Outback Blue Cheese Salad Dressing – Copycat

I’ll never forget the first time I tasted a truly great blue cheese dressing. It wasn’t in some fancy restaurant, but at a casual neighborhood steakhouse, the kind with peanut shells on the floor and the scent of grilled onions hanging in the air. I was a skeptical kid, normally shunning anything blue cheese-related, but the creamy, tangy aroma wafting from the glistening salad was irresistible. One bite, and I was hooked. The dressing was rich, complex, and far beyond the watery, vinegary stuff I’d previously encountered. It transformed a simple salad into something memorable, a small indulgence that made the whole meal feel special. I’ve been chasing that perfect blue cheese dressing ever since, and this copycat recipe brings me remarkably close to that nostalgic flavor.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Servings: 1 cup
• Yields: 1 cup
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon crumbled blue cheese
• 1⁄8 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper
• 1⁄8 teaspoon onion powder
• 1⁄8 teaspoon garlic powder

Equipment Needed

• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Airtight container for storage

Instructions

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons of buttermilk.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of crumbled blue cheese to the bowl. Don’t overthink the size of the crumbles at this stage, as they will break down further as you mix.
3. Season the mixture with 1/8 teaspoon of fresh coarse ground black pepper, 1/8 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder.
4. Using a whisk or a fork, gently mix all the ingredients together until smooth. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the dressing too thin. The dressing should be creamy but still have a slight texture from the blue cheese crumbles.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the dressing to an airtight container.
6. Chill the dressing in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the dressing to thicken slightly.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Mayonnaise Matters: The quality of your mayonnaise will significantly impact the final flavor of the dressing. Use a full-fat mayonnaise for the richest flavor and creamiest texture.
• Buttermilk Boost: Buttermilk adds a subtle tang and thins the dressing to the perfect consistency. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 2 tablespoons of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly before using.
• Blue Cheese Bliss: The type of blue cheese you use will also affect the dressing’s flavor. A milder blue cheese like Gorgonzola will create a more delicate flavor, while a stronger blue cheese like Roquefort will result in a bolder, more pungent dressing. Experiment to find your favorite!
• Spice it Up: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce to the dressing.
• Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like chopped chives, parsley, or dill can add a burst of freshness to the dressing. Stir them in just before serving.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually improve over time!
• Adjusting Consistency: If the dressing is too thick, add a little more buttermilk, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a bit more mayonnaise.
• Lumpy Rescue: If your blue cheese crumbles are too large and the dressing is too lumpy, you can pulse it briefly in a food processor or blender until it’s smoother. However, be careful not to over-process it, as this can make it too thin.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Outback Blue Cheese Dressing is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. Of course, it’s fantastic on a classic wedge salad with crisp iceberg lettuce, crumbled bacon, and chopped tomatoes. It’s also delicious as a dip for vegetables, chicken wings, or even French fries. Try using it as a spread for sandwiches or burgers, or as a sauce for grilled chicken or steak.

To store leftover dressing, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Due to the dairy content, it’s best not to leave the dressing at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Freezing is not recommended, as the mayonnaise can separate and become grainy when thawed.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	961.3 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	730 g	76%
Total Fat	81.2 g	124%
Saturated Fat	13.3 g	66%
Cholesterol	68.6 mg	22%
Sodium	1820.6 mg	75%
Total Carbohydrate	58.5 g	19%
Dietary Fiber	0.1 g	0%
Sugars	16.6 g	66%
Protein	5 g	10%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegan Blue Cheese Dressing: Substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayonnaise alternative, the buttermilk with a plant-based milk alternative mixed with lemon juice, and use a vegan blue cheese alternative (though these can be harder to find).
• Greek Yogurt Version: Replace half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing.
• Spicy Blue Cheese Dressing: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or a finely minced jalapeño pepper to the dressing for a kick.
• Garlic Lover’s Dream: Increase the amount of garlic powder to 1/4 teaspoon or add a clove of minced fresh garlic to the dressing.
• Herby Goodness: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill for a burst of freshness.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: While this recipe is specifically for blue cheese dressing, you could experiment with other cheeses like crumbled feta or goat cheese for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind it won’t be “blue cheese” dressing anymore!

Q: How long will this dressing last in the refrigerator?
A: This dressing will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.

Q: Can I freeze this dressing?
A: Freezing is not recommended, as the mayonnaise can separate and become grainy when thawed.

Q: Is it necessary to chill the dressing before serving?
A: While not strictly necessary, chilling the dressing for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together and the dressing to thicken slightly, resulting in a better flavor and texture.

Q: Can I make this dressing thinner?
A: Yes, you can thin the dressing by adding a little more buttermilk, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

Creating this copycat Outback Blue Cheese Salad Dressing is a journey back to those simple, satisfying flavors that often hold the fondest memories. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ingredients and adjust the recipe to your own personal preferences. Whip up a batch of this creamy, tangy dressing and elevate your next salad, appetizer, or snack. And, most importantly, don’t forget to share your creations and feedback – happy cooking!