Description
A vibrant and tangy Italian pasta salad dressing made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. This dressing perfectly balances acidity and richness, enhanced with a touch of honey or sugar for subtle sweetness, ideal for coating your favorite pasta salad.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Mix the Acidic Components: In a medium bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until well combined, forming the flavorful acidic base of the dressing.
- Add Aromatics and Herbs: Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, then let the mixture sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and infuse.
- Emulsify with Olive Oil: While continuously whisking, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to emulsify the dressing, creating a smooth and cohesive texture.
- Incorporate Parmesan and Season: Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy, savory note. Season the dressing with salt, pepper, and the optional honey or sugar to balance acidity and enhance flavor.
- Chill Before Use: Refrigerate the dressing for 15-20 minutes before tossing with your pasta and other salad ingredients to let the flavors fully develop and the dressing thicken slightly.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh garlic and high-quality olive oil.
- The honey or sugar is optional and can be adjusted based on your preferred sweetness level.
- This dressing can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Shake or whisk again before use if it separates after refrigeration.
- This dressing complements a variety of pasta salad ingredients, such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, olives, and cucumbers.
