Creamy Healthy Pasta Salad Dressing

I love this Creamy Healthy Pasta Salad Dressing—it’s light, tangy, and still wonderfully rich. It’s the perfect way to add flavor and creaminess to pasta salad without the heaviness of traditional dressings.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I’ll love this recipe because it balances flavor and texture so well. Greek yogurt brings creaminess and tang, a little mayo keeps it smooth, and lemon juice brightens everything up. It’s simple, fresh, and makes every bite of pasta salad feel indulgent without being over the top.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Plain Greek yogurt

• Light or regular mayonnaise

• Fresh lemon juice

• Dijon mustard

• White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar

• Honey or maple syrup

• Salt and black pepper

• Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives (optional)

directions

1. I whisk the Greek yogurt, mayo, lemon juice, mustard, and vinegar in a mixing bowl until smooth.

2. I stir in honey or maple syrup, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. If I have fresh herbs on hand, I chop and mix them in for added flavor.

4. I let the dressing chill for 15–30 minutes before using to let the flavors come together.

5. I pour it over cooked, cooled pasta and mix well to coat everything evenly.

Servings and timing

• Servings: Enough for about 6 servings of pasta salad

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 10–15 minutes (plus chilling, if desired)

Variations

• I make it tangier with extra vinegar or a splash of pickle juice.

• I leave out the mayo and use all yogurt for a lighter version.

• I add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for a savory twist.

• I swap in vegan mayo and plant-based yogurt to make it fully dairy-free.

• I blend it with avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats.

storage/reheating

I store this dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If it thickens over time, I stir in a splash of water or lemon juice to loosen it. I don’t reheat it, as it’s meant to be served cold with chilled pasta salad.

FAQs

Can I make this dressing without mayonnaise?

Yes, I can use all Greek yogurt for a lighter option. It will still be creamy and delicious.

How do I keep the pasta salad from drying out?

I reserve a little dressing and stir it in just before serving to keep the pasta salad moist and flavorful.

Can I use flavored yogurt?

I stick to plain yogurt to control the taste and sweetness. Flavored yogurt can change the overall flavor of the dressing.

Is this dressing suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. I make it ahead and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for several days and works great for quick lunches.

Can I freeze the dressing?

I don’t recommend freezing it—yogurt-based dressings can separate when thawed. It’s best fresh or stored in the fridge.

Conclusion

This Creamy Healthy Pasta Salad Dressing gives me all the creamy, tangy flavor I want in a pasta salad without weighing things down. It’s versatile, easy to make, and adds the perfect finishing touch to any cold pasta dish. I keep it in my fridge all summer long.