As I whisk together the ingredients for my homemade Blue Cheese Vinaigrette, the tangy aroma instantly transports me to sunny picnics and vibrant dinner tables. This creamy salad dressing takes just minutes to prepare and is a delightful twist that elevates any salad from simple to spectacular. With rich blue cheese and a zesty blend of olive oil and vinegar, it strikes the perfect balance between savory and refreshing. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser that complements everything from crisp greens to hearty roasted veggies, but it’s also naturally gluten-free and incredibly satisfying. Ready to give your salads a flavorful makeover? Let’s dive into the magic of this homemade dressing that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

Why is Blue Cheese Vinaigrette a Must-Try?

Deliciously Unique: This homemade Blue Cheese Vinaigrette adds a distinguished flavor to your salads, transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary.

Quick & Easy: Made in minutes, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a gourmet touch without the fuss.

Versatile Pairing: Whether drizzled over mixed greens, roasted veggies, or even grilled meats, its bold flavors shine through and elevate any dish.

Customizable: With easy ingredient substitutions, you can tailor this dressing to your taste, exploring different cheeses and vinegars for a personal touch.

Crowd Favorite: Your family and friends will rave about this dressing, making it an instant hit at gatherings or casual dinners. Try it today and discover why it’s a favorite! If you’re looking for more delicious dressings, check out my Baked Pears Cheese for another delightful twist.

Blue Cheese Vinaigrette Ingredients

• Here’s everything you need to create this creamy blue cheese vinaigrette from scratch!

For the Dressing

Extra Light Olive Oil – Provides a smooth base and richness; light olive oil can be used for a milder flavor.
White Wine Vinegar – Adds acidity and tanginess; apple cider vinegar can be a good substitute for a milder taste.
Oregano – Enhances flavor with an aromatic touch; dried or fresh works beautifully.
Garlic Powder – Adds depth and flavor; fresh garlic can replace it, but use it sparingly.
Tone’s Rosemary Garlic Seasoning Blend – Introduces complexity and herbaceous notes; substitute by blending ½ teaspoon of dried rosemary with ½ teaspoon of granulated garlic.
Salt – Enhances overall flavor and brings ingredients together.
Sugar – Balances acidity in the dressing for a harmonious taste.
Ground Black Pepper – Provides a slight heat to awaken your taste buds.
Dried Parsley – Adds color and a mild flavor to the mix.
Fresh Garlic – Offers a fresh kick; use 2-3 cloves, crushed, for added zest.
Balsamic Glaze – Imparts sweetness and richness to the dressing; balsamic vinegar can be an alternative if glaze is unavailable.
Blue Cheese (8.5 ounces) – The key ingredient that gives this vinaigrette its signature creamy texture and tangy flavor; Danish Blue is preferred for its richness.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Blue Cheese Vinaigrette

Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a large glass container, pour in ¾ cup of extra light olive oil and ¼ cup of white wine vinegar. Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of Tone’s Rosemary Garlic Seasoning. Next, sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Toss in 1 tablespoon of dried parsley along with 2-3 crushed cloves of fresh garlic and 2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze. Crumble in 4 ounces of blue cheese.

Step 2: Blend Mixture
Using an immersion blender, blend the ingredients together for about 30 seconds until the mixture is creamy yet still slightly chunky. Be careful not to over-blend; you want some texture from the blue cheese to remain. If you don’t have an immersion blender, a counter blender will work, but use short pulses to achieve a smooth consistency.

Step 3: Add Remaining Blue Cheese
After blending, gently fold in the remaining 4.5 ounces of blue cheese crumbles into the vinaigrette. This step ensures you have delightful bursts of blue cheese throughout your dressing, adding a rich and tangy flavor. Stir well with a spatula or spoon until the crumbles are evenly distributed without fully blending them.

Step 4: Refrigerate for Flavor
For the best flavor development, transfer the Blue Cheese Vinaigrette to an airtight container and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour or, even better, overnight. Allowing the vinaigrette to rest enhances the blend of flavors, making it more delicious when tossed into a fresh salad.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
When ready to serve, remove the vinaigrette from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This will allow the dressing to loosen up, as olive oil can solidify when cold. Give it a good shake or stir before drizzling over your favorite salad. Enjoy this creamy and tangy Blue Cheese Vinaigrette on uplifting greens or hearty roasted vegetables!

How to Store and Freeze Blue Cheese Vinaigrette

Fridge: Store your Blue Cheese Vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This keeps it fresh and ready for your salads.

Freezer: While freezing vinaigrettes is not typically recommended, if you must, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before serving.

Reheating: When you’re ready to use, let the vinaigrette sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving. This helps restore its creamy texture.

Separation Tip: If the ingredients separate after storing, simply give it a gentle shake or stir to mix everything back together before using.

Make Ahead Options

This Blue Cheese Vinaigrette is a fantastic choice for make-ahead meal prep, saving you precious time during busy weeks! You can prepare the vinaigrette up to 3 days in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Start by combining all the ingredients as instructed, then refrigerate the dressing in an airtight container. Just remember to add the remaining blue cheese crumbles right before serving for that delightful texture! To maintain the quality, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before drizzling it over your salads, ensuring it’s just as delicious when it’s time to enjoy. With these prep options, you’ll have a gourmet dressing ready to elevate your meals effortlessly!

