Description

This creamy healthy pasta salad dressing is a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional dressings. Made with plain Greek yogurt, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice, it offers a tangy, creamy texture with a hint of sweetness from maple syrup or honey. Perfectly seasoned with garlic, onion powder, and fresh herbs, this dressing brightens up any pasta salad while keeping it light and wholesome.

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

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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, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Add Sweetener: Stir in the maple syrup or honey to give the dressing a subtle, balanced sweetness that complements the tangy flavors.
Season: Mix in the minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to add depth and savoriness to the dressing.
Adjust Consistency: Whisk well, then gradually add water, a little at a time, to thin the dressing to your preferred consistency for easy coating over pasta.
Add Herbs: For an extra burst of freshness and aroma, fold in the chopped fresh dill or parsley if using.
Final Seasoning Check: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed, balancing salt, pepper, and acidity.
Serve or Store: Pour the dressing over cooked pasta and mix well to coat, or transfer it to a sealed container and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Notes

Use dairy-free yogurt to make the dressing vegan.
Adjust the amount of water to achieve your desired dressing thickness.
Fresh herbs like dill or parsley add a nice herbal note but can be omitted if unavailable.
Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
Maple syrup can be replaced with honey or agave nectar depending on dietary preferences.