Practically Fat-Free Blue Cheese Dressing
A creamy, flavorful blue cheese dressing with fresh herbs, perfect for salads or dipping, appealing to cheese lovers seeking a healthy, virtually fat-free option.
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp. fresh parsley, washed and dried
- 3 small shallots, peeled and quartered
- 3 Tbsp. champagne vinegar ⓘ
- 2 tsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 6 Tbsp. nonfat mayonnaise ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. nonfat cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. nonfat yogurt
- white pepper to taste ⓘ
- 2 c. low-fat buttermilk ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. Blue cheese (preferably Roquefort), crumbled ⓘ
Instructions
- Place parsley and shallots in the bowl of a food processor and finely chop.
- Add vinegar, olive oil, mayonnaise, cream cheese, blue cheese, and yogurt to the processor.
- Add about half a cup of the buttermilk and process until smooth.
- Add white pepper and the remaining buttermilk, then process until well blended.
- Store in a covered container in the refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, allow the nonfat cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing. If you prefer a tangier flavor, consider adding a splash more champagne vinegar or using a different vinegar like apple cider. You can substitute fresh herbs with dried ones, but reduce the quantity by half. This dressing can easily be adapted to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
This dressing is perfect as a dip for fresh vegetables or as a drizzle over grilled chicken or salads. It pairs beautifully with Judy'S Homemade Soup for a light meal or drizzle it over a Zucchini Medley for a delicious side. Serve it alongside your favorite American recipes for a refreshing twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors will meld and improve over time. If the dressing thickens, simply stir in a little extra buttermilk to reach your desired consistency before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Practically Fat-Free Blue Cheese Dressing contains roughly 371 calories, with 6g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value), iron (17% of the Daily Value), and calcium (16% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of nonfat?
Yes, you can use regular mayonnaise if you prefer a richer flavor, but it will increase the fat content of the dressing. If you're watching your calorie intake, sticking with nonfat mayonnaise is a great choice.
What can I substitute for blue cheese?
If you're not a fan of blue cheese, you can substitute it with feta cheese for a milder flavor. Alternatively, goat cheese can also work well, although the dressing will have a different taste profile. Adjust the amount according to your preference.
Is this dressing suitable for vegans?
This dressing is not suitable for vegans due to the use of dairy products like cream cheese and yogurt. However, you can experiment with vegan substitutes like cashew cream or tofu to create a vegan version of this dressing, ensuring it remains creamy and flavorful.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).