What to Serve with Homemade Blue Cheese Vinaigrette

Elevate your meal by pairing this tangy dressing with delightful sides that will tantalize your taste buds.

Grilled Chicken: A juicy grilled chicken breast balances the richness of the vinaigrette, adding protein for a satisfying dish.
Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized carrots and Brussels sprouts lend a sweet contrast to the sharp notes of blue cheese, creating a medley of flavors.
Mixed Green Salad: Tossed with crisp greens and colorful veggies, the vinaigrette brings a burst of flavor that enhances every bite. Freshness meets indulgence beautifully.
Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus: The salty crunch of bacon complements the creamy dressing, providing a delightful pop of taste and texture.
Quinoa Salad: Nutty quinoa mixed with herbs and fresh veggies serves as a hearty base that pairs perfectly with the tangy dressing.
Apple Slices: Crisp, sweet apple wedges dipped in this vinaigrette create a deliciously unique appetizer that combines sweet and savory in each bite.
Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread served alongside offers a comforting, hearty option to soak up the delicious vinaigrette.
Red Wine: A glass of rich red wine enhances the overall dining experience and brings out the flavors of the blue cheese vinaigrette beautifully.

Blue Cheese Vinaigrette Variations

Feel free to get creative and make this Blue Cheese Vinaigrette your own!

Different Cheese: Try Gorgonzola for a sharper flavor or feta for a tangy twist that still adds creaminess. Each choice will bring its unique character to your dressing.
Vinegar Choices: Use apple cider vinegar instead of white wine vinegar for an equally delicious, milder taste. This substitution offers a slight fruitiness that brightens your salads.
Herb Boost: Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a burst of flavor. Their aromatic qualities can elevate your dressing to new heights, making every salad feel fresh and vibrant.
Creamy Version: Swap in ½ cup of Greek yogurt instead of part of the olive oil for a tangy, creamy dressing that is lower in calories. This twist not only enhances the creaminess but also adds a protein boost.
Sweetness Touch: For a hint of sweetness, incorporate a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup in place of sugar. The natural sweetness beautifully balances the tanginess of the blue cheese.
Balsamic Vinegar: If balsamic glaze isn’t available, simply use balsamic vinegar. It will retain the necessary sweetness and support the vinaigrette’s overall richness, especially when paired with the cheese.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat that complements the creaminess beautifully. This fiery twist can transform your salad experience.
Nutty Toast: For a delightful twist, toss in some toasted walnuts or pecans. Their crunchy texture adds an exciting contrast to the smooth vinaigrette while enhancing the flavor profile.

Enhance your meals even more by trying other delightful dressings that add variety to your table, such as the refreshing flavors in my Contessa Pear Blue salad or perhaps the luscious Blueberry Cheesecake Crumble muffins. Enjoy exploring the different percentages of flavor!

Expert Tips for Blue Cheese Vinaigrette

Flavor Boost: Let it chill: For the best flavor development, refrigerate the vinaigrette for at least an hour or overnight to blend the flavors nicely.
Texture Control: Blend wisely: When using an immersion blender, blend until creamy but still maintain some blue cheese chunks for that delightful textural contrast.
Tasting Adjustments: Season to taste: Before serving, always taste the dressing and adjust salt, pepper, or sweetness to match your preference and balance the acidity.
Ingredient Swaps: Customize freely: Feel free to substitute different blue cheese varieties for a distinct flavor or adjust the vinegar based on your taste preferences.
Serving Strategy: Room temperature is key: Allow the dressing to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving, as this helps the olive oil regain its silky consistency.

Blue Cheese Vinaigrette Recipe FAQs

What type of blue cheese is best for this vinaigrette?
I recommend using Danish Blue cheese for its rich and creamy texture. However, you’re welcome to experiment with other varieties like Gorgonzola for a sharper flavor or crumbly Roquefort for a different taste. Just make sure the cheese is fresh, with no dark spots or off odors that indicate ripeness issues.

How long can I store Blue Cheese Vinaigrette in the refrigerator?
You can keep your Blue Cheese Vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Its flavors only get better as it sits! If you notice any separation, just give it a gentle shake or stir to recombine.

Can I freeze Blue Cheese Vinaigrette?
While freezing vinaigrettes isn’t typical, you can freeze this dressing if necessary. Pour it into a sealed container and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes, as olive oil may solidify, affecting the texture.

What should I do if my vinaigrette is too thick?
If your Blue Cheese Vinaigrette is thicker than desired, don’t worry! Simply whisk in a little extra olive oil or a splash of vinegar until you reach your preferred consistency. This will maintain the creamy texture while making it easier to drizzle over salads.

Can I use this vinaigrette for meal prepping?
Absolutely! This vinaigrette is perfect for meal prepping. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll be ready for your salads throughout the week. It’s a great way to add flavor to veggies, grains, or proteins while keeping your meals exciting and fresh.

Is this Blue Cheese Vinaigrette gluten-free?
Yes! This Blue Cheese Vinaigrette is gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for anyone following a gluten-free diet. Always double-check that your ingredients are certified gluten-free if you have severe allergies. Enjoy drizzling it over your favorite salads or grilled dishes without worry!