18 Italian Pesto Salad Dressing Recipe You Must Try Them!

Published on: Mar 15, 2024

Italian pesto salad dressing is a delicious and versatile sauce that can elevate any salad to a new level. Made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil, this classic Italian dressing is bursting with flavor and is easy to make at home. In this article, we will dive into the traditional recipe for Italian pesto salad dressing and explore some creative ways to use it in your dishes.

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Italian Chicken Panini

Main Ingredients: Levain Bread, Olive Oil, Pesto, Roasted Chicken

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Take your grilled cheese game to the next level with this Italian twist! Thinly sliced chicken, melty mozzarella, and tangy pesto are sandwiched between two slices of crispy ciabatta bread. Grill it up for a deliciously satisfying lunch or dinner.

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Italian Pesto Salad Dressing

Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, Pesto, Dijon Mustard, Honey

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Salads don't have to be boring. This creamy pesto dressing adds an explosion of flavor to any greens, whether it's a simple side salad or a hearty main dish salad. Whip up a batch and keep it in the fridge for quick and easy meal prep.

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Pesto Salmon and Italian Veggies in Foil

Main Ingredients: Skinless Salmon Fillets, Fresh Green Beans, Olive Oil

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Looking for a healthy and flavorful dinner option? Try this foil packet meal featuring flaky salmon and a medley of fresh Italian vegetables, all topped with a generous drizzle of pesto. It's a complete meal that's easy to make and even easier to clean up.

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Italian Pesto Sliders

Main Ingredients: Slider Rolls, Pesto, Vine Ripened Tomatoes, Sun Dried

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Sliders are always a hit at parties, and these Italian-inspired ones are no exception. Pesto-infused beef patties are topped with creamy mozzarella and sweet roasted red peppers, all nestled between two soft buns. They're perfect for game day or any gathering.

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Pesto Panini with Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato

Main Ingredients: Bread, Pesto, Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, Salt

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This panini is a classic combination of fresh mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, and herby pesto. Grilled to perfection, it's a warm and comforting sandwich that's perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner.

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Pesto & Quinoa Stuffed Mushrooms

Main Ingredients: Button Mushrooms, Pesto, Cooked Quinoa, Parmesan

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These stuffed mushrooms are packed with protein-rich quinoa, savory pesto, and crispy breadcrumbs. They make for a delicious appetizer or a fun twist on a side dish. Plus, they're vegetarian-friendly!

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Italian Pesto Grilled Chicken

Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Pesto, Italian

Upgrade your grilled chicken game with this mouthwatering pesto marinade. Let the chicken soak up Italian flavors before throwing it on the grill for a tender and flavorful main dish.

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Italian Pesto Pasta Salad

Main Ingredients: Pasta, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Artichokes, Chickpeas

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Need a dish to bring to a potluck or picnic? This pesto pasta salad is the answer. Al dente pasta, fresh vegetables, and creamy pesto dressing come together for a crowd-pleasing side dish that's perfect for any occasion.

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Italian Pesto Chicken Salad

Main Ingredients: Light Mayonnaise, Pesto, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder

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Healthy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad - Nourished by Nic

Put a twist on traditional chicken salad with this Italian-inspired version. Tender chunks of chicken, sweet grapes, and crunchy celery are coated in a creamy pesto dressing for a satisfying and unique sandwich filling.

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Pesto Pasta Salad

Main Ingredients: Rotini, Pesto, Cherry Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella, Salt

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If you're a fan of classic pesto, you'll love this simple pasta salad. Fusilli pasta is tossed with fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and, of course, delicious pesto. It's a perfect side dish for any meal.

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Italian Sausage Pesto Flatbread Melts

Main Ingredients: Hot Italian Sausage, Olive Oil, White Wine, Pesto

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These flatbread melts are a deliciously hearty meal that's perfect for a busy weeknight. Spicy Italian sausage, sweet roasted red peppers, and creamy pesto are all piled on top of crispy flatbread for a satisfying and flavorful dinner.

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Pesto Arancini - Italian Street Food!

Main Ingredients: Rice, Chicken Stock, Olive Oil, Medium Grain Rice

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Take a trip to Italy without leaving your kitchen with these delicious arancini bites. Crispy risotto balls are stuffed with creamy pesto and savory Parmesan cheese for a fun and flavorful snack or appetizer.

