How to Make a Delicious Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing

How to Make a Killer Blue Cheese Salad

Okay, friends, let's talk blue cheese dressing. It's amazing, right? Creamy, tangy, a little bit funky – it makes any salad better. I'm going to show you how to make it from scratch, plus some awesome salad ideas to go with it. It's easier than you think, I promise!

Part 1: Blue Cheese Dressing – The Star of the Show

The dressing is everything. This recipe is simple, but it makes a seriously smooth and creamy blue cheese dressing. Get ready to be impressed.

What You'll Need:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 4 ounces crumbled blue cheese (Roquefort, Gorgonzola, or Stilton – they're all great!)
• 2 tablespoons milk or buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Let's Get Cooking!

1. Mix the mayo and sour cream in a bowl. Easy peasy.
2. Add the crumbled blue cheese, milk (or buttermilk), vinegar, and lemon juice. Stir it up.
3. Now, add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Taste it! Need more vinegar? More salt? Go for it.
5. Want it super smooth? Use an immersion blender or a regular blender for a few seconds. Don't overdo it!
6. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavors really come together. Trust me on this one.

Pro Tip: For extra richness, use heavy cream instead of milk. A pinch of cayenne pepper adds a nice kick!

Part 2: Build-Your-Own Blue Cheese Salad Bonanza

Now for the fun part! Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Recipe 1: Classic Pear and Walnut Salad

Sweet pears, crunchy walnuts, and sharp blue cheese? It's a match made in heaven. Seriously delicious.

• Mixed greens
• 4 ounces crumbled blue cheese
• 1 ripe pear, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup toasted, chopped walnuts
• Your amazing blue cheese dressing

Recipe 2: Roasted Veggie Bliss

Roasted veggies add so much flavor! The balsamic glaze gives it a nice tangy sweetness.

• Mixed greens or baby spinach
• Roasted veggies (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, butternut squash – whatever you like!)
• 4 ounces crumbled blue cheese
• Balsamic glaze
• Blue cheese dressing

Recipe 3: Steakhouse Salad at Home

This is a hearty salad. Grilled steak, candied pecans…yum!

• Mixed greens or romaine lettuce
• Sliced grilled steak
• 4 ounces crumbled blue cheese
• 1/4 cup candied pecans
• Blue cheese dressing

Recipe 4: Chicken, Apple, and Cranberry Delight

Sweet and savory perfection! The apples and cranberries add a nice tartness.

• Mixed greens
• Sliced grilled chicken breast
• 4 ounces crumbled blue cheese
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1 apple, thinly sliced
• Blue cheese dressing

Part 3: Bonus Tips & Tricks

Choosing your cheese: Roquefort is strong, Gorgonzola is milder, Stilton is nutty. Experiment!

Add-ins: Cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado… get creative!

Make-ahead magic: The dressing can be made a day or two ahead. Assemble the salad right before serving.

Serving suggestions: Lunch, side dish, appetizer – it's versatile!

Leftovers: Store leftover dressing in the fridge for up to a week.

There you have it! Now go forth and create some incredible blue cheese salads. Happy cooking!