Ina Garten’s Blue Cheese Dressing is a creamy, tangy dressing that brings a burst of flavor to salads, vegetables, and even as a dip for wings. Made with rich blue cheese, fresh buttermilk, and a hint of lemon, this dressing is the perfect blend of sharp and smooth. It’s easy to make at home and far superior to anything store-bought.
What is Ina Garten Blue Cheese Dressing?
Ina Garten’s Blue Cheese Dressing is a rich and creamy dressing made with crumbled blue cheese, buttermilk, mayonnaise, and a touch of lemon juice for brightness. The dressing has a tangy, robust flavor from the blue cheese, balanced by the creaminess of the mayonnaise and the acidity of the lemon. This versatile dressing is perfect for salads, dipping, or adding a burst of flavor to sandwiches and wraps.

Other Ina Garten Recipes
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of blue cheese and buttermilk creates a luscious, creamy texture.
- Full of Flavor: The bold flavor of blue cheese is complemented by the tanginess of lemon juice and buttermilk.
- Versatile: Use it on salads, as a dip, or as a sauce for meats and vegetables.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dressing comes together in just a few minutes.
- Better Than Store-Bought: Homemade dressing tastes fresher and has no preservatives, making it a healthier and more flavorful option.
Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Blue Cheese Dressing
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
- 1/4 cup of buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of white wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 4 ounces of blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl: For combining the ingredients.
- Whisk: Mixing the dressing until smooth and well combined.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring the ingredients.
- Chef’s Knife: For chopping the chives or parsley (if using).
- Cutting Board: To prepare your ingredients.
- Airtight Container: For storing the dressing in the refrigerator.
Instructions to Make Ina Garten Blue Cheese Dressing
- Combine the Base Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth and well combined.
- Add the Flavorings: Stir in the fresh lemon juice, white wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Fold in the Blue Cheese: Gently fold in the crumbled blue cheese, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the dressing. For a chunkier texture, leave some larger pieces of blue cheese intact.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your taste.
- Chill the Dressing: For the best flavor, cover the dressing and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Serve the blue cheese dressing chilled, drizzled over salads, used as a dip for vegetables, or as a sauce for grilled meats.

Ina Garten Blue Cheese Dressing
What Goes Well With Ina Garten Blue Cheese Dressing
- Wedge Salad: Drizzle over a classic wedge salad with iceberg lettuce, bacon, and tomatoes.
- Buffalo Wings: Serve as a dipping sauce for buffalo wings.
- Grilled Steak: Use as a sauce for grilled steak or burgers.
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or potatoes.
- Fresh Veggies: Serve as a dip for fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers.
Essential Tips for Perfecting Ina Garten Blue Cheese Dressing
- Use High-Quality Blue Cheese: The flavor of the dressing relies heavily on the quality of the blue cheese, so choose a good one.
- Chill Before Serving: Allow the dressing to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Customize the Texture: If you prefer a smoother dressing, use a blender to combine the ingredients. For a chunkier texture, fold in the blue cheese by hand.
- Balance the Flavors: Taste the dressing and adjust the lemon juice, salt, or pepper as needed to achieve the perfect balance.
- Store Properly: Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use it within a week.
Variations of Ina Garten Blue Cheese Dressing
- Herb-Infused Dressing: Add fresh herbs like dill, chives, or parsley for extra flavor.
- Spicy Blue Cheese Dressing: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Blue Cheese Dressing: Add a clove of minced garlic for a garlicky twist.
- Lighter Version: Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a lighter, tangier dressing.
- Smoky Blue Cheese Dressing: Add a dash of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
Storing Ina Garten Blue Cheese Dressing: Best Practices
- Refrigerate Properly: Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Shake Before Serving: If the dressing separates slightly in the refrigerator, give it a good shake or stir before serving.
Reheating Ina Garten Blue Cheese Dressing: Best Practices
- Serve Chilled: This dressing is best served cold and does not require reheating.
How Can I Make Ina Garten Blue Cheese Dressing Healthier?
- Use Light Mayo and Sour Cream: Substitute regular mayonnaise and sour cream with their light versions to reduce the fat content.
- Greek Yogurt Option: Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier, protein-packed dressing.
- Reduce the Blue Cheese: Use a smaller amount of blue cheese to lighten the flavor and calorie content.
- Add More Herbs: Increase the amount of fresh herbs for added flavor and nutrients without extra calories.
- Skip the Worcestershire Sauce: If watching sodium intake, omit the Worcestershire sauce or use a low-sodium version.
Nutrition Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 2g
FAQs
How do I prevent Ina Garten Blue Cheese Dressing from being too thick?
To prevent the dressing from being too thick, you can add a little extra buttermilk to thin it out to your desired consistency. Mix thoroughly to ensure the dressing remains smooth.
Can I make Ina Garten Blue Cheese Dressing ahead of time?
Yes, this dressing can be made ahead of time and actually benefits from being refrigerated for a few hours or even overnight. The flavors will meld together, resulting in an even more delicious dressing.
What dishes pair best with Ina Garten Blue Cheese Dressing?
This dressing pairs wonderfully with wedge salads, buffalo wings, grilled steaks, roasted vegetables, and as a dip for fresh veggies. It’s a versatile dressing that can be used in a variety of recipes.
Can I customize Ina Garten Blue Cheese Dressing?
Absolutely! You can adjust the levels of blue cheese, lemon juice, herbs, and other ingredients to suit your taste. Feel free to experiment with different spices and seasonings as well.
Final Words
Ina Garten’s Blue Cheese Dressing is a rich and flavorful addition to any meal, whether you’re dressing a salad, dipping veggies, or adding a touch of luxury to a steak. With its creamy texture and bold taste, this homemade dressing is sure to impress. Easy to make and customizable to your preferences, it’s a must-have recipe for any blue cheese lover. Enjoy the delicious flavor, and don’t forget to share the recipe with friends and family!
Other Ina Garten Recipes:
- Ina Garten Cocktail Sauce
- Ina Garten Applesauce
- Ina Garten Arrabbiata Sauce
- Barefoot Contessa Beef Tenderloin With Horseradish Sauce

Ina Garten Blue Cheese Dressing
- Prep Time: 10
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Dressing
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Ina Garten’s Blue Cheese Dressing is a rich and creamy dressing made with crumbled blue cheese, buttermilk, mayonnaise, and a touch of lemon juice for brightness. The dressing has a tangy, robust flavor from the blue cheese, balanced by the creaminess of the mayonnaise and the acidity of the lemon. This versatile dressing is perfect for salads, dipping, or adding a burst of flavor to sandwiches and wraps.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
- 1/4 cup of buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of white wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 4 ounces of blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Combine the Base Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth and well combined.
- Add the Flavorings: Stir in the fresh lemon juice, white wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Fold in the Blue Cheese: Gently fold in the crumbled blue cheese, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the dressing. For a chunkier texture, leave some larger pieces of blue cheese intact.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your taste.
- Chill the Dressing: For the best flavor, cover the dressing and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Serve the blue cheese dressing chilled, drizzled over salads, used as a dip for vegetables, or as a sauce for grilled meats.