Blue Cheese Crumbles: Perfect Pairing With Tangy Dressing

Blue cheese is a popular ingredient in salad dressings, with its sharp, salty, and pungent flavour. Blue cheese crumbles can be used in a variety of salad dressings, including vinaigrettes, and can be paired with ingredients such as olive oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, walnuts, and lemon juice. Blue cheese dressings can also be made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and Worcestershire sauce for a thicker, creamier texture. The type of blue cheese used, such as Gorgonzola or Roquefort, can also affect the flavour and texture of the dressing.

Blue cheese vinaigrette recipes

Blue cheese vinaigrette is a tangy and robust dressing that can be used to enhance the flavour of a variety of salads. It is a lighter alternative to classic blue cheese dressing, as it does not contain cream or mayonnaise. Here are some recipes you can try at home:

Basic Blue Cheese Vinaigrette

This recipe uses a combination of olive oil, vinegar, onion powder, and blue cheese to create a creamy and tangy dressing.

Ingredients:

• 5 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar (or champagne vinegar for a fancier option)
• 2 ounces blue cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (or 1 teaspoon of fresh minced onion)
• Pinch of sea salt and ground pepper
• 1-2 tablespoons water (optional, for desired consistency)

Directions:

• Combine the olive oil, vinegar, onion powder, and blue cheese in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
• If the dressing is too thick, add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
• For a non-creamy version, blend all ingredients except the blue cheese, and then crumble the cheese in by hand or pulse it a few times in the blender to break it up.

Hearty Blue Cheese Vinaigrette

This recipe includes additional ingredients such as garlic, oregano, and basil to create a more robust and flavourful dressing.

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup Champagne vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
• 1/2 cup light olive oil
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small garlic clove, crushed into a paste
• 1/16 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/8 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1 tablespoon powdered erythritol (or other sweetener)
• 4 ounces blue cheese crumbled

Directions:

• Powder the erythritol to ensure it dissolves easily.
• Peel and crush the garlic clove, adding a pinch of salt, and mince it into a paste.
• In a large bowl, combine the vinegar, garlic paste, water, salt, pepper, spices, and sweetener. Whisk until the sweetener dissolves.
• Pour the mixture into a jar with a tight-fitting lid, add the oil, and shake vigorously to emulsify.
• Gently stir in the crumbled blue cheese.
• Spoon the dressing over your salad and serve.

Blue Cheese Vinaigrette with a Kick

This recipe includes hot pepper sauce to give your dressing a spicy kick.

Ingredients:

• 7 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 3/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco)
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

Directions:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute until golden, about 1 minute.
• Transfer the garlic mixture to a blender or food processor. Add the blue cheese, white wine vinegar, water, sugar, hot pepper sauce, salt, pepper, and remaining 6 tablespoons of olive oil.
• Transfer the vinaigrette to a bowl and mix in the chopped basil.
• The dressing can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.

Blue cheese vinaigrette is a versatile dressing that can be tailored to your taste preferences. Experiment with different types of blue cheese, vinegars, and spices to create your unique version. Enjoy your homemade dressing on a variety of salads or even as a dip for vegetables!

Blue cheese and steak salads

Blue cheese and steak are a classic combination, and a steak salad is a great way to enjoy this flavour pairing. Here are some tips and ideas for creating your own blue cheese and steak salad, with a focus on the dressing.

Firstly, you'll want to choose your blue cheese. There are many varieties, and your choice will depend on your taste preference and the texture you want to achieve in your dressing. For a creamy dressing, opt for a softer blue cheese such as Gorgonzola Dolce, Danish Blue, or Roquefort. If you prefer a thicker, chunkier dressing, a drier and more crumbly variety like Stilton or regular Gorgonzola will work well.

For a simple blue cheese vinaigrette, you can combine olive oil, vinegar, and blue cheese in a blender or food processor. You can also add ingredients like garlic, onion powder, mustard, oregano, basil, thyme, or marjoram to enhance the flavour. If you prefer a thinner dressing, use less blue cheese or add a little water. For a thicker dressing, you can add more cheese or include ingredients like mayonnaise, sour cream, or Greek yogurt.

If you're looking for a more indulgent option, a blue cheese dressing with a base of mayonnaise and sour cream is a great choice. You can add Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, garlic powder, and black pepper to taste. This dressing typically needs to be refrigerated for 24 hours before serving to allow the flavours to meld.

