Pesto is a magic ingredient that can make almost any food better. I love it on pasta, sandwiches, or a slice of homemade focaccia bread. A few days ago some friends and I were talking about going to The Old Spaghetti Factory, and someone reminded me of that restaurant’s yummy creamy pesto salad dressing. I decided to see if I could create a similar salad dressing, but with even more fresh pesto flavor.
Whenever I think of The Old Spaghetti Factory, it brings back memories, not just because of birthday and graduation dinners our family has had there, but because my husband and I both used to work there as waiters. If I ever waited on you, I apologize. I was really bad at it. Turns out I’m not much of a multi-tasker. But if I brought you a salad with creamy pesto dressing, that probably made your dining experience a little better.
To create your own homemade creamy pesto salad dressing, combine prepared pesto with buttermilk, mayonnaise, dried basil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Dried basil has its own distinctive flavor that compliments the fresh basil in the pesto. Buttermilk and lemon juice brighten up the flavor of this dressing.
My favorite pesto is from Costco. Costco’s pesto is tasty and inexpensive. Like everything else at Costco, it comes in a big package. After you open the jar, pesto stays fresh in the refrigerator for about two weeks. I can’t use up a whole Costco jar of pesto in two weeks, so I divide it into one-cup portions and store those in the freezer. Pesto will stay fresh in the freezer for six months.
Whisk all your creamy pesto salad dressing ingredients together until well blended. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings if needed. Pour into a sealed container or glass jar. This dressing will keep fresh in the refrigerator for about a week.
I like to serve this creamy pesto salad dressing with a simple salad of crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and whatever other veggies I have on hand. You could add cooked chicken, shrimp, garbanzo beans, kidney beans, or chopped hard boiled eggs for a more filling salad. Spicy pepperoncini would also complement this dressing.
Creamy pesto salad dressing is positively addictive! The bold, fresh flavor of this dressing brings salad veggies to life.
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I bet this dressing makes everything better not only the salads but I would use it to drizzle on shrimps, fish, chicken, and sliced avocado. Looks fantastic!
It’s true, Adriana. I especially like to serve it with fish or simple roasted chicken.
This salad dressing look so delicious! I bet it would upgrade any green salad ♥
Thanks, Natalie! We make this dressing at least once a month.
I love pesto and love the idea of adding it to a salad dressing!
I agree, Amy! Pesto is one of my favorite things in the world 🙂
I’m always looking for new salad dressings and this looks right up my street! Thanks for sharing the recipe!!
Thanks, Chris – I hope you enjoy it!
I love The Old Spaghetti Factory, but they’re no longer around. So, I’m glad you share the recipe, and I can’t wait to try this.
Hi Linda – It’s too bad the Old Spaghetti Factory near you is closed. We have two of them still open where I live. I hope you enjoy this copycat recipe!
I’ve never had a creamy pesto before. This was crazy good!
Thanks, Cindy!
Boy, you just took me back a decade or two! My husband and I had our first date at the Old Spaghetti Factory! I thought you looked familiar…haha! Fabulous dressing with that little extra flavor from the pesto. Great job on capturing that classic dressing!
What a fun memory, Sandra! My husband and I were both waiters at OSF when we were dating. But he was actually good at it, haha. I hope you enjoy the memories and the dressing!
I NEVER thought to use pesto in this way!!! I am so going to try this ASAP!
Good luck, Reesa!