This creamy pesto ranch dressing is a delicious twist on the classic! It makes the perfect salad for pasta night, with notes of garlic and fresh basil in every delicious bite!
For our anniversary last year, Michael and I went to this FANTASTIC Italian grille and ordered all the courses. The salad I ordered came with a delicious creamy parmesan dressing I’ve wanted to re-create since I got home. I know you’re not supposed to, but I looooove a good salad dressing when I go out to eat. I even usually get it… ON the salad *gasp!*
I got the idea in my head to try adjusting a recipe for ranch dressing by adding in parmesan and basil pesto. The result was mouthwatering.
I thought it had all the goodness of a Caesar dressing without the anchovy. It paired very well with a basic chopped salad, and it would be delicious as a sandwich spread, a vegetable dip, or on a wedge salad with a bit of bacon and tomato.
I love when I can recreate restaurant favorites at home. It might not be an exact copy, but it sure is delicious.
Creamy Pesto Ranch Dressing
Ingredients
- 1/2c buttermilk
- 3/4c mayonnaise
- 1/4c parmesan
- 2–3tsp pesto (start with 2tsp)
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Directions:
- In a liquid measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together all ingredients. Add more buttermilk to thin the mixture or more mayonnaise to thicken the mixture, if needed. Taste and add more pesto, salt, or pepper, if desired.
Notes
Makes about 1 1/4c dressing
Love your cute site change! And of course, the family pic is adorable!
A.MA.ZING.
I’m with you – I love pouring on the dressing at restaurants (even though we aren’t supposed too!). This recipe looks like one I really need to try.
This looks delicious! I love pesto anything, and a pesto ranch dressing sounds like heaven to me.
I have pizza reheating in the oven, because we’ve been sick since Wednesday. (read that “we” as momma and all 4 babies) I would give ANYTHING to have this salad for lunch. OH. My. GOODNESS. I totally have lunch envy now! 🙂
This looks awesome – and I love the new blog design! I would love to hear about how you came up with it!
It’s 8:30 a.m. and all I want for breakfast is a salad with Creamy Pesto Ranch dressing!