Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe

Raw cashews: These need to be soaked in water to soften them, creating a creamy texture when blended.

Water: Helps to blend the cashews smoothly.

Apple cider vinegar: Adds tanginess and a slight sweetness to the dressing.

Nutritional yeast: Provides a cheesy flavor without using dairy.

Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for a bright, acidic note.

Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor.

Onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of onion.

Salt: Balances the flavors.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity.

To achieve a smoother and creamier texture for your blue cheese dressing, make sure to blend the soaked cashews for a sufficient amount of time. If your blender struggles, pause and scrape down the sides, then continue blending. Adding the water gradually can also help in achieving the desired consistency.

• raw cashews - Substitute with silken tofu: Silken tofu provides a creamy texture similar to cashews and is also a good source of protein.

• water - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk adds a slight nutty flavor and maintains the consistency needed for the dressing.

• apple cider vinegar - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar has a similar acidity and tanginess, making it a suitable replacement.

• nutritional yeast - Substitute with miso paste: Miso paste adds a savory umami flavor that can mimic the cheesy taste provided by nutritional yeast.

• freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and freshness, making it a good alternative.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a more intense and aromatic garlic flavor.

• onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped shallots: Finely chopped shallots offer a mild onion flavor and add a bit of texture to the dressing.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dressing.

• freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar spiciness but with a slightly different flavor profile that can add a unique twist.

• For optimal freshness, transfer the blue cheese dressing into an airtight container. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids work exceptionally well.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The dressing will keep for up to one week, maintaining its creamy texture and robust flavor.
• If you notice any separation, simply give the dressing a good stir before using it. This will help reincorporate all the ingredients.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the dressing. Pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top as the dressing will expand when frozen.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness. The dressing can be frozen for up to three months.
• When ready to use, thaw the dressing in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, give it a good stir to restore its creamy consistency.
• Avoid refreezing the dressing after it has been thawed, as this can affect the texture and flavor.
• For a quick refresh, add a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar after thawing to brighten the flavors.
• If the dressing becomes too thick after refrigeration or freezing, thin it out with a small amount of water or plant-based milk until you reach the desired consistency.

• For a quick and easy method, place the blue cheese dressing in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• If you prefer a more controlled reheating process, use a double boiler. Fill the bottom pot with water and bring it to a simmer. Place the blue cheese dressing in the top pot and stir occasionally until warmed through.
• For a gentle and even reheating, pour the blue cheese dressing into a small saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent any separation or burning.
• If you have a sous vide machine, place the blue cheese dressing in a vacuum-sealed bag or a zip-top bag with the air removed. Submerge in a water bath set to 120°F (49°C) and heat for about 15 minutes.
• For a more rustic approach, place the blue cheese dressing in an oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil and heat in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through.

• Blender: Use this to combine all the ingredients and blend them until smooth and creamy.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the cashews, water, apple cider vinegar, and nutritional yeast.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

• Strainer: Use this to drain and rinse the soaked cashews.

• Spatula: Helpful for scraping down the sides of the blender to ensure all ingredients are well combined.

• Refrigerator: Needed to chill the dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving.

• Knife: Useful for cutting the lemon to squeeze out the juice.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface to cut the lemon.

Pre-soak cashews: Soak cashews overnight to save time on the day of preparation.

Use a high-speed blender: A high-speed blender will make the dressing smoother and faster.

Measure ingredients ahead: Pre-measure all ingredients and keep them ready to streamline the process.

Double the batch: Make a larger batch and store it in the fridge for up to a week.

Quick chill: Place the dressing in the freezer for 10 minutes instead of refrigerating for 30 minutes.