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    Home » My Favorites

    Feb 22, 2021 · Modified: Nov 10, 2022 by Melinda O'Malley Keckler · This post may contain affiliate links · this blog generates income via ads.

    Blue Cheese Vinaigrette

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Blue Cheese Vinaigrette is brimming with olive oil, blue cheese, two types of vinegar and a unique blend of spices. It's inspired by a delicious salad dressing served at a restaurant called Buddy's. This vinaigrette is tangy and cheesy. Toss it with crisp lettuce greens for a memorable salad.

    A fork full of green salad held above a bowl of salad.
    Every bite of this salad dressing is cheesy and tangy.

    Buddy's Copycat

    The recipe is inspired by the best blue cheese and olive oil-based salad dressing I've ever had. Scroll down for the story.

    A glass jar full of salad dressing.
    The perfect blend of blue cheese, spices, herbs, olive oil, vinegar and of course plenty of garlic!

    Ingredients to have on hand

    Finding just the right balance of seasonings and spices is what took the longest time for me to "perfect" this blue cheese vinaigrette dressing.

    • extra light olive oil
    • white wine vinegar
    • oregano
    • garlic powder
    • Tone’s Rosemary Garlic Seasoning Blend
    • blue cheese - I recommend the Danish Blue variety
    • garlic
    • balsamic glaze
    Ingredients for blue cheese vinaigrette.
    All these ingredients add up for some powerful flavor in this vinaigrette.

    Salad Dressing Spices

    This recipe includes a generous amount of dried oregano and fresh garlic, and the essence of rosemary from Tone's Rosemary Garlic Seasoning Blend. The combo of herbs and spice is a great companion to the distinctive, creamy blue cheese.

    Olive oil and white wine vinegar in a 4-cup glass measuring cup.
    A 4-cup glass measuring cup is the perfect "bowl" for blending this salad dressing.
    A wedge of blue cheese tipped on edge next to a glass measuring cup of salad dressing ingredients.
    I like to use a wedge of blue cheese for the first step, and crumble about 4 ounces (the size of this wedge) into the measuring cup before blending.

    Blend the Dressing

    I use an immersion blender to blend the ingredients. Honestly, that type of blender is my go-to kitchen appliance, especially when it comes to combining liquid ingredients.

    As an option, using a counter blender will work just fine with this recipe. Be careful not to over-do it when blending. A quick few pulses of the blades are all you need to combine the blue cheese with the olive oil, vinegar and spices.

    Blue cheese crumbles on top of blended ingredients.
    After blending the four ounces of blue cheese, stir the remaining blue cheese with a spoon.

    Choosing the Blue Cheese

    Not all blue cheese varieties are equal. I recommend using Castello Danish Blue for this recipe, but any brand of the Danish Blue variety blue cheese will be delicious.

    You should be able to find Danish Blue Cheese in your grocery store wherever the speciality cheeses are sold. I've made this using Gorgonzola blue cheese, but I've found that the flavor was a little too tangy and not as rich and robust as Danish Blue.

    Salad greens in a small bowl covered with blue cheese vinaigrette, a copycat version of Buddy's Salad Dressing.
    This salad dressing is delicious tossed with crispy lettuce greens.
    Why balsamic glaze instead of balsamic vinegar?

    Balsamic glaze has a more intense flavor and the almost sweet taste is more robust than what we find in a balsamic vinegar. In this recipe, I've found that adding a ½ teaspoon of balsamic glaze helps to "soften" the tangy white wine vinegar. Be assured, you'll use the glaze beyond just this recipe. It's handy to have on hand and it's delicious drizzled on roasted brussels sprouts, fresh mozzarella and diced tomatoes. Yum!

    Great Flavor the Next Day

    This blue cheese vinaigrette is terrific served fresh and as soon as you make it. Toss it right away with those leafy greens. But the flavors blend beautifully after a day in the fridge and the "cheesy" flavor of the blue cheese is a little more dominant. So good!

    A glass jar full of copycat Buddy's salad dressing.
    The perfect blend of blue cheese, spices, herbs, olive oil, vinegar and of course plenty of garlic!

    The inspiration: Buddy's Salad Dressing

    This is my copycat version of a VERY famous salad dressing from a beloved Italian restaurant in Pocatello, Idaho called Buddy's. I've been trying to create this version of salad dressing for a long, long time.

    About 20 years ago, someone gave me what they thought was a copy of the actual Buddy's Salad Dressing recipe (it wasn't) and since then I've been dabbling with spices, blue cheese variations, olive oils and vinegar combinations to try and hit the mark.

