Name: Blue Cheese Salad Dressing
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature); 1 cup mayonnaise; 1.5 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; 4 to 5 ounces blue cheese (Roquefort or Gorgonzola) (crumbled apart); 0.25 to 0.33 cup 2% or whole milk

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There’s something about a rich, creamy dressing that instantly elevates a simple salad to a whole new level. My go-to for adding a burst of flavor is none other than Blue Cheese Salad Dressing. I remember the first time I tasted it at a friend’s dinner party; it was love at first bite! The combination of tangy blue cheese, smooth cream cheese, and a hint of lemon creates a delightful balance that you just can’t resist. I knew I had to make it myself, and now, I want to share this little slice of heaven with you.

What I love most about this dressing is its versatility. Whether you’re drizzling it over a crisp garden salad or using it as a dip for your favorite vegetables, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. The creaminess adds a delightful texture, while the boldness of the blue cheese offers a unique twist. It’s perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. You can even enjoy it with grilled chicken or as a topping for baked potatoes!

Making Blue Cheese Salad Dressing at home is incredibly simple and quick. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time. The best part? You know exactly what goes into it, guaranteeing freshness and quality. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress your guests with minimal effort. So, are you ready to dive into this creamy delight? Let’s get started!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
10 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
0 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
150 kcal

Protein:
2 g

Diet:
Keto, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
15 g

Tools Used:
Mixing Bowl, Blender

The Charm of This Blue Cheese Salad Dressing

It’s Rich and Creamy

One of the standout features of Blue Cheese Salad Dressing is its richness. The blend of cream cheese and mayonnaise creates a luxurious texture that coats your greens perfectly. You won’t find any watered-down versions here! It’s all about indulgence and making every salad feel like a special treat.

Bold Flavor

Then there’s the blue cheese itself. Its strong, tangy flavor is what sets this dressing apart from others. If you love cheese, you will appreciate how it adds depth and character to your salads. A little goes a long way, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.

Simple Ingredients

Another reason to love this dressing is its simplicity. You only need a handful of ingredients, which you might already have in your kitchen. No need for fancy store-bought dressings filled with preservatives; this recipe focuses on fresh, quality items that bring out the best in your meals.

Easy to Customize

While I adore the classic recipe, you can easily tweak it to match your taste preferences. Want it spicier? Add a dash of hot sauce. Prefer it lighter? Swap in some Greek yogurt for part of the mayonnaise. The possibilities are endless, making this dressing a staple you can adjust as needed!

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a casual lunch, a special dinner, or a summer barbecue, Blue Cheese Salad Dressing fits right in. It’s a versatile addition that enhances everything from hearty salads to fresh veggies. I often serve it at family gatherings, and it never fails to impress.

Great for Meal Prep

Lastly, this dressing is fantastic for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge, allowing you to whip it up in advance and have it ready for the week. Just be sure to give it a little stir before using it, and you’re all set!

Ingredient List for Blue Cheese Salad Dressing

Creating a delicious Blue Cheese Salad Dressing relies on a few key ingredients that work in harmony to elevate your salads. Each component plays a critical role in achieving that perfect flavor and texture. Let’s explore these ingredients and how they contribute to the final masterpiece.

2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature – This creamy base provides a rich texture that forms the foundation of our dressing.
1 cup mayonnaise – Adding creaminess and a touch of sweetness, mayonnaise balances the tanginess of the blue cheese.
1½ tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice – This brightens the dressing, cutting through the richness and enhancing the flavor profile.
4 to 5 ounces blue cheese (Roquefort or Gorgonzola), crumbled apart – The star ingredient, imparting bold flavor and a distinctive tang.
¼ to ⅓ cup 2% or whole milk – Used to adjust the consistency of the dressing, making it pourable yet thick.

Recipe Steps for Blue Cheese Salad Dressing

Making Blue Cheese Salad Dressing is not only straightforward but also rewarding. You’ll enjoy creating this delightful dressing in just a few steps. Let’s dive into the process together!