When assembling your salad, consider using a mix of baby greens and leaf lettuce as a base. You can then add your sliced steak, crumbled blue cheese, and other toppings like walnuts, cranberries, green onions, or tomatoes. Drizzle your homemade blue cheese dressing on top, toss, and enjoy!

With these tips and ideas, you can create a delicious and flavourful blue cheese and steak salad that's sure to impress.

Blue cheese and balsamic vinegar

For a simple balsamic blue cheese dressing, combine 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/8 teaspoon of pepper, a dash of hot pepper sauce, and 1/2 cup of olive oil or vegetable oil. Slowly whisk in the oil and stir in 1/2 cup of crumbled blue cheese. This dressing is perfect for a mixed green salad or sliced tomatoes and onion on Bibb or Boston lettuce.

If you're looking for a more complex flavour profile, try adding a clove of garlic to the above recipe, or experiment with different types of blue cheese. For example, Danish Blue or Castello Danish Blue is recommended for its soft, creamy texture and mild flavour. Alternatively, Gorgonzola has a more pungent and savoury taste with a slightly drier, crumbly texture.

You can also play around with the type of balsamic vinegar used. While regular balsamic vinegar will work, a balsamic glaze has a more intense and sweeter flavour that can help "soften" the tanginess of the white wine vinegar often used in blue cheese vinaigrettes.

For a complete salad, toss together mixed greens, leaf lettuce, crumbled blue cheese, and chopped walnuts. Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and a splash of lemon juice for a dressing that will add a tangy twist to your salad.

Blue cheese and mayonnaise

The great thing about this combination is its versatility. You can use it as a base and experiment with different add-ins to create a unique flavour profile. For example, adding some sour cream to the mix will result in an even creamier texture, while a splash of milk will give you a thinner, pourable consistency that's ideal for drizzling over salads.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also incorporate fresh herbs like parsley, garlic or onion powder to give your dressing an extra kick. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice will add a tangy, bright note to the mix, cutting through the richness of the other ingredients.

For a truly indulgent experience, opt for full-fat mayonnaise and sour cream. However, if you're watching your calories, light mayonnaise and plain yoghurt can be used instead for a lighter, healthier dressing without sacrificing flavour.

Whatever ingredients you choose to include, the method remains simple: combine everything in a bowl and stir until well blended. You can also use a blender for a smoother, more uniform texture.

This blue cheese and mayonnaise dressing is incredibly versatile and can be used for much more than just salads. It makes an excellent dip for vegetables or chicken wings, and it can also be spread on sandwiches or burgers for an extra flavour boost.

So, the next time you're looking for a delicious, versatile dressing, look no further than blue cheese and mayonnaise. With endless customisation options, you can easily make it your own and impress your guests with your culinary prowess!

Blue cheese and olive oil

Ingredients:

To make a blue cheese and olive oil dressing, you will need the following ingredients: blue cheese crumbles, olive oil, vinegar, and seasonings. You can use a variety of vinegars, such as white wine vinegar, champagne vinegar, red wine vinegar, or even lemon juice. For the olive oil, consider using extra virgin olive oil for a more robust flavour. As for seasonings, you can use salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, or other herbs and spices of your choice.

Preparation:

Start by preparing your blue cheese crumbles. You can use a variety of blue cheeses, such as Danish Blue, Gorgonzola, Stilton, or Roquefort. Crumble the cheese by hand or use a blender to create smaller pieces. In a separate bowl, combine your vinegar, garlic, and seasonings. Whisk these ingredients until well combined. Slowly add the olive oil to the mixture, whisking continuously, to create an emulsion. Finally, stir in your blue cheese crumbles. You can also use a blender to combine all the ingredients, including the blue cheese, for a smoother dressing.

Customisation:

The beauty of making your own dressing is that you can customise it to your taste preferences. If you prefer a thicker dressing, you can add more blue cheese or reduce the amount of olive oil. For a thinner dressing, simply add a small amount of water until you achieve the desired consistency. You can also experiment with different types of blue cheese and vinegar to find the combination that suits your taste.

Storage:

This blue cheese and olive oil dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, it is best when used fresh. If the dressing separates, simply shake the container or whisk it gently before using.

Serving Suggestions:

This dressing goes well with a variety of salads. Consider using it on a classic wedge salad, a spinach salad, or a BLT salad. It also pairs well with fruitier elements, such as strawberries or apples. For a heartier option, add leftover steak or roast beef to your salad. You can also use this dressing as a dip for vegetables or as a topping for sandwiches.

Frequently asked questions