Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing with Zesty Lemon
Indulge in this creamy and tangy Blue Cheese Dressing, perfect for salads, vegetable dips, or as a flavorful sauce for grilled meats. This recipe aligns with the South Beach Diet Phase 1 principles, focusing on low-carb, nutrient-rich ingredients. The combination of rich low-fat mayonnaise, sharp crumbled blue cheese, and zesty lemon juice creates a delightful balance that's both savory and refreshing. Whether you're dressing a crisp garden salad or serving it alongside crunchy veggies, this dressing is sure to elevate your meal while keeping you on track with your dietary goals.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
low-fat mayonnaise
1/2 cup (none)
crumbled blue cheese
2 tablespoons (none)
fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
hot pepper sauce
1/2 teaspoon (none)
buttermilk
1/4 cup (none)
salt
1 pinch (none)
fresh ground pepper
1 pinch (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the low-fat mayonnaise, crumbled blue cheese, fresh lemon juice, and hot pepper sauce.
2
Using a whisk, blend the ingredients together until they are well combined with a creamy consistency.
3
Gradually add the buttermilk to the mixture while continuing to whisk until you achieve your desired creamy thickness.
4
Season the dressing with a pinch of salt and fresh ground pepper, adjusting to taste.
5
Transfer the dressing to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing with Zesty Lemon?
It is a creamy and tangy dressing perfect for salads, vegetable dips, or as a flavorful sauce for grilled meats.
Is this recipe suitable for the South Beach Diet?
Yes, it aligns with South Beach Diet Phase 1 principles, focusing on low-carb and nutrient-rich ingredients.
How many ingredients are needed for this dressing?
This recipe requires 7 ingredients: low-fat mayonnaise, blue cheese, lemon juice, hot pepper sauce, buttermilk, salt, and pepper.
What kind of mayonnaise is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of low-fat mayonnaise.
How much blue cheese is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of crumbled blue cheese.
Is fresh lemon juice required?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice is used to add a zesty flavor.
What is the role of hot pepper sauce?
It adds a subtle kick and depth to the flavor profile of the dressing.
How do I adjust the thickness of the dressing?
You can gradually add 1/4 cup of buttermilk while whisking to achieve your desired creamy thickness.
Should I season the dressing?
Yes, add a pinch of salt and fresh ground pepper, adjusting to your personal taste.
How long should the dressing be refrigerated before serving?
It should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Transfer the dressing to a jar or airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator.
Is this dressing low-carb?
Yes, it is specifically designed to be a low-carb dressing option.
Can I use this as a dip for vegetables?
Yes, it is excellent as a dip for crunchy fresh vegetables.
What is the primary mixing tool needed?
A whisk is recommended to blend the ingredients into a creamy consistency.
Can I substitute buttermilk?
While buttermilk is preferred for its tang, a substitute of milk with a dash of vinegar or lemon juice can work.
Is this dressing zesty?
Yes, the combination of lemon juice and blue cheese provides a zesty and refreshing balance.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it involves a simple whisking process and takes very little active preparation time.
What makes this dressing creamy?
The combination of low-fat mayonnaise and buttermilk creates its creamy texture.
Can I add more blue cheese?
Yes, feel free to add extra crumbles if you prefer a stronger blue cheese flavor or chunkier texture.
Is it okay to use full-fat mayonnaise?
You can, but it will increase the fat content and deviate from the original South Beach Diet Phase 1 profile.
Does it contain any sugar?
The recipe focuses on savory ingredients and does not list any added sugar.
Can I use it on grilled steak?
Yes, it works very well as a flavorful sauce for grilled meats.
Is the pepper sauce very spicy?
With only 1/2 teaspoon, it provides flavor enhancement rather than significant heat.
How many servings does this make?
The recipe yields approximately 3/4 to 1 cup of dressing depending on how much buttermilk is added.
Is freshly ground pepper better than pre-ground?
Yes, freshly ground pepper offers a more vibrant aroma and flavor.
Can I make this dressing vegan?
This specific recipe uses mayonnaise, cheese, and buttermilk, so it would require significant plant-based substitutions.
Is it suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Generally yes, but you should verify that your specific mayonnaise and blue cheese brands are gluten-free.
What kind of bowl should I use for mixing?
A medium mixing bowl is sufficient for the quantities listed in this recipe.
Can I double the batch?
Yes, this recipe is easy to double if you are hosting a larger group or want extra for future meals.