Andy Montoya
Blue cheese vinaigrette is a tangy, cheesy salad dressing that is lighter than the classic blue cheese dressing. It is made by blending blue cheese with olive oil, vinegar, and spices. The dressing can be made creamy or chunky, depending on preference. It is a versatile dressing that can be used on a variety of salads, such as a green salad, a Cobb salad, or a steak salad. It can also be used as a dip for vegetables or as a sauce for chicken.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Salad dressing |
| Flavour | Tangy, nutty, earthy, salty, sharp, pungent, peppery, sweet |
| Texture | Creamy, smooth, chunky, thick |
| Ingredients | Blue cheese, vinegar, olive oil, onion, mustard, garlic, salt, pepper, sugar, water, oregano, rosemary, balsamic glaze, cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, buttermilk, dijon mustard, Tobasco, hot sauce, rosemary garlic seasoning blend, Greek yoghurt |
| Health | Keto-friendly, contains saturated fat |
| Preparation | Blended, mashed, whisked, shaken, cooked |
| Serving suggestions | Salads, Cobb salad, steak salad, pasta, meatballs, tomato sauces, chicken, spaghetti, chicken Romano, buffalo chicken, kale salad, vine-ripened tomatoes, grilled corn, honey sweet potatoes, squash, root vegetables |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese vinaigrette recipe
Blue cheese vinaigrette is a tangy and cheesy salad dressing that can be made quickly and easily. It is a healthier alternative to the classic creamy blue cheese dressing, using olive oil instead of sour cream and/or mayonnaise.
Ingredients:
- Olive oil
- Blue cheese
- Vinegar (white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or a combination)
- Spices and herbs (oregano, rosemary, garlic, onion powder, etc.)
- Salt and pepper
- Sugar or honey
- Mustard (optional)
- Lemon juice (optional)
Instructions:
First, prepare a basic vinaigrette by whisking together the olive oil, vinegar, spices, herbs, salt, pepper, sugar or honey, and mustard (if using). You can also use a blender or shake the ingredients in a jar to combine them.
Next, add the blue cheese. For a smooth dressing, blend the blue cheese with the other ingredients. For a chunkier texture, stir or pulse the blue cheese into the vinaigrette by hand. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
If you prefer a thicker dressing, you can add extra blue cheese, Greek yogurt, or an egg. You can also reduce the amount of liquid by omitting the water or adding it slowly until you achieve the desired consistency.
This dressing is best served fresh, but the flavours will blend and develop after a day in the fridge, and the blue cheese flavour will become more dominant. Store any leftovers in a small jar in the fridge for up to three days.
Variations:
You can experiment with different types of blue cheese, such as Roquefort, Stilton, Gorgonzola, or a milder Danish variety. You can also try using different types of vinegar, such as champagne vinegar or rice vinegar, to find your preferred taste and tanginess.
For a unique twist, add a 1/2 teaspoon of balsamic glaze to soften the tanginess of the white wine vinegar. You can also try adding sour cream, basil, or brown sugar for a sweeter dressing.
Serving Suggestions:
Blue cheese vinaigrette is excellent on simple mixed green salads, Cobb salads, or steak salads. It also pairs well with arugula, tomatoes, and croutons. For a heartier meal, serve it with chicken spaghetti, crusted chicken, or pasta with meatballs and tomato sauce.
Enjoy experimenting with this versatile and flavourful dressing!
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Blue cheese vinaigrette ingredients
Blue cheese vinaigrette is a lighter alternative to the classic, creamy blue cheese dressing, which is typically made by blending or mashing chunks of cheese with mayonnaise, sour cream, and spices. Blue cheese vinaigrette is a tangy, punchy, and zesty dressing that can be made creamy or chunky, depending on your preference.
The key ingredient in blue cheese vinaigrette is, of course, blue cheese. Blue cheese can be made with cow's milk or a combination of cow's milk and cream, and it can range in texture from dry and crumbly to lush and creamy. When selecting blue cheese for your vinaigrette, it's recommended to use the highest-quality cheese you can afford to ensure the best flavor. Some common types of blue cheese used in vinaigrette include Danish Blue, Gorgonzola, Stilton, and Roquefort. These cheeses vary in texture and flavor, from mild and creamy to pungent and crumbly, so you can choose the one that best suits your taste preferences.
In addition to blue cheese, the other essential ingredient in blue cheese vinaigrette is vinegar. The type of vinegar used can vary, but common choices include white wine vinegar, cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, and white balsamic vinegar. Vinegar adds a tangy, zesty flavor to the dressing and helps to balance out the richness of the blue cheese. Some recipes also call for a small amount of balsamic glaze, which adds a touch of sweetness to the vinaigrette.
Other common ingredients in blue cheese vinaigrette include olive oil, garlic, sugar, salt, pepper, mustard, and various spices. Olive oil is used as the base of the vinaigrette, providing a smooth and creamy texture, while garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper enhance the flavor and add depth to the dressing. Mustard, such as Dijon mustard, can also be added for extra tanginess and flavor. Additionally, spices like dried oregano, rosemary, and Tone's Rosemary Garlic Seasoning Blend are often used to give the vinaigrette a unique and flavorful kick.
The beauty of making your own blue cheese vinaigrette is that you can customize it to your taste preferences. You can adjust the amount of blue cheese, the type of vinegar, and the blend of spices to create a dressing that suits your palate. Whether you prefer a smooth and creamy vinaigrette or a chunkier version with bits of blue cheese throughout, the key is to blend the ingredients to your desired consistency.