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Italian Pesto Burger #BurgerMonth #GirlCarnivore

Main Ingredients: Prosciutto, Pesto, Ground Beef, Salt, Freshly Ground

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Elevate your next burger night with these Italian-style burgers. Juicy beef patties are topped with fresh mozzarella, sweet roasted red peppers, and, of course, zesty pesto for a mouthwatering combination.

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Pesto Mozzarella Stuffed Pork Chops

Main Ingredients: Mozzarella Cheese, Pesto, Dried Breadcrumbs, Boneless

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Take your pork chops to the next level with this indulgent recipe. Thick-cut pork chops are stuffed with creamy mozzarella and savory pesto, then baked to perfection. It's a fancy and flavorful dinner option that's sure to impress.

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Italian Tortellini Skewers with Pesto Drizzle

Main Ingredients: Cheese Tortellini, Fresh Mozzarella Balls, Tomatoes

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These colorful skewers are perfect for a party or a fun weeknight dinner. Cheese tortellini, sweet cherry tomatoes, and zesty pesto are all skewered together and topped with a drizzle of pesto for a delicious and easy meal.

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7-Layer Italian Pesto Quinoa Dip

Main Ingredients: Chopped Pecans, Blue Cheese, Hummus, Fresh Spinach, Sun

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This dip is a pesto-lover's dream. It's packed with protein-rich quinoa, creamy pesto, fresh vegetables, and more, all layered together for a colorful and flavorful appetizer. Serve it with chips or veggies for a party-ready dish.

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Italian Chicken Cutlets with Pesto and Spinach

Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Panko Breadcrumbs, All Purpose Flour

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This dish is a delicious combination of crispy chicken, fresh spinach, and tangy pesto. It's a light and healthy dinner option that's perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something quick and easy.

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Pesto Caprese Gnocchi

Main Ingredients: Gnocchi, Grape Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella, Prosciutto

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This dish is a flavor explosion of classic Italian flavors. Soft gnocchi is topped with fresh mozzarella, sweet cherry tomatoes, and, of course, delicious pesto. It's a simple and satisfying meal that's perfect for any night of the week.

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Pesto Stuffed Shells with Italian Sausage Marinara

Main Ingredients: Ground Italian Sausage, Marinara Sauce, Jumbo Pasta

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These stuffed shells are a hearty and comforting meal that's perfect for a family dinner. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a delicious mixture of pesto and ricotta cheese and topped with a flavorful Italian sausage marinara. It's a meal that's sure to please everyone at the table.

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Chicken Parmesan

Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Cream, Olive Oil

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This classic Italian dish gets a pesto twist in this recipe. Tender chicken breasts are coated in crispy breadcrumbs and topped with zesty pesto and melty mozzarella for a delicious and satisfying dinner option.

The Traditional Recipe

To make the perfect Italian pesto salad dressing, you will need:

2 cups of fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup of pine nuts
2 cloves of garlic, peeled
1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

In a food processor or blender, combine the basil, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
Slowly add in the olive oil while the processor is running until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
Add in the parmesan cheese and pulse a few times to incorporate it into the dressing.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer the dressing to a jar or container and store in the fridge until ready to use.

Ways to Use Italian Pesto Salad Dressing

Italian pesto salad dressing is not just limited to topping salads. Here are some creative ways to use it in your dishes:

1. Marinade for Meat and Veggies

The flavorful combination of fresh herbs, nuts, and olive oil in Italian pesto salad dressing makes it a great marinade for meats and vegetables. Simply coat your protein or veggies with the dressing and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes before grilling or roasting. The result is a delicious and tender dish with a hint of Italian flavor.

2. Pizza Sauce

Instead of using traditional tomato sauce, try using Italian pesto salad dressing as a base for your homemade pizza. Spread it on the crust before adding your toppings for a burst of herby and nutty flavors.

3. Sandwich Spread

Add a dollop of Italian pesto salad dressing to your sandwiches for a punch of flavor. It goes especially well with grilled chicken, turkey, or even tuna salad.

4. Pasta Salad Dressing

For a quick and easy pasta salad, use Italian pesto salad dressing as the dressing. Toss it with your favorite pasta, veggies, and protein for a simple yet delicious meal.

5. Dip for Bread

Ditch the plain olive oil and balsamic vinegar and use Italian pesto salad dressing as a dip for bread instead. It's a flavorful and refreshing change from the usual bread dipping options.

In Conclusion

Italian pesto salad dressing is a versatile and delicious sauce that can add a burst of flavor to any dish. With this traditional recipe and some creative ideas for using it, you can easily incorporate this classic Italian dressing into your meals. Give it a try and see how it takes your dishes to the next level!