Randy Chandler
Blue cheese is a popular ingredient in salads, with its strong flavour and creamy texture adding a delicious kick to a range of recipes. Blue cheese salad can be made with either a blue cheese dressing or solid blue cheese as one of the ingredients. Blue cheese is a versatile ingredient, pairing well with other strong flavours such as bacon, pear, walnut, and apple. When making a blue cheese salad, it's important to remember that a little blue cheese goes a long way. Too much blue cheese can overpower the other ingredients, so a light touch is recommended.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Sweet, salty, creamy, crunchy |
| Texture | Crumbles |
| Common accompaniments | Iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded carrots, red onion, sunflower seeds, grilled chicken, garlic bread, sourdough croutons, white bread, bagels |
| Common dressings | Sour cream, mayonnaise, parsley, lemon juice, salt, pepper, milk, vinegar |
| Commercially available options | Marzetti Signature Blue Cheese Salad Dressing, Kraft Chunky Blue Cheese Salad Dressing |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Blue cheese is a common salad ingredient
Blue cheese is a common ingredient in salads, and for good reason—it adds a lot of flavour. It is also versatile and can be used in a variety of salad combinations. For example, blue cheese, pear and walnut is a popular combination, as is blue cheese with bacon, apples and radishes.
Blue cheese is also used in salad dressings, which can be store-bought or homemade. A typical recipe for a homemade blue cheese dressing involves combining blue cheese crumbles with mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, buttermilk, or water, and adding lemon juice, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like parsley to taste.
When it comes to the amount of blue cheese to use in a salad, it is a matter of personal preference. However, blue cheese has a strong flavour, so a little goes a long way. It is also a rich and indulgent ingredient, so it may be best enjoyed in moderation.
In terms of specific measurements, a recipe for a blue cheese salad dressing might call for 4 oz of blue cheese to 2 cups of mayonnaise and 1/2 cup of buttermilk. For a lighter dressing, you can replace the mayonnaise with light mayo and the sour cream with plain yogurt.
Blue cheese is a unique ingredient that can elevate a simple salad. Whether used as a crumble, dressing, or paired with fruits and vegetables, blue cheese adds a distinct flavour and texture that makes it a popular choice for salads.
The Art of Serving Cheese: A Guide
You may want to see also
Blue cheese salad served as a starter
Blue cheese is a popular ingredient in salads, with its salty and creamy flavour and texture. It is a versatile cheese, and can be used in a variety of salads, from a simple side dish to a more complex starter. A blue cheese salad is an ideal starter, as it is light but interesting and can be served with homemade bread.
A blue cheese salad can be made in a variety of ways, depending on your preference. One option is to make a chopped blue cheese salad, which can be served as a starter or a main course. This salad typically includes grains such as pasta, quinoa, rice, orzo, or bulgar wheat, as well as chickpeas or butter beans to bulk it up. It is often dressed with honey and mustard, or a balsamic dressing, and can be served with sourdough croutons or a slice of white bread.
Another option for a blue cheese salad starter is a pear salad with blue cheese. This salad combines the sweetness of pear with the saltiness of blue cheese, creating a delicious flavour profile. To make this salad, you will need:
- 120g of Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Stilton, or another good blue cheese that can be crumbled into chunks
- 1 1/2–2 pears, any type, ripe and juicy
- Walnuts
- Rocket lettuce
- Honey mustard dressing (optional)
To assemble the salad, first, pile 1/3 of the rocket on a platter. Then, scatter 1/3 of the pears, walnuts, and blue cheese on top. Repeat this process twice more, creating three layers. Finally, drizzle the salad with the dressing just before serving.
When choosing a blue cheese for your salad, look for a variety that is creamy but still firm enough to crumble into chunks. Some popular options include French blues like Roquefort, St Agur, and Fourme d’Ambert, Gorgonzola Piccante, British Stilton, or a Danish blue cheese for a good value option. If you're new to blue cheese, Blue Castello is a mild and safe choice.
Blue cheese salads are a delicious and quick option for a starter, and can be easily customised to your taste preferences and dietary needs. They are a great way to add some extra vegetables to your diet and impress your guests with a "wow" factor.
Cheese Servings: 5 Pounds Equals How Many?
