What dressing goes best with Pasta Salad?
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When it comes to pasta salad, the dressing is key. The most common dressings include bottled Italian dressing, Balsamic, Olive Garden and classic ranch. Bottled dressings are undeniably convenient—just twist the cap, pour, and you’re done. They save time, and they’re consistent in flavor.
But if you’re looking to get lots of “can I have this recipe” questions from friends and family, making your own dressing allows you to customize the flavors exactly to your liking.
And while it takes an extra few minutes, its worth the minimal effort in the end.
Best Homemade Pasta Salad Dressing Recipe
Creating a well rounded pasta salad dressing that can enhance any recipe is easier than you might think.
Whether you’re looking to add a touch of creamy richness or a burst of tangy flavor, there are a variety of sweet and creamy to tangy and savory choices. Personally, we like our BBQ Ranch Dressing when it comes to pasta salads.
- ———-> Get BBQ Ranch Dressing Recipe Here.
- Get Ranch Dressing Recipe Here
- Get Honey Balsamic Dressing Recipe Here
- Get Avocado Yogurt Dressing Recipe Here
Best Bottled Dressings for Pasta Salads
If you are in a pinch and need something right off the shelf, no big deal! Here are the most common bottled choices that work with most recipes.
Italian Dressing:
- A classic choice that’s versatile and light.
- Perfect for salads with vegetables like peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
- Works well with pasta shapes like rotini or farfalle.
Ranch Dressing:
- Creamy and rich, offering a familiar and comforting flavor.
- Ideal for pasta salads that include ingredients like bacon, cheese, and hearty vegetables.
- Pairs nicely with shells or penne pasta.
Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- Provides a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
- Complements roasted vegetables, mozzarella, and herbs.
- Great for pasta salads served warm or at room temperature.
Lemon Vinaigrette:
- Light and zesty, perfect for spring and summer salads.
- Enhances salads with fresh vegetables like asparagus, peas, and spinach.
- Best paired with delicate pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini.
Honey Mustard Dressing:
- Sweet and tangy, adding a unique twist to pasta salads.
- Works well with crunchy vegetables and grilled chicken.
- Pairs well with fusilli or macaroni.
Caesar Dressing:
- Rich and savory, with a hint of anchovy flavor.
- Great for hearty pasta salads with ingredients like chicken, parmesan, and croutons.
- Matches perfectly with bowtie or penne pasta.
Another common way to dress up pastas is a jar of pesto combined with mayo (adjusted to thickness as wanted). You can see an example of that below in the shrimp pesto dish linked below.
Holiday-Perfect Pasta Salads
No matter the flavor you are going for, crowd pleasing pasta salads are a staple at many holiday gatherings throughout the year. Whether you are preparing for 20 people or 200 people, pasta is probably the easiest and most cost effective side dish you can prepare.
Aside from your favorites, here’s a quick guide on which pasta salads pair best with different holidays. You can easily alter any of the used dressings for a mix and match version that works for you.
Easter: Celebrate spring with nostalgic Ham Pasta Salad recipe or a unique Cucumber and Pepper Pasta Salad. Both of these dishes provide two different tastes, tangy and creamy. The bonus of easter ham is it goes in future leftover recipes (like this) really well.
Mother’s Day: Mothers day deserves something special and Shrimp Pesto Pasta Salad is just that. With easy to fry up shrimp, this salad seems upscale but really doesn’t take very long to make at all, keeping the day open for mom.
July 4th: For a classic summer barbecue, Amish Macaroni Salad and our incredible Pea Pasta Salad recipe are must-haves. Both of these are nostalgic favorites perfect for Independence Day celebrations along side a hamburger.
Thanksgiving: Add a twist to your Thanksgiving spread with a Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad. Or stick with old favorites that serve a crowd like our best macaroni salad recipe ever.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pasta Salad Recipes
Can you freeze pasta salad? While you can freeze pasta salad, it’s not always recommended, as the texture of the pasta and dressing can change upon thawing. If you do freeze it, make sure it’s a dressing-free version, and add the dressing fresh when you’re ready to serve.
What are some kid-friendly options for pasta salads? Kids often prefer simple flavors, so a pasta salad with cream based dressings, combined with familiar ingredients like cheddar cheese cubes, peas, and shredded carrots, is a great option.
How far in advance can you make pasta salad? Pasta salad can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together. Just make sure to stir it well before serving and adjust if needed.
What pasta shapes work best in pasta salads? Pasta shapes like rotini, shells, farfalle (bowties), and simple macaroni are all great choices because they hold onto the dressing well and mix easily with other ingredients.
If you have your recipe all ready, you might always be looking for what goes with pasta salad? I have suggestions for dinner, sides, and dessert that match up.
