Description
This Italian Pasta Salad Dressing is a zesty, creamy, and herb-infused blend that transforms any pasta salad into a bright, tangy, and irresistibly flavorful dish. With red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and classic Italian seasonings, it delivers just the right balance of sharpness, sweetness, and savory richness. Ideal for pasta salads, roasted veggies, or as a chicken marinade—this homemade dressing is a must-have for warm weather meals and make-ahead dishes.
Ingredients
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 1/2 teaspoons honey
2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Zest of 1/2 lemon (optional)
Instructions
1. In a bowl or blender, combine red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey until smooth.
2. Add garlic, oregano, basil, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. While whisking or blending, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to emulsify.
4. Add mayonnaise and blend until creamy.
5. Stir in Parmesan and lemon zest if desired.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
8. Shake or stir well before each use.
Notes
Chill before using to enhance flavor.
Store in a glass jar in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Shake before each use to remix the emulsion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Dressing
- Method: Blending/Whisking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 3mg
Keywords: pasta salad dressing, Italian dressing, homemade dressing