Zesty Blue Cheese Salad Dressing
This delightful salad dressing strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and tang, making it a fantastic addition to any green salad, especially those topped with creamy blue cheese, sweet dried cranberries, luscious mandarin oranges, and crunchy pecans. The dressing is both robust and refreshing, transforming a simple salad into a gourmet experience. For those cutting down on sugar, this recipe can be adapted using Splenda, allowing you to indulge without the guilt. Whip up a batch to elevate your salads and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite.
16
Servings
80
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sugar or Splenda
2/3 cup (Adjust based on desired sweetness.)
Red wine vinegar
1/2 cup (Warm slightly before mixing.)
Extra virgin olive oil
1 cup (Use high-quality oil for best flavor.)
Onion powder
1/4 teaspoon (No preparation needed.)
Paprika
1 teaspoon (No preparation needed.)
Salt
1 teaspoon (No preparation needed.)
Instructions
1
Gently warm the red wine vinegar in a small saucepan over low heat. Avoid boiling.
2
Add the sugar (or Splenda) to the warm vinegar and stir continuously until fully dissolved.
3
Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
4
After cooling, add the onion powder, paprika, and salt to the vinegar mixture. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients.
5
Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking steadily to emulsify the dressing. Alternatively, pour the mixture into a bottle with a secure lid and shake vigorously until well combined.
6
Store the dressing in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Shake well before using.
7
Drizzle over your favorite salad and savor the delightful flavors!
Nutrition Information
8.75g
Fat
2.94g
Carbs
0g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Blue Cheese Salad Dressing?
It is a sweet and tangy vinaigrette designed to complement salads containing blue cheese, fruit, and nuts.
Does the dressing actually contain blue cheese?
No, the dressing is designed to be served over salads that feature blue cheese as a topping.
Can I make this recipe sugar-free?
Yes, you can substitute the sugar with Splenda to reduce the sugar content and make it more diet-friendly.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 80 calories.
How much fat is in this dressing?
There are 8.75 grams of fat per serving, primarily from the extra virgin olive oil.
What type of vinegar should I use?
The recipe calls for red wine vinegar to provide the best tangy flavor profile.
How long can I store the homemade dressing?
You can store this dressing in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Do I need to refrigerate the dressing?
Yes, store the dressing in the refrigerator and shake well before each use.
Is this dressing gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
How many servings does this recipe produce?
This recipe makes 16 servings.
Why do I need to warm the vinegar?
Warming the vinegar helps the sugar or Splenda dissolve more quickly and thoroughly.
Should I boil the vinegar?
No, you should gently warm it over low heat and avoid bringing it to a boil.
What are the primary spices used?
The dressing is seasoned with onion powder, paprika, and salt.
What is the best way to combine the oil and vinegar?
You can either whisk the oil in slowly to emulsify it or shake it vigorously in a sealed bottle.
Can I use regular olive oil?
While you can, extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its superior flavor.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2/3 cup of sugar or Splenda, which can be adjusted based on your sweetness preference.
What kind of salads go best with this dressing?
It pairs excellently with green salads featuring dried cranberries, mandarin oranges, pecans, and blue cheese.
Are there any carbohydrates in this dressing?
Yes, there are approximately 2.94 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there any protein in this recipe?
No, this dressing contains 0 grams of protein.
Can I use a blender to mix the dressing?
Yes, a blender can be used to ensure a very smooth and well-emulsified mixture.
Is this dressing vegan?
Yes, as long as you use a vegan-friendly sweetener, the ingredients are plant-based.
What gives the dressing its 'zesty' flavor?
The combination of red wine vinegar, paprika, and onion powder provides its signature zest.
Do I need to let the vinegar cool before adding other ingredients?
Yes, allow the vinegar and sugar mixture to cool to room temperature before adding spices and oil.
Can I substitute the onion powder?
You can use finely minced fresh onion, but onion powder ensures a smoother texture.
How much paprika is required?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of paprika.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it is considered a quick recipe once the vinegar has been warmed and cooled.
Can I use this as a marinade?
While intended as a dressing, the oil and vinegar base makes it suitable for marinating poultry or vegetables.
Does it contain any cholesterol?
No, this dressing is cholesterol-free.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt.
Is this dressing considered a vinaigrette?
Yes, it is classified as a vinaigrette due to its oil and vinegar base.