Start by gathering all your ingredients. You’ll need cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, blue cheese, and milk. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature, as this will help it blend smoothly.
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to mix and soften the cream cheese. This step is crucial because you want it to be creamy and free of lumps for a silky dressing.
Blend in the mayonnaise and mix well. You might notice the mixture becoming even creamier at this point, which is exactly what you want!
Add in the lemon juice and mix to combine. The acidity from the lemon will balance the richness of the cream cheese and mayonnaise.
Next, blend in the blue cheese. I like to crumble it into smaller pieces to make mixing easier. This is where the flavor really begins to shine!
Now, add ¼ cup milk and continue to use the mixer to combine. Keep an eye on the texture; you want a thick but pourable dressing.
If the mixture is too thick, add in more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The dressing should be fairly thick, but not so thick that it won’t pour.
Once your dressing is well-mixed, cover the bowl and keep it chilled in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Your Blue Cheese Salad Dressing should last about a week in the fridge. If it separates after a few days, just give it a quick stir to recombine.

Things Worth Knowing

Texture Matters: Achieving the right consistency is key. If it’s too thick, the dressing won’t coat your salads well, so adjust with milk.
Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality blue cheese will significantly enhance the flavor. Don’t skimp on this ingredient!
Mixing Techniques: A hand mixer is ideal for achieving that ultra-smooth texture. If you don’t have one, whisk vigorously by hand.
Flavor Development: Allowing the dressing to chill for at least an hour enhances the flavors. Don’t rush this step!

Customization Ideas

One of the best aspects of Blue Cheese Salad Dressing is its adaptability. Here are some tips to make it your own!

Storage: To store leftovers, keep the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to a week.
Freezing: Freezing this dressing isn’t recommended due to its creamy texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh!
Pairing: This dressing pairs wonderfully with crisp salads and can also double as a dip for fresh vegetables or buffalo wings.
Spicy Twist: For a kick, mix in a splash of hot sauce or some crushed red pepper flakes.
Herb Boost: Add fresh herbs like chives or parsley for an extra layer of flavor.
Greek Yogurt Swap: For a lighter version, swap out half of the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt.
Different Cheeses: Experiment with different varieties of blue cheese to find your favorite flavor profile.

Accompaniments for Blue Cheese Salad Dressing

When it comes to serving Blue Cheese Salad Dressing, the options are endless! Here are some ideas to help you create the perfect meal.

Crisp Salads: This dressing is the ideal companion for crisp salads, especially those featuring hearty greens like romaine or arugula.
Grilled Chicken: Drizzle it over grilled chicken for a punch of flavor that complements the smoky taste.
Vegetable Dips: Serve it with fresh cut vegetables as a dip; it pairs beautifully with crunchy carrots and celery.
Buffalo Wings: This dressing is a classic accompaniment to spicy buffalo wings; the creamy texture balances the heat perfectly.
Potato Salad: Use it as a dressing for potato salad for a rich, tangy alternative to traditional recipes.
Occasions: Perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or even as a special treat on weeknights. It adds a gourmet touch to any meal.

FAQ

When making Blue Cheese Salad Dressing, you can choose between Roquefort and Gorgonzola. Roquefort has a more intense flavor and creamy texture, while Gorgonzola is milder and slightly crumbly. Both options will yield delicious results, so it really depends on your taste preference. I personally enjoy using Roquefort for its boldness, but you can experiment to find the one that suits your palate best.

Absolutely! Blue Cheese Salad Dressing is perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, allowing it to chill in the refrigerator for an hour or more enhances the flavors. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for about a week, making it a great option for meal prep or parties.

This dressing is incredibly versatile! Besides using it on salads, you can drizzle it over grilled meats, particularly chicken or steak, for added flavor. It also makes an excellent dip for fresh vegetables, buffalo wings, or even spread on sandwiches. The creamy texture and bold flavor make it a fantastic addition to many dishes, so don’t hesitate to get creative!

Yes, you can definitely lighten Blue Cheese Salad Dressing. A simple swap is to replace half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. This not only reduces calories but also adds a nice tangy flavor. You could also use light versions of cream cheese and mayonnaise if you prefer a lower-fat dressing. Just keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!

If your Blue Cheese Salad Dressing turns out too thick, don’t worry! You can easily adjust the consistency by adding milk. Start with a tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition, until you reach your desired thickness. Remember that it should be thick enough to coat your salad but still pourable. Adjusting the milk will help you achieve the right balance.

Conclusion

The Blue Cheese Salad Dressing stands out for its rich, creamy texture and bold flavor that enhances any salad. It’s a simple yet elegant dressing that you can easily whip up at home. I encourage you to give it a try; you won’t regret it! Once you find how easy it is to make and how delicious it tastes, it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy it over salads, as a dip, or in your favorite dishes. Happy cooking!