The Quintessential Roquefort Dressing: A Bold Statement for Your Salads

There’s a certain magic that happens when the pungent, salty, and deeply savory notes of Roquefort cheese meet the bright acidity of vinegar and the smooth richness of oil. I remember the first time I truly understood this alchemy. It was at a small bistro in Provence, a place that felt like stepping back in time. The salad arrived, deceptively simple, featuring peppery greens and a dressing that sang with a powerful, yet balanced, blue cheese flavor. It wasn’t just a dressing; it was a revelation. Each bite was a journey, the sharp cheese cutting through the slight bitterness of the greens, leaving a lingering, delightful tang. That experience ignited a lifelong love affair with Roquefort dressing, and this recipe is my homage to that unforgettable Provençal moment.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: Approximately 1 cup
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

To craft this intensely flavored dressing, you’ll need these key components:

• 2 1⁄2 ounces Roquefort cheese, crumbled: The star of the show. Look for good quality, authentic Roquefort for the best flavor profile.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle sharpness and helps emulsify the dressing.
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream or 2 tablespoons yogurt: This provides a creamy base and softens the intensity of the Roquefort. Heavy cream offers a richer texture, while yogurt offers a tangier, lighter alternative.
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar: Its crisp acidity is essential for balancing the richness of the cheese and oil.
• 6 tablespoons vegetable oil: A neutral-flavored oil like canola or grapeseed is ideal to let the Roquefort shine.
• Freshly ground salt and black pepper, to taste: Crucial for enhancing and fine-tuning the flavors.

Equipment Needed

While this dressing is remarkably simple to prepare, a few basic kitchen tools will ensure success:

• Medium-sized bowl: To combine and whisk the ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential for achieving a smooth, emulsified dressing.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient proportions.

Instructions

Creating this exquisite Roquefort dressing is a straightforward process, perfect for elevating any salad in minutes.

1. In your medium-sized bowl, combine the crumbled Roquefort cheese, Dijon mustard, heavy cream (or yogurt), and white wine vinegar.
2. Whisk these ingredients together vigorously until the mixture is as smooth as possible. You want to break down the cheese as much as you can at this stage.
3. Now, in a slow, steady stream, begin to gradually whisk in the vegetable oil. Continue whisking constantly as you pour to ensure the oil is fully incorporated and the dressing emulsifies, becoming creamy and cohesive.
4. Once all the oil has been added and the dressing is beautifully smooth, season to taste with freshly ground salt and black pepper. Be mindful of the saltiness of the Roquefort itself when adding salt.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Room Temperature Ingredients: While not strictly necessary for this quick dressing, allowing your Roquefort cheese, cream (or yogurt), and vinegar to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before starting can help them blend more smoothly, especially if your cheese is very firm.
• Emulsification is Key: The gradual addition of oil while whisking is paramount. If you add the oil too quickly, the dressing may break, meaning the oil and vinegar will separate. If this happens, don’t fret! You can often rescue it by whisking in another teaspoon of vinegar or mustard, then slowly reintroducing the oil.
• Texture Control: If you prefer a looser dressing, you can add an extra tablespoon of cream, yogurt, or even a tiny splash more white wine vinegar. For a thicker dressing, use slightly less cream or yogurt.
• The Power of the Whisk: Don’t underestimate the humble whisk here. It does all the heavy lifting for emulsification. A good, sturdy whisk will make this process much easier and yield a better result.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Roquefort dressing is at its peak when freshly made, but it holds up beautifully for a few days.

• Serving: Drizzle this dressing generously over salads featuring peppery greens like arugula, radicchio, and oak leaf. It also pairs wonderfully with grilled steak, roasted vegetables, or as a dip for crudités. For an elegant presentation, place your salad ingredients in a bowl and artfully drizzle the dressing over the top, allowing it to cascade down the leaves.
• Storage: Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will typically keep well for 3 to 5 days. Before serving, give it a good whisk, as some separation may occur over time.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for this Roquefort dressing. Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	272 kcal
Calories from Fat	257 kcal
Total Fat	28.6 g	44%
Saturated Fat	7.8 g	38%
Cholesterol	26.2 mg	8%
Sodium	337.4 mg	14%
Total Carbohydrate	0.7 g	0%
Dietary Fiber	0 g	0%
Sugars	0 g	0%
Protein	4 g	8%

Values are for a single serving (approximately 1/4 of the total yield).

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is perfected for its classic Roquefort flavor, there’s always room for personal touch:

• For a Lighter Dressing: As mentioned in the ingredients, yogurt can be used instead of heavy cream for a tangier, less rich dressing. Greek yogurt will offer a thicker consistency.
• Herbaceous Notes: Finely chopped fresh chives or parsley can be added for a burst of freshness and color. A small amount of minced garlic or a pinch of freshly grated lemon zest can also add complexity.
• Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce can be incorporated.
• Different Blue Cheeses: While Roquefort is iconic, you could experiment with other robust blue cheeses like Gorgonzola or Stilton, keeping in mind their unique flavor profiles.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
A: Yes, absolutely! This Roquefort dressing can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just remember to whisk it well before serving.

Q: What kind of greens are best with this dressing?
A: This dressing is a perfect match for strong, peppery leaves like arugula, radicchio, and oak leaf, as its bold flavor can stand up to their intensity.

Q: My dressing looks separated, what should I do?
A: Don’t worry! This is common. Simply whisk it vigorously or give it a quick shake in a lidded jar until it emulsifies again.

Q: Can I use a different type of oil?
A: While vegetable oil is recommended for its neutral flavor, you could experiment with a mild olive oil, but be aware that its flavor will become more prominent in the dressing.

Q: Is this dressing suitable for a vegan diet?
A: No, this dressing contains dairy from the Roquefort cheese and heavy cream/yogurt, so it is not suitable for a vegan diet.

Final Thoughts

This Roquefort dressing is more than just a condiment; it’s an experience. It’s for those moments when you want to add a touch of sophistication and a whole lot of flavor to your plate. It’s a testament to the power of simple, quality ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. I encourage you to try it, to taste the bold, tangy, and utterly irresistible notes of Roquefort. Serve it with your favorite greens, perhaps alongside some crusty bread to mop up every last drop, and savor the delicious simplicity.

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