
This recipe is inspired by the beloved dressing served at the Old Spaghetti Factory.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 20 servings.
Can this dressing be used as a marinade?
Yes, it works perfectly as a marinade for grilled chicken or other meats.
What are the primary ingredients that make it creamy?
The creaminess comes from a combination of mayonnaise, oil, and buttermilk.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for grated Romano cheese to add a savory note.
Is this dressing suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly dressing.
How should I prepare the garlic?
The garlic should be finely minced before being added to the mixture.
Why do I need to refrigerate the dressing overnight?
Refrigerating it overnight allows the flavors of the basil, garlic, and cheese to meld together properly.
What can I do if the dressing is too thick after refrigeration?
You can adjust the consistency by stirring in a touch more buttermilk until it reaches your desired thickness.
Can I adjust the spiciness of this dressing?
Yes, you can add hot pepper sauce to taste to achieve your preferred level of heat.
What type of basil is used?
This specific recipe uses two tablespoons of dried basil.
Is paprika required for this recipe?
Paprika is listed as an optional ingredient to enhance the flavor and color.
How do I ensure the oil and mayonnaise combine well?
Whisk them together in a large bowl until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
How should the buttermilk be added?
Slowly add the buttermilk while continuing to whisk to ensure it fully combines with the oil and mayonnaise.
What tools do I need to make this dressing?
A large bowl and a whisk are the primary tools needed.
Can I serve this dressing immediately?
While you can, it is highly recommended to let it sit overnight for the best flavor profile.
What is the flavor profile of this dressing?
It is a vibrant blend of rich, tangy, and fragrant notes with savory garlic and cheese undertones.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients including the optional paprika and hot pepper sauce.
What kind of oil should I use?
A neutral-flavored oil works best, though the recipe simply specifies oil.
How should I store the finished dressing?
Store it in an airtight container or cover the bowl with plastic wrap and keep it refrigerated.
Is there any salt in the recipe?
Yes, it includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe because it mainly involves whisking and chilling.
Can I use this on a pasta salad?
Absolutely, its creamy pesto profile makes it excellent for both leaf and pasta salads.
Does this recipe contain eggs?
Yes, through the mayonnaise, which typically contains eggs.
How much Romano cheese is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of grated Romano cheese.
How much mayonnaise is needed?
You will need 1 cup of mayonnaise.
How much buttermilk is required?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of buttermilk.
Is there any sugar in this dressing?
No, there is no added sugar in this recipe.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is whisking the oil and mayonnaise together until smooth.
Can I use this as a dip?
Yes, its creamy consistency and flavorful ingredients make it a great dip for vegetables or bread.