Need a dressing to wow guests or a great dressing for a steak salad? This Crumbled Blue Cheese Vinaigrette won't disappoint. It's fast and easy to prepare.
When I was in High School and College, my family would often celebrate special occasions at a favorite restaurant. In small city like Binghamton, NY, there weren't many fancy restaurants, but one restaurant stood out more than any other - especially for family reunions.
As I've mentioned before, my Great Grandparents immigrated from Italy and settled in Cadosia, NY. Itailian food was an important part of our food culture growing up. Cortese was the one place on which my Great Aunts and Uncles and cousins could all agree. An institution since the 1940's, Cortese has long enjoyed their reputation for serving good Italian food - like Grandma used to make.
When my family went to Cortese, I always ordered the Homemade Manicotti, Fresh Sea Scallops or Shrimp Scampi; which are still on the menu. We always started dinner off with a salad and for everyone except myself, the dressing of choice was the crumbled blue cheese vinaigrette.
At the time, my taste buds had not matured enough to appreciate the sharp, salty, pungent flavor of blue cheese. I couldn't understand the desire behind something that tasted, to me, like stinky feet. I didn't eat Parmesan cheese either, for the same reason. I know, I was weird.
I was feeling a little nostalgic the other day and decided I wanted something different for our evening meal. Don't get me wrong, we really enjoy our Basil & Mint Vinaigrette and Garlic & Herb Vinaigrette dressing, but I wanted something special for the spectacular garlic rubbed steak I had grilled and planned to put on our salad.
I was also feeling a little lazy and wanted something simple to prepare with ingredients I already had on hand. What's more simple than an Italian oil and vinegar salad dressing? Adding the crumbled blue cheese to the dressing reminded me of the crumbled blue cheese vinaigrette my family used to order at Cortese. Perfect!
The flavor improves over night, so one may want to make the vinaigrette the day before, then add the crumbled blue cheese before dressing the salad.
This awesome Crumbled Blue Cheese Vinaigrette is 1 net carb per serving!
Crumbled Blue Cheese Vinaigrette (Dressing)
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup Champagne vinegar
- ½ cup light olive oil
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 small garlic clove crushed into a paste
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1/16 teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ⅛ teaspoon dried basil
- ⅛ teaspoon dried thyme
- ⅛ teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1 tablespoon erythritol powdered
- 4 ounces blue cheese crumbled
Instructions
- Powder the erythrtol so that it will dissolve more easily.
- Peel the garlic clove and smash it by placing it between the flat of the knife and cutting board and giving it a whack. Add the salt to the garlic and mince, then mash into a paste by dragging the blade over the garlic and mashing it into the cutting board. Scrape up the paste.
- In a bowl large enough to prevent splashing, add the vinegar, garlic, paste, water, salt, pepper, spices and sweetener. Whisk until the sweetener dissolves.
- Pour the ingredients into a jar with a tight fitting lid and add the oil. Shake vigorously for a few minutes to temporarily emulsify the ingredients. Add the crumbled blue cheese and agitate gently.
- Spoon over the salad and serve.
Chanel
Great recipe, I used lemon juice instead of vinegar as I figured any acid would do and it was very delicious. Very tasty dressing and very easy to put together
LINDA CASE
Could I use White Wine Vinegar instead of champagne?
Kim Hardesty
You could, but a combination of lemon juice and white vinegar would be nice. Also rice wine vinegar is a nice light vinegar. -Kim
Amanda
What is the serving size? Two tablespoons?
Kim Hardesty
Yes. -Kim
Patti
Can’t wait to try this dressing!
I’m from Binghamton and went to Cortese restaurant all the time. Thank you!
Lolli
One of the best, if not the best, blue cheese dressing recipes I’ve made. A must try!
Shawna
Question: if I didn’t want to use an artificial sweetener what would you recommend and at what measure?
Kim Hardesty
Hi Shawna. Everyone's taste is different so start with 1 tbsp of powdered sugar and add a little more if it needs it. I add just enough to help bridge all the flavors together- no one would classify the dressing as sweet. -Kim
Vikki Green
I can not wait to make this. I was thinking the same thing today and searched for the Cortes's Copy cat recipe hoping to find it! When I was growing up in Owego/Endicott, I would go to Cortes's with friends for dinner and LOVE their salad dressing! I also always got the extra crumbled blue cheese on top! Thank you for posting this so I can enjoy a little bit of home, while living in Arizona!
Kim
Hi Vikki. My NY family members still go to Cortes. I haven't been back in at least 20 years. You can also use store bought Italian dressing and just add crumbled blue cheese to it. -Kim
Kathy
HI Kim, I always look at recipes and never the stories behind them.. something made me read yours! Cortese first caught my attention, then the Cadosia Ny! I to had grandparents from Italy that settled in Cadosia! The Lombardi family. Who knows, maybe we are related ! Can’t wait to try your recipe !!
Kim
Hi, Kathy! Small world. I'm sure they knew each other. I seem to remember a Carol Lombardi mentioned as I was growing up, but perhaps I have that mixed up with Carole Lombard! lol. Have a wonderful day and thanks for saying Hello! -Kim
Jessica
How long could this keep?
Kim
Hi, Jessica, great question. I've kept in the fridge for a week. The cheese stays down in the bottom of the vessel with the vinegar which keeps it okay for a little while. Have a nice night! -Kim
Doug Blaze
I've made this multiple times - it's now my favorite salad dressing.
Kim
Thanks Doug! This is one of my favorites, too. I'm glad you are enjoying it. Thanks for leaving a comment to let me know. Have a great week. -Kim
Carol
Get. Out. Of. Town! I have been pinning your recipes like crazy this week, and come to find out you are right here in the Triple Cities! Thank you for all the great recipes - and I would be delighted to be your sous chef any time!
Kim
Hello Carol. I'm so glad you found some recipes you like. Currently, I am living in Southern California, but how exciting to connect with someone from that area! It truly is a small world. I heard you guys got a lot of rain a few weeks ago! I have family all around the area. Thanks for taking the time to comment and say "Hi". If you are interested in testing any recipes out, shoot me an email - found on my about page. Have a great week! -Kim
Sean
Do you have a recipe for the regular balsamic italian dressing there?
SOO delicious, ive never had one quite like it!
Kim
Thank you, Sean! I'm glad you like it. I haven't posted a balsamic dressing yet, but will get on it! In the meantime, I have several dressings listed under Basics. Have a nice week.
Gingi
Okay, this just looks YUMMY!!! Want to haz!!
Kim
Thanks Gingi! -Kim