Pasta salad is a classic summer dish that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, and picnics. It’s easy to make and can be customized to your taste. One of the most important elements of a pasta salad is the dressing, and this vinaigrette dressing is a great option. It’s light, flavorful, and versatile.
This dressing is made with olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and herbs. It’s a simple combination of ingredients, but it packs a lot of flavor. The olive oil adds richness, the vinegar adds acidity, the Dijon mustard adds a bit of spice, the honey adds sweetness, and the herbs add freshness.
The best thing about this dressing is that it’s so versatile. You can use it on any type of pasta salad, from simple to complex. It’s also great on grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, or even as a marinade for chicken or fish.
Ingredients and Equipment
To make this dressing, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup vinegar (white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar, or balsamic vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
You’ll also need the following equipment:
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Glass jar or bowl for storing
How To Make
To make the dressing, whisk all of the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.
The dressing can be used immediately or stored in a glass jar or bowl in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
To use, simply pour the desired amount of dressing over your pasta salad and toss to combine. Enjoy!
Tips or Possible Variation
Here are a few tips for making the perfect pasta salad vinaigrette dressing:
- Use good quality olive oil. The better the olive oil, the better the dressing will be.
- Experiment with different types of vinegar. White wine vinegar is a good all-purpose choice, but you can also use red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar for a more robust flavor.
- Add herbs and spices to taste. The herbs and spices listed in the recipe are just a suggestion. You can add any herbs or spices that you like.
Here are a few possible variations on the recipe:
- For a sweeter dressing, add more honey.
- For a spicier dressing, add more Dijon mustard or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- For a herbier dressing, add more dried oregano or basil, or add some fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives.
No matter how you make it, this pasta salad vinaigrette dressing is sure to be a hit. It’s light, flavorful, and versatile, and it’s the perfect way to add some extra flavor to your next pasta salad.