This simple creamy pesto dressing is delicious on any salad! Plus, it only requires 5 ingredients and 5 minutes to make.
I love a good homemade salad dressing! This one is great even with some simple greens and homemade croutons, but also pairs well with our Steak and Tortellini Salad.
an Old Spaghetti Factory favorite
Hello my Pesto lovers! This super simple recipe is inspired by one of our favorite restaurants – Old Spaghetti Factory. Have you been there before? They serve a small salad before each meal and it’s topped with the most delicious Creamy Pesto Salad Dressing, which is what we tried to re-create for you today.
I don’t know about you, but salad is something we always have in our fridge, although it doesn’t always get eaten unless we have a yummy dressing to go with it. Fortunately, this Pesto dressing is very simple and is so delicious, that it will turn any salad into a million bucks!!
Yes, we love ranch and the other classic bottled dressings, but sometimes you just can’t do any better than homemade dressing. If you love pesto, we highly recommend trying this simple recipe. It really is delicious and adds so much flavor to the salad. We usually just add croutons, but adding some shaved Parmesan or chicken strips would be even better. 😉
5 Ingredients + 5 Minutes!
This pesto dressing only takes five ingredients to make this delicious dressing!
- low-fat buttermilk
- mayonnaise
- sour cream
- pesto
- grated parmesan cheese
All you have to do is whisk all the ingredients until well combined. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve. ENJOY!
Tips, Substitutions, and Storing
Variations: If you like it spicy, add some paprika, cayenne or some hot sauce. Not only does this creamy pesto dressing taste great on a salad, you can use it for a vegetable dip, sandwich spread and even a chicken marinade. Try it on these recipes:
- Mini Avocado Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- Veggie Panini
- Veggie Cup Appetizer
- Flatout Monster Sandwich
- Game Day Veggie Tray
Substitutions: For a creamier dressing use full fat buttermilk. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand you can make your own. Fill it the rest of the way with milk. You can also use plain yogurt/greek yogurt instead of mayo, and of course try making your own homemade pesto!
How to ripen your avocado: This recipe calls for a very ripe avocado and the ones found at the grocery store are usually still a bit firm. You can get your avocado to ripen faster by putting it in a brown paper bag, along with one apple or banana, fold over the top, and leave the bag on the counter for a couple of days.
Storage: Store this dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
For more delicious dressings:
- Homemade Ranch
- Cilantro Lime Dressing
- Strawberry Vinaigrette
- Lemon Poppyseed Dressing
- Caesar Salad Dressing
Pesto Salad Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 tbsp pesto
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk all the ingredients until well combined.
- Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. ENJOY!
Recipe adapted from Savory Sweet Life.
How long would this keep in the refrigerator?
I have kept it for a week. It could last longer, but I wouldn’t know. Hope that helps!
Oh, this is really delicious ! You’re right – it tastes great on everything! Was so tired of pesto and we have sooooo much basil!Thank you
You are so welcome! I love this stuff on so many things!
This was excellent — just what I was after. Will definitely make again :)Thanks for posting!
Glad you found it! I am glad to share 🙂 Thank you!
I often go to lunch at The Old Spaghetti Factory!!! They are good for a satisfying, quick and cheap lunch 🙂
Lovely dip here, I’m afraid they don’t have it in the menu here 🙁
Maybe I can request it!
Oh, darn..they took it off 🙁 It’s been a while, since I’ve been there. Thank you!
Hi KRISTYN MERKLEY, you look gorgeous and this reciep is looking absolutely delicious. Surely gonna try this, thanks for sharing.
Awe, thank you so much for saying that!! Hope you like it as much as we do!
I love this dressing and will try this recipe this weekend! Thanks
Me too! Enjoy & thank you!!
What a delicious dressing!! Love the pesto in it! It comes together so quick!
I am so glad I found this recipe! I had this dressing at a restaurant & I loved it! So, glad I can make it at home now.
Pesto Dressing is a favorite! The flavor is like nothing else. We love to dip it in bread and put it on salads too. Really I would just eat it by the spoonfuls if I knew I could get away with it….lol!
Next best dressing to ranch!
The pesto really makes a great FLAVOR addition in a simple salad. I think adding steak or grilled chicken would be really good.
This is one of our favorites, we use it on a simple salad and it’s so good!
That looks delicious!
Thank you!! Hope you try it!