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Blue cheese vinaigrette nutrition
Blue cheese vinaigrette is a lighter, tangier alternative to classic blue cheese dressing. It is made with a combination of olive oil, vinegar, spices, herbs, and blue cheese. The dressing is known for its tangy and cheesy flavour.
Nutrition Information
While blue cheese vinaigrette can be made in several ways, a common ingredient across recipes is blue cheese. Blue cheese is made from cow's milk that has been cured or ripened with cultures of the mould Penicillium. Blue cheese is a good source of:
- Protein: Blue cheese contains a high amount of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
- Calcium: Blue cheese is a good source of calcium, which is important for bone health.
- Vitamins: Blue cheese contains several vitamins, including vitamin A, vitamin B2, vitamin B12, and vitamin K. These vitamins contribute to maintaining healthy skin, producing red blood cells, and promoting bone health.
Other common ingredients in blue cheese vinaigrette and their nutritional contributions include:
- Olive oil: Olive oil is a healthy fat that contains monounsaturated fatty acids, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease and lower cholesterol levels.
- Vinegar: Vinegar is often made from fermented apples or grapes and contains acetic acid, which has antimicrobial properties. It also aids in regulating blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity.
- Spices and herbs: Common spices and herbs added to blue cheese vinaigrette include garlic, rosemary, oregano, and mustard. These ingredients provide flavour and potential health benefits. For example, garlic is known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, while rosemary contains antioxidants that can help protect the body from free radical damage.
Calorie Information
The calorie content of blue cheese vinaigrette can vary depending on the specific recipe and serving size. However, a typical serving size of 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of blue cheese vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, spices, and blue cheese can contain approximately 150-200 calories. The calorie content can be influenced by the type of oil used, the amount of cheese included, and any additional ingredients or sweeteners added during preparation. It's always a good idea to check the nutrition label or calculate the nutritional information based on the specific ingredients used in your recipe.
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Blue cheese vinaigrette uses
Blue cheese vinaigrette is a lighter alternative to classic blue cheese dressing, which is often made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and spices. Blue cheese vinaigrette is a tangy, flavourful dressing that can be used in a variety of ways.
Salads
Blue cheese vinaigrette is a popular salad dressing. It can be used on simple green salads, Cobb salads, steak salads, or salads with bacon and fresh tomatoes. It also goes well with pasta, meatballs, and tomato sauces. For a summer dish, try pouring blue cheese vinaigrette over sliced vine-ripened tomatoes and topping with grated pepper. In the autumn, try it on a kale salad with cranberries and walnuts, or on a slaw.
Vegetables
Blue cheese vinaigrette can be drizzled over grilled corn, roasted honey sweet potatoes, or cooked cubes of squash and root vegetables. It is also tasty on a baked potato.
Chicken
Blue cheese vinaigrette is a great sauce for chicken. Try it on roast chicken, or on chicken wings for a "grown-up buffalo chicken" dinner.
Customization
Blue cheese vinaigrette can be customized to your taste preferences. You can make it creamy or chunky, depending on your preference for a smooth or textured dressing. You can also adjust the ingredients to make it sweeter, tangier, or spicier. For example, you can add buttermilk for creaminess and tang, or hot sauce for spice.
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Blue cheese vinaigrette variations
Blue cheese vinaigrette is a tangy and robust dressing that can be made in a variety of ways. The basic ingredients are olive oil, vinegar, and blue cheese, but there are many variations and additions that can be made to create different flavours and textures.
For a lighter dressing, you can use a milder, softer blue cheese such as Danish Blue (Danablu) or Gorgonzola Dolce, which will blend smoothly into the vinaigrette. If you prefer a less creamy dressing with bits of blue cheese throughout, choose a crumbly cheese like Stilton, Roquefort, or regular Gorgonzola. These cheeses have a stronger flavour and will add a pungent, peppery taste to the vinaigrette.
To make a basic vinaigrette, you can whisk together vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper, and sugar, then slowly add extra-virgin olive oil until emulsified. You can also add in some crumbled blue cheese for a simple blue cheese vinaigrette. For a thicker dressing, you can add an extra ounce or two of blue cheese and a scoop of Greek yoghurt.
There are also various herbs and spices that can be added to enhance the flavour of the vinaigrette. Fresh garlic is a common addition, as well as dried oregano and rosemary. You can also add some heat with hot sauce or Dijon mustard. For a touch of sweetness, a small amount of sugar or balsamic glaze can be included.
Blue cheese vinaigrette can be made in a blender or food processor, or simply by shaking all the ingredients together in a jar. It is best served fresh, but the flavours will develop after a day in the fridge, with the cheesy flavour becoming more dominant.
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Frequently asked questions
Blue cheese vinaigrette is a tangy, cheesy salad dressing. It's a lighter alternative to a mayo-based blue cheese dressing.
Blue cheese vinaigrette goes well with a simple green salad. It's also good on an autumnal kale salad with cranberries and walnuts, or drizzled on grilled corn in husks.
If you like your blue cheese vinaigrette creamy, go for a soft, crumbly cheese like Danish Blue or Gorgonzola Dolce. If you prefer your vinaigrette less creamy, with bits of blue cheese throughout, choose a crumbly cheese like Stilton or Roquefort.
To make a creamy blue cheese vinaigrette, blend all the ingredients together until smooth. You can also add a tablespoon or two of water at the end to get the desired consistency, or add a scoop of Greek yogurt.
Blue cheese vinaigrette is best used the day it's made, but you can store leftovers in a jar with a tight-fitting lid for up to 3 days.