    I've gone through gallons of olive oil and vinegar trying to get this recipe just right. Now, at long last, I think I'm as close as I can get without actually working in their kitchen! But I would encourage you, if you are ever in Pocatello, to stop in at Buddy's and try the real thing!

    The Crinkled Cookbook is not in any way affiliated with Buddy's Italian Restaurant. This recipe is simply my best guess at what their special recipe for delicious salad dressing might be.

    A fork full of green salad with copycat Buddy's Salad Dressing, held above a bowl of salad.
    Every bite of this salad dressing is cheesy and tangy.

    What to serve with your salad

    A crispy green salad always pairs well with pasta, meatballs and tomato sauces. Here are a few ideas that go great on the plate with Blue Cheese Vinaigrette Dressing:

    • Homemade Meatballs
    • Tomato-Cream Sauce
    • Cheesy Baked Ziti

    Be sure to give a star rating to the recipes you make from the Crinkled Cookbook. I always love hearing from you. Sharing is great too! Use the buttons after the recipe to text it with just one click or send it to family and friends on Pinterest and Facebook. Enjoy.

    Blue cheese crumbles on top of blended ingredients.

    Blue Cheese Vinaigrette

    Brimming with garlic, this salad dressing is unique blend of spices and just the right balance of olive oil and vinegar. It's tangy, cheesy and perfect tossed with crisp salad greens.
    4.94 from 131 votes
    Print Rate Pin Recipe
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 0 minutes
    0 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Servings: 21 3 tablespoons per person
    Calories: 184kcal
    Author: Melinda O'Malley Keckler

    Ingredients 

    • 1 ½ cups extra light olive oil
    • 1 cup white wine vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon oregano
    • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon Tone’s Rosemary Garlic Seasoning Blend
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 tablespoon sugar
    • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
    • 1 teaspoon fresh garlic crushed, 2-3 cloves
    • ½ teaspoon balsamic glaze
    • 8.5 ounces blue cheese divided

    Instructions

    Combine Ingredients

    • Place olive oil, white wine vinegar, oregano, garlic powder, Tone’s Rosemary Garlic Seasoning, salt, pepper, parsley, fresh garlic, balsamic glaze and 4 ounces of blue cheese in large glass container.

    Blend

    • Using an immersion blender combine all of the ingredients.

    Add Remaining Blue Cheese

    • Add remaining crumbled blue cheese and stir. For best flavor, make this dressing the day before you plan to serve, but it's also delicious served right away.
    • Refrigerate and serve with salad greens.

    Store in the Refrigerator

    • Store your Blue Cheese Vinaigrette in a covered container in the refrigerator. This will stay fresh for about 2 weeks. Enjoy!
    Did you make this recipe? Scroll up and leave a star rating.Tap @crinkledcookbook and follow me today.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 184kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 3gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 273mgPotassium: 46mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 94IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 67mgIron: 1mg

    Please note, the nutrition details are estimated using a food database and are offered here only as a guideline for informational purposes.

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    1. Dexter McBride says

      December 30, 2022 at 1:00 pm

      5 stars
      Love Buddy’s and this is as close as you could hope for. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Melinda O'Malley Keckler says

        December 30, 2022 at 1:43 pm

        Thank you Dex! I know you are a big, big fan of Buddy's so this five star review means the world to me!!

        Reply
    2. Joline says

      November 29, 2022 at 12:52 pm

      Melinda, I have never, ever commented on a recipe before! I went to the store yesterday to buy the ingredients for this dressing because I love making my own dressings. I have to tell you that this was simply outrageously delicious!!! In fact, I'm going to be enjoying it for several days! I plan to use it tonight on a grilled skirt steak! Thank you sooooo much!

      Reply
      • Melinda O'Malley Keckler says

        November 29, 2022 at 6:06 pm

        I'm happy to hear this! I also love Blue Cheese Vinaigrette with steak and agree, it's a tasty combo. Thank you for your lovely comment Joline!

        Reply
    3. Jeff Stack says

      November 09, 2022 at 6:38 pm

      You omitted when to add the Balsamic Glaze

      Also, I was skeptical with the amount of oregano, but as it turns out it's the perfect amount and not overwhelming at all. As a matter of fact, the garlic has a more 'lingering' effect.

      Over-all a delicious recipe and will make this often.

