Recipes Using Salad Dressings That Have Nothing to Do With Salad

There is a laundry list of salad dressings out there to add to your plate of leafy greens, but there are plenty of other ways to use dressing, too. From pasta salads and marinades to dips and pasta dishes, check out some of our favorite ways to use dressing outside of salads — and share some of your own ideas in the comments.

Related: 26 Delicious Recipes That Use Up Those Aging Condiments in the Fridge

If you’re looking for a set-it-and-forget-it dip recipe to have on hand, this spicy variation should be on your radar. Made complete with ranch dressing, cream cheese, shredded chicken, cheese, and Buffalo sauce, this recipe is as easy as it gets.

Recipe: Balancing Motherhood

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Don’t ruin a good steak by taking it right from the package to the grill without marinating it first. To get a flavorful, juicy steak, opt for a marinade. If you’re no expert on marinades, there’s no need to fret. Just grab a bottle of Italian dressing, some A1 sauce, and a couple of other pantry staples, and you’re good to go.

Recipe: Gimme Some Grilling

Chicken, bacon, and ranch are one beloved trio among foodies everywhere. And who doesn’t love pasta? Basically, you can’t go wrong with this dish.

Recipe: Life in the Lofthouse

With so many variations, it’s hard to go wrong with pasta salad. All you have to do is throw a bunch of ingredients together and voilà, you’ve got a yummy side. This saltiness of the bacon and cheese in this pasta salad is complemented by the tang of the ranch dressing for one tasty flavor combo.

Recipe: My Heavenly Recipes

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We know what you’re thinking: rosemary and ranch dressing seems like an unusual culinary combination. But don’t knock it until you try it. While ranch is tangy and has notes of garlic and dill, the rosemary has a robust flavor that packs a punch. Why not marry these flavors into one delectable chicken recipe?

Recipe: Allrecipes

As far as salad dressings on sandwiches go, Thousand Island on a reuben is probably as classic as it gets. It’s the perfect sweet and creamy companion to tone down the saltiness of the corned beef and the sourness of the sauerkraut. This sandwich certainly isn’t lacking in the flavor department.

Recipe: The Kitchen Magpie

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Between the bread, two cheeses, four meats, and a slew of veggies, you definitely don’t want to skimp on the sauce if you want a good grinder. This recipe includes mayo, but the real star of the show in the condiment department is the Olive Garden Italian Dressing it requires. 

Recipe: Bake Me Some Sugar

Dipping chicken tenders in ranch dressing is commonplace. But have you ever marinated your chicken tenders in ranch before baking them? It makes all the difference in terms of flavor.

Recipe: A Latte Food

This one might just be the quintessential pasta salad dish. With plenty of veggies, the Zesty Italian dressing brings plenty of flavor for just the right kick.

Recipe: Cooking Classy

To elevate the flavor of this crunchy Asian-inspired slaw, the recipe includes a homemade dressing using ingredients like peanut butter, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. 

Recipe: Cooktoria

There are about a hundred different ways to prepare tacos. This one goes outside the box and brings in honey mustard as a sauce. The recipe requires chicken tenders with a honey mustard dipping sauce and morphing them into a taco. We’re not mad at it.

Recipe: Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen

We told you that the opportunities with pasta salad are just about endless. This taco pasta salad calls for French dressing, which is on the sweeter side, so it’s a good companion for the bite of the taco meat.

Recipe: Jo Cooks

Buffalo sauce and ranch dressing are frequently paired together. Adding tater tots, chicken, and cheese to the party just makes sense for this casserole dish.

Recipe: Premeditated Leftovers