This Trader Joe’s Pesto Vinaigrette is a quick and tangy recipe, which is made with prepared pesto and Parmesan cheese. It’s the perfect salad dressing, ready in about 2 minutes.
Jump to RecipeTrader Joe’s Pesto Vinaigrette Ingredients
- 1/2 cup prepared pesto
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
How To Make Trader Joe’s Pesto Vinaigrette
- Combine ingredients: Add the pesto, white wine vinegar, and finely grated Parmesan cheese to a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Shake and serve: Secure the lid firmly in place and shake the jar vigorously for about 30 seconds, or until the dressing is evenly blended and emulsified. Taste and adjust if needed, then serve.
Recipe Tips
- How to adjust the thickness? If your dressing is too thick, you can add a little more vinegar for tanginess or a splash of olive oil for a smoother consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more grated Parmesan cheese.
- Can I use a different vinegar? Yes. While white wine vinegar is recommended, you could also use red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even fresh lemon juice for a different flavor profile.
- How to make it creamier? For a creamier dressing, you can add a tablespoon of mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt to the jar before shaking.
- What kind of pesto is best? A good quality, refrigerated basil pesto will give you the best, freshest flavor.
What To Serve With Pesto Vinaigrette
This versatile and flavorful dressing is perfect for more than just salads.
- Tossed with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers
- As a marinade for grilled chicken or shrimp
- Drizzled over roasted vegetables
- As a sauce for a cold pasta salad
- As a spread on sandwiches and wraps
How To Store Pesto Vinaigrette
- Refrigerate: Store the vinaigrette in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The oil may solidify when chilled, so let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes and shake well before using.
Pesto Vinaigrette Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 73kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 6g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Yes. To make it dairy-free, you can omit the Parmesan cheese. You may want to add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy, savory flavor.
Absolutely. You can place all the ingredients in a small blender or food processor and blend until smooth. This is a great method for getting a very well-emulsified dressing.
The saltiness will depend on your pesto and Parmesan cheese, which are both naturally salty. It’s a good idea to taste the dressing before adding any extra salt.
Trader Joe’s Pesto Vinaigrette Recipe
Course: SauceCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy1
servings2
minutes73
kcalAn incredibly quick and easy 3-ingredient vinaigrette that turns your favorite store-bought pesto into a zesty and flavorful salad dressing.
Ingredients
1/2 cup prepared pesto
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Add all ingredients to a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Shake vigorously for 30 seconds until evenly blended.
- Taste and adjust consistency if needed by adding more vinegar or olive oil.
- Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use a high-quality, fresh pesto from the refrigerated section.
- This is a fantastic way to use up leftover pesto.
- The dressing will separate in the fridge; just shake it well again before each use.
- This recipe is easily doubled or tripled to make a larger batch.
