Description
This Creamy Healthy Pasta Salad Dressing is a quick and nutritious blend perfect for adding a tangy, flavorful touch to your pasta salads. Made with Greek yogurt, olive oil, and fresh herbs, it offers a creamy texture with a healthy twist and can be prepared in just 5 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons water (to thin, as needed)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or parsley
Instructions
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and creamy, forming a well-balanced base for the dressing.
- Add Sweetness: Stir in the maple syrup or honey to introduce a subtle sweetness that balances the tang from the vinegar and lemon juice.
- Season the Dressing: Add the minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the mixture, enhancing the flavor profile with savory notes and spices.
- Adjust Consistency: Whisk the dressing thoroughly, then gradually add water a little at a time until the desired creamy yet pourable consistency is reached.
- Incorporate Herbs (Optional): For an extra burst of freshness and flavor, fold in the chopped fresh dill or parsley gently into the dressing.
- Taste and Modify: Sample the dressing and adjust salt, pepper, or sweetness as needed to suit your palate perfectly.
- Serve or Store: Pour the finished dressing over cooked pasta and toss to combine well. Alternatively, store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for convenient use later.
Notes
- This dressing can be customized by swapping herbs or adjusting sweetness levels.
- Use dairy-free yogurt to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
- Ideal for pasta salads with vegetables or grilled proteins.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- If the dressing thickens after refrigeration, thin it with a little water or lemon juice before serving.