You may want to see also
Blue cheese salad served as a side
Blue cheese is one of the most commonly used cheeses in salads. It is a great way to use up leftover blue cheese from a cheese board. Blue cheese salad can be served as a starter, a side dish, or a main. When served as a main, it is often accompanied by sourdough croutons, a slice of white bread, or a bagel.
A blue cheese salad typically consists of a lettuce base, with added crunch from curly lettuce, radicchio, and rocket lettuce (arugula). Other ingredients include bacon, apples, radishes, pecans, and sesame seeds. The blue cheese can be crumbled on top, with some reserved for the dressing. The dressing is made by blending oil, sugar, salt, vinegar, and blue cheese. This dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks.
The salad should be dressed just before serving to avoid sogginess. It is best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 24 hours.
Blue cheese salad is a tasty combination of salty, sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures and flavours. However, it is a high-calorie option due to the cheese and dressings.
Hot or Cold: Best Ways to Serve Cheese Curds
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Blue cheese salad dressing
A classic blue cheese salad dressing typically contains a combination of sour cream, mayonnaise, and buttermilk, along with the star ingredient, blue cheese. Some recipes call for additional ingredients like fresh parsley, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic, and sugar, to enhance the flavour and texture of the dressing.
When making blue cheese salad dressing at home, it is important to strike a balance between the creaminess of the sour cream and mayonnaise, and the tanginess of the buttermilk. The blue cheese itself should be rich and creamy, with options like Gorgonzola being a popular choice. To thin out the dressing for a pourable consistency, a splash of milk, buttermilk, or even water can be added. For those who prefer a thicker dressing, perfect for dipping, simply omit the milk.
It is recommended to prepare the dressing ahead of time and refrigerate it for at least 24 hours before serving, as this allows the flavours to meld and develop, resulting in a more flavourful dressing. This homemade blue cheese salad dressing can be stored in the fridge for about a week, making it a convenient option for multiple meals.
Texas Roadhouse's Blue Cheese Dressing: Light or Regular?
You may want to see also
Blue cheese butter sauce
Blue cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to pizzas and pasta. One creative way to incorporate blue cheese into your meals is by making a blue cheese butter sauce. This simple recipe elevates the flavour of your dishes and is perfect for grilled steak, steamed vegetables, corn on the cob, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients:
- Softened Butter
- Blue Cheese Crumbles
- Lemon Juice
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh herbs such as parsley, oregano, basil, thyme, chervil, or rosemary, and minced garlic
Instructions:
In a medium-sized bowl, add softened butter, blue cheese crumbles, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Using a whisk, mix all the ingredients until well combined. You can adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. If you want to add fresh herbs or garlic, this is the time to mix them in.
Once combined, scoop the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap on a flat surface. Roll up the blue cheese butter in the plastic wrap, shaping it into a log. Place the log in the refrigerator to chill for at least a couple of hours before serving. This will help the flavours meld together.
Storage:
This blue cheese butter sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 6 months.
Serving Suggestions:
Spread the blue cheese butter sauce on grilled steak, steamed vegetables, corn on the cob, or mashed potatoes. It is best served at room temperature so it can easily melt into your food.
Feel free to experiment with different types of blue cheese and adjust the amount of cheese to suit your taste. Enjoy your homemade blue cheese butter sauce and impress your family and friends with this delicious and versatile condiment!
Brie on a Platter: The Perfect Serve
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
This depends on your preference. Blue cheese has a strong flavour, so a little goes a long way. Crumble the blue cheese over your salad and add more if needed.
Blue cheese pairs well with salty and sweet ingredients, as well as crunchy and creamy textures. Try combining it with romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded carrots, red onion, sunflower seeds, and a light creamy dressing. You can also add croutons, or serve it with a slice of white bread or a bagel.
Blue cheese dressing is a popular salad dressing made with sour cream, mayonnaise, blue cheese, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Combine these ingredients in a small bowl and stir until well blended and creamy. You can also thin it out with milk to make it pourable.
Blue cheese dressing is a versatile condiment. You can use it as a salad dressing, dip for vegetables, or sauce for wings, burgers, or steak. It also goes well with coleslaw or as a topping for chicken wings.
