Description
This Creamy Healthy Pasta Salad Dressing is a quick, easy, and nourishing way to add flavor to your pasta salads. Made with Greek yogurt for a creamy texture, combined with olive oil, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice, this dressing strikes a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet. It’s versatile, nutritious, and can be prepared in just 5 minutes, making it ideal for meal prep or a last-minute addition to your favorite pasta dish.
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.
- Add Sweetness: Stir in the maple syrup or honey to introduce a subtle sweetness that balances the tangy flavors.
- Incorporate Seasonings: Add the minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the dressing for depth and flavor.
- Adjust Consistency: Whisk well, then gradually add water a little at a time until you reach your desired dressing consistency, ensuring it is pourable but still creamy.
- Fold in Herbs (Optional): For an extra burst of freshness, gently fold in chopped fresh dill or parsley.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust salt, pepper, or sweetness as needed to suit your preference.
- Serve or Store: Pour the dressing over cooked pasta and mix thoroughly to coat, or transfer it into a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Use dairy-free yogurt to make this dressing vegan and suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
- The dressing can be thinned further with water if you prefer a lighter texture.
- Adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley enhances the flavor but is optional.
- This dressing keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and sweetener based on your taste preference.
