I’ll be honest—when I first tried Salad with Blue Cheese, I was skeptical. But then I had the salad. You know the kind: cool, crunchy greens, tangy red onions, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and that salty, creamy blue cheese crumble that makes your taste buds dance.
If you’re craving bold flavors, satisfying textures, and a no-fuss salad that feels gourmet, this is the one. Whether you’re serving it with grilled chicken for a full meal or enjoying it solo with a slice of crusty bread, you’re in for something truly delicious.
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything: the ingredients, swaps, step-by-step instructions, expert tips, creative variations, and how to store leftovers. Let’s get into it—don’t worry if this is your first time making a blue cheese salad. I’ve got you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big flavors, little effort – Perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
- Balanced textures – Creamy blue cheese, crispy bacon, crunchy lettuce.
- Flexible and customizable – Works with steak, grilled chicken, or tofu.
- Naturally low in carbs – Great for keto or low-carb diets.
- Made with pantry staples – Simple ingredients, big impact.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this cheese salad recipe:
For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed greens (I like a mix of romaine and arugula)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onions, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 4 slices)
- 1/2 avocado, sliced (optional but creamy and delicious)
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans (adds crunch and richness)
For the Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (or regular milk if needed)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (more if you like it tangy)
Tip: Use a strong, crumbly blue cheese like Roquefort or Gorgonzola for maximum flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions
Here are a few swaps to match your taste or pantry:
- Lettuce: Swap mixed greens for romaine, butter lettuce, or baby spinach.
- Blue Cheese: Not a fan? Try feta, goat cheese, or even shredded sharp cheddar.
- Bacon: Use turkey bacon or skip entirely for a vegetarian version.
- Red Onion: Shallots or green onions offer a milder bite.
- Dressing Base: Greek yogurt works well in place of sour cream for a lighter version.
How to Make Salad with Blue Cheese Recipe
Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a satisfying salad in under 15 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prep the Ingredients (5 mins):
Wash and dry your greens. Slice the red onions and cherry tomatoes. Crumble the cooked bacon. - Make the Dressing (5 mins):
In a small bowl, mix sour cream, mayo, and buttermilk. Stir in garlic powder, salt, pepper, and blue cheese crumbles. Mash some of the cheese to blend into the dressing, but leave a few chunks. - Assemble the Salad (2 mins):
In a large serving bowl or platter, add your greens, cherry tomatoes, onions, and avocado (if using). Sprinkle with bacon and blue cheese crumbles. - Dress It Up (1 min):
Drizzle your creamy blue cheese dressing over the top, or serve it on the side. - Toss & Serve (2 mins):
Gently toss to coat (or leave it layered if serving for guests). Top with toasted nuts for a finishing crunch.
Tools You’ll Need: Small mixing bowl, whisk or spoon, sharp knife, salad bowl.
Expert Tips for Success
- Chill your dressing for 10–15 minutes before serving—it helps the flavors meld.
- Don’t overdress! A little goes a long way with creamy blue cheese dressing.
- Cut onions thinly for the perfect flavor pop without overpowering.
- Use freshly cooked bacon for crispier texture and better taste.
- Toast your nuts in a dry skillet for 3–4 minutes to bring out their flavor.
Variations & Add-Ons
Want to switch things up? Here are some ideas:
- Grilled Chicken Blue Cheese Salad – Add sliced grilled chicken breast for a full meal.
- Vegan Version – Use plant-based cheese and tempeh bacon, and a cashew-based dressing.
- Southwest Twist – Add corn, black beans, and a dash of smoked paprika.
- Buffalo Style – Drizzle with buffalo sauce and serve with celery slices.
- Seasonal Fruits – Toss in sliced pears or apples for a sweet contrast.
What to Serve with Blue Cheese Salad
This salad plays well as a side or a main. Try pairing it with:
- Grilled steak or chicken – the creamy dressing balances smoky, savory meat.
- Hearty soups – like tomato basil or potato leek.
- Crusty bread or garlic toast – for a satisfying crunch.
- Chilled white wine or iced tea – clean and crisp against the bold flavors.
For presentation, sprinkle extra blue cheese on top and serve in a shallow bowl for that elegant bistro look.
Storage & Reheating
Storing Leftovers:
- Store undressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Store the dressing separately in a jar for up to 5 days.
Reheating:
No reheating needed, but if you’re adding grilled proteins, reheat those separately before assembling.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
Time Summary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make blue cheese salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the components ahead and store them separately. Toss everything just before serving.
What’s the best blue cheese for salad?
Gorgonzola, Roquefort, or Danish blue cheese work well. Choose one with bold flavor and good crumble.
How do I mellow the flavor of blue cheese?
Mix it with creamy dressing bases like sour cream or yogurt to tone down the sharpness.
Is blue cheese salad keto-friendly?
Yes! It’s naturally low in carbs, especially if you skip the tomatoes or use low-carb substitutes.
Can I use bottled blue cheese dressing?
Absolutely, but homemade tastes fresher and lets you control the ingredients and flavor.
What’s the difference between blue cheese and feta?
Blue cheese is tangier, creamier, and made with mold cultures. Feta is crumbly, saltier, and made from sheep or goat milk.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about this salad with blue cheese—the creamy dressing, the sharp crumbles, the mix of fresh and crunchy. It feels like something you’d order at a nice café, but you can make it at home in minutes.
Whether you’re new to blue cheese or already a fan, this salad might just become a favorite. Give it a try and let me know how it goes—I’d love to hear your spin on it!
👉 Leave a comment, rate the recipe, or share it with a friend who loves bold flavors!
Salad with Blue Cheese
Ingredients
Method
- Prep the Ingredients (5 mins):
- Wash and dry your greens. Slice the red onions and cherry tomatoes. Crumble the cooked bacon.
- Make the Dressing (5 mins):
- In a small bowl, mix sour cream, mayo, and buttermilk. Stir in garlic powder, salt, pepper, and blue cheese crumbles. Mash some of the cheese to blend into the dressing, but leave a few chunks.
- Assemble the Salad (2 mins):
- In a large serving bowl or platter, add your greens, cherry tomatoes, onions, and avocado (if using). Sprinkle with bacon and blue cheese crumbles.
- Dress It Up (1 min):
- Drizzle your creamy blue cheese dressing over the top, or serve it on the side.
- Toss & Serve (2 mins):
- Gently toss to coat (or leave it layered if serving for guests). Top with toasted nuts for a finishing crunch.
Notes
- Chill your dressing for 10–15 minutes before serving—it helps the flavors meld.
- Don’t overdress! A little goes a long way with creamy blue cheese dressing.
- Cut onions thinly for the perfect flavor pop without overpowering.
- Use freshly cooked bacon for crispier texture and better taste.
- Toast your nuts in a dry skillet for 3–4 minutes to bring out their flavor.
