Creamy Blue Cheese Herb Vinaigrette
Elevate your salads and appetizers with this creamy blue cheese vinaigrette, perfect for drizzling over crisp greens, fresh tomatoes, or even grilled vegetables. Made with rich olive oil, tangy white wine vinegar, and the bold flavor of crumbled blue cheese, this dressing is complemented by a hint of garlic and fresh basil. Whip up a batch at the start of the weekend for a delightful addition to your meals, or use it as a dip for your favorite crudités. It's a flavorful and versatile dressing you'll want to keep on hand!
10
Servings
54
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
7 tablespoons (measured)
Minced garlic
2 teaspoons (minced)
Crumbled blue cheese
3/4 cup (about 2 1/2 oz.)
White wine vinegar
1/4 cup (measured)
Water
1 tablespoon (measured)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (measured)
Hot pepper sauce
1/2 teaspoon (such as Tabasco)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (measured)
Chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a small, heavy skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the minced garlic and sauté until golden brown, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
3
Transfer the garlic mixture to a blender or food processor.
4
Add the crumbled blue cheese, white wine vinegar, water, sugar, hot pepper sauce, salt, pepper, and the remaining 6 tablespoons of olive oil to the blender.
5
Blend the mixture on high speed until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as necessary.
6
Pour the vinaigrette into a mixing bowl and fold in the chopped fresh basil until evenly distributed.
7
For best flavor, refrigerate the vinaigrette for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
8
The vinaigrette can be prepared up to 2 days in advance; store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information
6
Fat
0.6
Carbs
0.6
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I store the Creamy Blue Cheese Herb Vinaigrette?
You can store this vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Is it necessary to chill the dressing before serving?
Yes, for the best flavor, it is recommended to refrigerate the vinaigrette for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Why do I need to sauté the garlic?
Sautéing the minced garlic in olive oil until golden brown mellows its sharp raw bite and adds a toasted depth to the dressing.
Can I use a food processor instead of a blender?
Yes, a food processor works perfectly fine to blend the ingredients until they are smooth and creamy.
How many calories are in one serving of this dressing?
Each serving contains approximately 54 calories.
What type of blue cheese should I use?
You can use any variety of crumbled blue cheese, such as Gorgonzola, Roquefort, or Stilton, depending on your preference for pungency.
Is this blue cheese vinaigrette keto-friendly?
Yes, with only 0.6g of carbohydrates per serving, this dressing is suitable for a ketogenic diet.
Can I substitute the white wine vinegar?
Yes, you can substitute it with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
How should I incorporate the fresh basil?
After blending the other ingredients, pour the mixture into a bowl and gently fold in the chopped fresh basil by hand.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
You can use dried basil in a pinch, but fresh basil provides a much more vibrant and aromatic flavor.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of hot pepper sauce, which adds a subtle tang and very mild heat rather than intense spiciness.
What can I serve this vinaigrette with?
It is excellent over crisp green salads, fresh tomatoes, grilled vegetables, or used as a dip for crudités.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings.
Can I use a different type of oil?
While olive oil is recommended for its rich flavor, you could use a neutral oil like avocado oil if preferred.
Is there a lot of sugar in this dressing?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of sugar for the entire batch to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 6 grams of fat per serving, primarily coming from the olive oil and blue cheese.
Can I make this dressing dairy-free?
No, the blue cheese is a primary ingredient; however, you could try a vegan blue cheese alternative.
Do I need to add water to the dressing?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of water is included to help achieve the desired consistency during the blending process.
How much blue cheese is required?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of crumbled blue cheese, which is approximately 2.5 ounces.
Is this dressing gluten-free?
The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always check your specific brand of blue cheese and vinegar to be sure.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, you can easily double the ingredients if you are serving a larger group or want extra for the weekend.
What if I don't have a blender?
If you don't have a blender, you can whisk the ingredients vigorously by hand, though the texture will be less creamy and more chunky.
Should the olive oil be extra virgin?
Extra virgin olive oil is best for the richest flavor, but regular olive oil will also work well.
Does this dressing contain much protein?
Each serving contains a small amount of protein, approximately 0.6 grams.
Can I use this as a marinade?
Yes, this flavorful vinaigrette would work well as a marinade for chicken or steak.
How long does it take to prepare?
Preparation takes about 10 minutes, plus the 30-minute chilling time.
What kind of hot pepper sauce should I use?
The recipe suggests a sauce like Tabasco, but any standard hot sauce will work.
Can I add other herbs?
Yes, herbs like chives or parsley would also complement the blue cheese flavor nicely.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt for the entire batch.
Is this dressing thick or thin?
Because it is blended with blue cheese, it results in a creamy, medium-bodied consistency.