Blue Cheese Salad: The Bold and Creamy Classic You’ll Love
Discover the best blue cheese salad recipes, from classic to chopped, with perfect dressings, creative variations, and expert tips for creamy flavors.
Ingredients
To make this flavorful blue cheese salad, you’ll need the following:
- 1 head of iceberg or romaine lettuce chopped for a crisp, refreshing base
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese preferably Gorgonzola or Roquefort for bold flavor
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved for juicy sweetness
- ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced to add a sharp bite
- ¼ cup cooked bacon bits optional but highly recommended for smoky crunch
- ½ cup blue cheese dressing either homemade (see instructions below) or a quality store-bought version
Optional Add-ins for Variations:
- Toasted walnuts or pecans for added texture
- Grilled chicken or steak slices to make it a full meal
- Fresh pear slices for a sweet-savory balance
- Microgreens or edible flowers for garnish and presentation flair
Instructions
Prep Ingredients
- Wash and dry lettuce. Chop into bite-sized pieces. Slice onions, halve tomatoes, and crumble the blue cheese (avoid pre-packaged crumbles for best texture).
Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and bacon (if using). Toss gently.
Add the Cheese & Dressing
- Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over the top. Drizzle with dressing just before serving, or serve dressing on the side.
Serve Fresh
- Plate in chilled bowls. Garnish with optional toppings like nuts or microgreens. Enjoy immediately for maximum crunch.
Notes
- Make Ahead Tips: You can prep the ingredients (except dressing and bacon) a few hours ahead. Store separately in the fridge and assemble just before serving for the freshest texture.
- Dressing Tip: For an ultra-creamy homemade dressing, blend together ¼ cup mayo, ¼ cup sour cream, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, and ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese. Add salt, pepper, and a splash of milk to thin if needed.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and add roasted chickpeas or avocado for richness and crunch.
- Keto-Friendly Adjustments: Stick with sugar-free blue cheese dressing and avoid sweet toppings like pears. Add protein (grilled chicken, steak) to make it a filling keto lunch.
- Texture Booster: Add toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans. They pair beautifully with the creamy, tangy flavor of the cheese.
- Presentation Hack: Serve on chilled plates and finish with a drizzle of extra dressing and a few microgreens or edible flowers for a restaurant-worthy look.