Bushra Griffith
Blue cheese is a popular addition to many salads, and it is often used as a substitute for fish in a Caesar salad dressing. While traditional Caesar salad dressings are made with anchovies, olive oil, and raw eggs, some people prefer to make a vegetarian version with blue cheese. This substitution is a great option for those who don't eat fish but still want to enjoy the rich and salty flavour of a classic Caesar dressing.
Does Caesar Dressing Have Blue Cheese?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Blue Cheese in Caesar Dressing | Blue cheese is not a traditional ingredient in Caesar dressing, but it can be used as a substitute for anchovies in a vegetarian version of the dressing. |
| Ingredients | Imported Parmigiano-Reggiano (or domestic Parmesan), garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, olive oil, and raw eggs (or a mayonnaise base). |
| Taste | Rich, creamy, salty, and garlicky. |
| Recipe | Combine garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Then, whisk in the mayonnaise, Parmigiano-Reggiano, salt, and pepper. For a vegetarian option, omit the anchovy paste and add blue cheese along with the Parmesan. |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese as a vegetarian alternative to anchovies
Blue cheese is a great vegetarian alternative to anchovies in a Caesar dressing. While the traditional recipe calls for anchovies to provide a rich, salty flavour, blue cheese can be used to create a vegetarian version with a similar taste profile.
Blue cheese has a strong, sharp flavour and a distinctive smell, which comes from the Penicillium mould it contains. This mould also gives the cheese its characteristic colour and tanginess. By using blue cheese, vegetarians can enjoy a Caesar dressing that captures the salty, funky, and garlicky notes of the traditional recipe.
To make a vegetarian Caesar dressing with blue cheese, simply omit the anchovies and add the blue cheese along with the Parmesan. The key is to use a ripe blue cheese and add about three tablespoons of crumbles for every 1/2 cup of oil. This ratio ensures the blue cheese flavour comes through without overwhelming the other ingredients.
In addition to blue cheese, there are several other vegetarian and vegan alternatives to anchovies that can be used in a Caesar dressing. These include nutritional yeast, which adds a cheesy and nutty savour, as well as capers, olives, and vegan Worcestershire sauce, which all contribute to the salty and tangy flavour profile.
For those seeking a vegan option, there are also delicious vegan blue cheeses available. These are often made with blue-green algae spirulina and cultured cashews or tofu, providing both colour and creaminess. By choosing these alternatives, vegetarians and vegans can enjoy the flavours of a traditional Caesar dressing without compromising their dietary preferences.
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How to make a vegetarian-friendly Caesar dressing with blue cheese
A traditional Caesar salad dressing gets its characteristic salty, briny flavour from anchovies. However, not everyone eats fish, and some may prefer a vegetarian option. Luckily, it is possible to make a vegetarian-friendly Caesar dressing that tastes surprisingly close to the original by substituting the anchovies with blue cheese.
To make a vegetarian-friendly Caesar dressing with blue cheese, you can follow this recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil, plus 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon of mustard
- 1 large lemon, for lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons of blue cheese crumbles
- Parmesan cheese (ensure it is labelled for vegetarian use)
Method:
- Mince the garlic and sprinkle with salt. Make a paste by smushing it with the flat blade of your knife and dragging it through the pile to express the garlic juice.
- Place the garlic paste in a cup wide enough to fit an immersion blender, along with the egg yolks, mustard, and lemon juice.
- Pulse the blender to combine the ingredients, then slowly pour in the oil.
- Blend on high, moving the blender up and down, until the mixture is emulsified.
- Add the blue cheese and Parmesan cheese, and process until smooth.
- Season with fresh pepper and pulse again.
For the best results, use ripe blue cheese and follow any Caesar dressing recipe, omitting the anchovies and adding the blue cheese along with the Parmesan. You can also add other ingredients like capers, Greek yogurt, or roasted garlic to enhance the flavour and make it lighter.
