Savory Italian Pasta Salad Dressing
This delectable Savory Italian Pasta Salad Dressing is a perfect blend of rich flavors that elevates your pasta salads to gourmet status. Combining an aromatic Italian salad dressing mix with the smoothness of extra virgin olive oil and the tang of balsamic vinegar, this dressing complements an array of ingredients—be it your favorite veggies, meats, or cheeses. Incorporating fragrant herbs like oregano and parsley, this versatile dressing is not just for pasta salads; it can also enhance grilled vegetables or serve as a zesty marinade for meats. Allow the ingredients to harmonize for a full-bodied flavor, making every bite a delicious experience.
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Italian salad dressing mix
1 ounce (packet)
Extra virgin olive oil
3/4 cup (measured)
Balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup (measured)
Dry oregano
2 tablespoons (dried)
Dried parsley
1 tablespoon (dried)
Grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon (grated)
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Salt
to taste
Black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the Italian salad dressing mix, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dry oregano, dry parsley, grated parmesan cheese, and minced garlic.
2
Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended.
3
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4
For optimal flavor, let the dressing sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature to allow the ingredients to meld together.
5
Once ready, pour the dressing over your cooked pasta, along with your choice of fresh veggies, meats, and cheeses.
6
Toss to combine until everything is evenly coated.
7
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to one week.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Italian Pasta Salad Dressing?
It is a gourmet-style dressing made from a blend of Italian dressing mix, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and fragrant herbs.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The key ingredients include Italian salad dressing mix, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dry oregano, dry parsley, parmesan cheese, and garlic.
How do I prepare the dressing?
Combine all ingredients in a bowl, whisk thoroughly until blended, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Can I use regular olive oil instead of extra virgin?
Yes, but extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its smooth texture and rich flavor profile.
What type of vinegar is best for this dressing?
Balsamic vinegar is used in this recipe to provide a specific tang and depth of flavor.
Can I substitute balsamic vinegar with another kind?
You can use red wine vinegar as a substitute, though the flavor will be sharper and less sweet than balsamic.
Is this Italian dressing mix gluten-free?
This depends on the specific brand of Italian salad dressing mix packet you purchase; please check the label for gluten ingredients.
How long should the dressing sit before use?
For optimal flavor, let the dressing sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature to allow the ingredients to meld.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried ones?
Yes, you can use fresh oregano and parsley, but you may need to triple the quantity since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Do I need to refrigerate the dressing?
Yes, any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long does the dressing last in the fridge?
The dressing can be kept in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Can I use this dressing as a marinade?
Absolutely, it works as a zesty marinade for various meats or a flavor enhancer for grilled vegetables.
Does this dressing contain cheese?
Yes, the recipe includes one tablespoon of grated parmesan cheese for added richness.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide approximately 10 servings.
What kind of pasta works best with this dressing?
Pastas with ridges or holes like rotini, fusilli, or penne are excellent for holding the dressing.
Can I add more garlic if I prefer a stronger taste?
Yes, you can easily increase the number of minced garlic cloves to suit your personal preference.
Is this dressing vegan-friendly?
The recipe contains parmesan cheese, but you can omit the cheese to make the dressing vegan.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any remaining dressing in an airtight container or a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
Yes, making it ahead of time actually helps the flavors harmonize more effectively.
What vegetables pair well with this dressing?
Bell peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions are fantastic additions to a pasta salad with this dressing.
Can I use this on a standard garden salad?
Yes, while designed for pasta salad, it is a versatile dressing that works well on fresh leafy greens.
How do I prevent the olive oil from solidifying in the fridge?
Olive oil naturally thickens when cold; simply let the dressing sit at room temperature for a few minutes and shake well before use.
Can I omit the salt?
Yes, salt is added to taste, so you can reduce or omit it based on your dietary needs.
How much Italian dressing mix is required?
The recipe calls for one 1-ounce packet of Italian salad dressing mix.
Is this dressing considered healthy?
It uses heart-healthy extra virgin olive oil and fresh garlic, making it a better alternative to many store-bought options.
Can I use white vinegar?
White vinegar is much more acidic and sharp; balsamic is preferred for its balanced sweetness in this recipe.
Does this dressing contain sugar?
The recipe itself has no added sugar, though some pre-packaged dressing mixes may contain small amounts.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Pecorino Romano or Asiago are great alternatives if you do not have parmesan on hand.
What is the best way to prepare the garlic?
The garlic should be finely minced to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the dressing.
How do I ensure the dressing is well combined?
Whisking vigorously or shaking the ingredients in a sealed mason jar will help emulsify the oil and vinegar.