Hello Beautiful People! If you’ve ever dined at The Old Spaghetti Factory, chances are you’ve been enchanted by more than just their hearty pastas and nostalgic atmosphere. One item that consistently steals the spotlight yet often goes unnoticed for its quiet brilliance is their Creamy Pesto Salad Dressing. Served over crisp greens, this dressing is velvety, herby, and packed with that unmistakable punch of basil and garlic. For fans of this signature salad starter, the good news is: you don’t have to wait for your next restaurant visit to enjoy it. With just a few pantry staples and fresh herbs, you can recreate this cult-favorite dressing at home.
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Why You’ll Love This Dressing
- Restaurant-quality flavor at home
- Versatile — perfect on salads, pasta salads, sandwiches, or as a veggie dip
- Quick and easy — comes together in under 10 minutes
- Keeps well — stays fresh in the fridge for up to a week
Serving Suggestions
This dressing is magical on a simple salad of romaine, shredded carrots, and croutons—just like at The Old Spaghetti Factory. But don’t stop there:
- Toss it with cold pasta for a pesto pasta salad
- Drizzle it over grilled chicken or roasted vegetables
- Use it as a sandwich spread or wrap sauce
- Serve as a dip with fresh veggies
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Shake or stir before each use, as some separation is natural.
Creamy Pesto Salad Dressing (Old Spaghetti Factory Copycat)
Ingredients
- ½ cup full-fat mayonnaise
- ½ cup low-fat buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon dried basil ensure it’s fresh and aromatic
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, buttermilk, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and Parmesan cheese.
- Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled over your favorite green salad.
Notes
Final Thoughts
There’s something comforting and nostalgic about The Old Spaghetti Factory’s Creamy Pesto Dressing it’s rich, refreshing, and just indulgent enough. This easy copycat recipe captures the essence of the original while letting you enjoy it whenever the craving strikes.
Give it a try, and you might find yourself making salad just as an excuse to eat more dressing. Share your thoughts or variations in the comments below or how much you enjoyed this blog post! Dont forget to check out last weeks blog post Comfort in a Dish: Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole.
