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Italian Pasta Salad Dressing

Italian Pasta Salad Dressing
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This Italian Pasta Salad Dressing is a bright, tangy, and herb-infused dressing that brings authentic Mediterranean flavors to your pasta salads. Made with extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and classic Italian herbs, it delivers the perfect balance of acidity, richness, and zest. Perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners, this dressing doubles as a marinade or dipping sauce and can be easily customized to your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 garlic cloves, freshly minced

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Sweetener and Cheese

  • 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Fresh Herbs (Optional)

  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine the Base Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and minced garlic until well combined. This creates the liquid foundation of your Italian Pasta Salad Dressing, perfectly balancing richness with acidity.
  2. Add the Herbs and Seasonings: Sprinkle in dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Whisk gently to help release the herbs’ natural oils and aromas, infusing the dressing with full flavor.
  3. Incorporate Sweetness and Cheese: Stir in honey or sugar carefully to soften the sharp vinegar taste. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if using, for a salty, nutty finish that elevates the dressing.
  4. Adjust and Taste: Taste your dressing and tweak any ingredient to suit your preference – add more vinegar for tang, honey for sweetness, or herbs for extra flavor punch.
  5. Let It Rest: Allow the dressing to sit for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully before tossing into your pasta salad.

Notes

  • Use quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor impact.
  • Whenever possible, use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter taste.
  • Whisk vigorously or shake in a jar to emulsify and prevent separation.
  • Refrigerate the dressing for about an hour before serving to deepen flavors.
  • Make ahead and store in an airtight container refrigerated for up to one week.
  • Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in olive oil and vinegar.
  • Serve cold or at room temperature, whisking before use if separated.
  • Customize by omitting Parmesan for vegan version or adding more red pepper flakes for heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian pasta salad dressing, pasta dressing, Italian dressing, tangy dressing, pasta salad sauce, easy dressing, gluten-free dressing, vegan dressing option

Find it online: https://dishesbylina.com/italian-pasta-salad-dressing/