      Reply
      • Melinda O'Malley Keckler says

        November 10, 2022 at 7:43 am

        Thank you Jeff, I'm glad you enjoyed this and will make it again! And GREAT catch on the balsamic glaze! I've made that fix in the recipe. 🙂

        Reply
    4. Kathy says

      August 17, 2022 at 2:43 pm

      Would love to try this recipe. Where can I get Tones Rosemary garlic seasoning? I live in Florida.

      Reply
      • Melinda O'Malley Keckler says

        August 17, 2022 at 4:47 pm

        Hi Kathy! I buy it on Amazon. There's an affiliate link in the recipe post, in case that's helpful. 🙂

        Reply
        • Kathy says

          August 20, 2022 at 1:03 pm

          Thank you. I just found it at Sams today. Will be trying it soon.

          Reply
          • Melinda O'Malley Keckler says

            August 24, 2022 at 7:04 am

            Excellent! Glad you found it at the store. That makes it easy! Please keep me posted too. 🙂

            Reply
    5. Tiffany says

      July 28, 2022 at 4:22 pm

      Is there something you suggest if I don't have the Tone's seasoning?

      Reply
      • Melinda O'Malley Keckler says

        July 29, 2022 at 12:21 pm

        Hi Tiffany! Tone's rosemary garlic seasoning adds a very distinctive flavor to the dressing. Alas, I don't have a substitution. Thanks for the question. 🙂

        Reply
      • Jeff Stack says

        November 09, 2022 at 6:40 pm

        5 stars
        I just chopped up half teaspoon of dry rosemary to 1tsp of granulated garlic and worked perfectly.

        Reply
    6. Amanda P. says

      September 18, 2021 at 4:19 pm

      I’m from Pocatello and have always loved Buddy’s! I’ve long since moved away but stop there for pizza and salad anytime I’m passing through. I’m so anxious to try this recipe!

      Reply
      • Melinda O'Malley Keckler says

        September 18, 2021 at 4:55 pm

        Hi Amanda, I'm so excited to hear what you think! My number one recommendation is to be picky about the blue cheese, it DOES make a difference. Danish Blue is the variety that I think provides the best "Buddy's" taste. 🙂

        Reply
    7. Stephanie says

      June 29, 2021 at 10:45 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely a favorite recipe of mine. Delicious and I make it all the time.

      Reply
    8. Nayomi says

      May 22, 2021 at 1:20 pm

      5 stars
      I love a lil bit of blue cheese. This will be amazing with a grill chicken salad. Can't wait to try it?

      Reply
    9. Toni says

      May 20, 2021 at 6:07 am

      5 stars
      This dressing quickly became a staple at my house! So good! Thank you!

      Reply
    10. Angela says

      May 19, 2021 at 12:03 pm

      5 stars
      I love this dressing. It is a nice change to have a blue cheese dressing that isn't creamy. Delicious!

      Reply
      • Melinda O'Malley Keckler says

        May 19, 2021 at 12:34 pm

        Thanks and I feel the same way!! 🙂

        Reply
    11. Gloria says

      May 19, 2021 at 9:30 am

      5 stars
      Well isn't this the gourmet dressing? Homemade salad dressings are the best. So much better than anything you can get in a bottle. This would make a great take-along to a bbq party as a host/hostess gift.

      Reply
      • Melinda O'Malley Keckler says

        May 19, 2021 at 11:44 am

        Thank you! And I LOVE your idea of offering a jar of the salad dressing as a hostess gift. ❤️

        Reply
      • Janice says

        October 26, 2021 at 9:44 pm

        I’m on the hunt for a delicious balsamic dressing however, I can’t do blue cheese. Will feta also work?

        Reply
        • Melinda O'Malley Keckler says

          October 27, 2021 at 12:09 pm

          Thanks for the question. I've not made this using feta so can't say for sure. Feta has a more mild taste than blue cheese, but I know some folks interchange the two varieties with good results in other recipes. Please let me know here in the comments if you try the salad dressing making that substitution. Good luck!

          Reply
    12. Jason says

      February 28, 2021 at 9:26 am

      5 stars
      I felt like I was back at Buddy’s in Pocatello. I’ll be using this recipe over and over! Even my 13-year-old liked it and he’s more of a ranch dressing type. Thank you! .

      Reply
      • Melinda O'Malley Keckler says

        February 28, 2021 at 10:00 am

        Yay. I'm so happy to hear that you and your family enjoyed it Jason!! Thank you! 🙂

        Reply

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