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Blue Cheese Caesar Salad recipes
Blue cheese is not a traditional ingredient in Caesar salad dressing, which is usually made with anchovies, garlic, lemon juice, mustard, egg yolks, olive oil, and Parmesan. However, blue cheese can be used as a vegetarian substitute for anchovies to give the dressing its characteristic salty, savoury flavour.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil, plus 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, 2 smashed and 1 minced
- 2 teaspoons salt, plus more for seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper, plus more for seasoning
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese, plus extra for topping
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 2 to 3 dashes Worcestershire sauce and/or hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 head romaine lettuce
- Croutons
- Parmesan cheese, grated
Method
- First, make the dressing. Mince one garlic clove and sprinkle with salt, then make a paste by smushing it with a knife. Place the garlic paste in a cup with the egg yolks, mustard, and lemon juice. Blend with an immersion blender, then slowly pour in the vegetable oil and olive oil while blending to emulsify. Add the blue cheese and process until smooth, then season with pepper and pulse again.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, buttermilk, white wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, parsley, and the remaining smashed garlic clove. Stir in 1/4 cup of the blue cheese dressing and set aside.
- Shred the romaine lettuce and place it in a large bowl. Add the croutons and toss with the blue cheese dressing.
- Lay the romaine leaves on a platter and place a few tablespoons of the dressed salad on top. Top with the remaining blue cheese, and garnish with Parmesan cheese.
This recipe can be modified by adding bacon, soft-boiled eggs, or grilled chicken.
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The best cheeses to use for Caesar dressing
While the traditional Caesar salad dressing gets its rich, salty flavour from anchovies, some people prefer to substitute this with blue cheese. This is a good option for vegetarians, as it provides a similar salty, funky, and garlicky taste. For the best results, it is recommended to use ripe blue cheese, with about three tablespoons of crumbles for every half cup of oil.
However, the most commonly used cheese in Caesar dressing is Parmesan. Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavour to the salad and is often used as a garnish and for seasoning. It can be cut into thin shavings with a potato peeler or vegetable peeler. When making the dressing, the cheese is added towards the end, and the mixture is processed until smooth.
Other cheeses that can be used in Caesar dressing include shredded Romano and shredded iceberg, which are tossed with the dressing and used as a base for the salad.
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Other popular salad dressings
Traditional Caesar salad dressing gets its characteristic salty taste from anchovies. However, for vegetarians, a good alternative is to use blue cheese, which lends a similar salty and funky flavour.
Now, onto other popular salad dressings.
Balsamic Vinaigrette
A popular choice, the balsamic vinaigrette is easy to prepare and versatile. It combines balsamic vinegar with Dijon mustard, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. It works well with almost any salad, adding a sweet yet savoury flavour.
Olive Oil and Lemon Juice
A simple yet effective combination, this dressing is a favourite during the summer. It involves squeezing lemon juice onto the salad, adding a pinch of salt, and then drizzling olive oil on top. This can also be made with apple cider vinegar instead of lemon juice.
Avocado Lime Dressing
This dressing is a great way to add heart-healthy monounsaturated fats to your diet. It is made by blending avocado chunks with Greek yoghurt, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. The result is a creamy, cool, and refreshing dressing that pairs well with salads or fresh veggies.
Carrot Ginger Dressing
A homemade carrot ginger dressing is a unique and tasty option for those who want something different. It is a popular choice at Japanese restaurants and can be made at home using recipes available online.
Ranch Dressing
Ranch dressing is one of the most popular salad dressings available. It is creamy, delicious, and versatile. A healthy twist on the classic recipe is to use Greek yoghurt as a base, along with garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, cayenne pepper, and salt.
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Frequently asked questions
No, traditional Caesar dressing is made with anchovies, olive oil, raw eggs, and Parmigiano-Reggiano (Parmesan) cheese.
Yes, you can add blue cheese to Caesar dressing. It is a good option for vegetarians who want to avoid the anchovies.
To make Caesar dressing with blue cheese, you can follow a traditional recipe and simply substitute the anchovies with blue cheese.
You can add ingredients like sour cream, buttermilk, garlic, white wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and parsley to make a blue cheese Caesar dressing.
