Three Cheese Vinaigrette Recipes

BASIC VINAIGRETTE DRESSING WITH 8 VARIATIONS

Steps:

• Shake all ingredients for your chosen variation together in a tightly-lidded container OR whisk together in a small bowl.
• Let stand 10 minutes to rehydrate dried herbs and blend flavors.
• Shake again then dress salad as desired.
• Note -- I recommend the lemon dressing on spinach.
• Note -- I recommend the Bacon Dressing, Mustard Dressing, and Balsamic Vinaigrette on strong greens such as escarole, curly endive, and dandelion greens.
• Note -- The sweeter version of the mustard dressing is great for a vinegar coleslaw if you discover that you have accidentally gotten one of those occasional cabbages that are a touch on the bitter side.
• Note -- feel free to play with other seasonings, more complex blends, flavored oils, and flavored vinegars. Once you've learned the technique you can customize your salad dressing to suit just about any meal.

HALLOUMI THREE-BEAN SALAD WITH POMEGRANATE-HARISSA VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Heat a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Cook each halloumi slab on all 4 sides, about 5 minutes. Set aside and allow to cool slightly; cut into 1/4-inch cubes.
• While cheese is cooking, whisk pomegranate vinegar, honey, harissa, olive oil, and black pepper together in a dressing jar. Set aside.
• Combine black beans, kidney beans, white beans, onion, mint, and cilantro in a bowl and toss with a spoon. Add cooked halloumi. Drizzle vinaigrette dressing over salad and toss to coat. Cover and allow to sit at room temperature at least 15 minutes.

THREE-CHEESE MIXED GREEN SALAD WITH VINAIGRETTE DRESSING

Steps:

• For the vinaigrette dressing: Mix together the grapeseed oil, olive oil, agave, garlic, oregano, parsley, rosemary, thyme, cayenne and lemon juice in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
• For the mixed green salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, arugula, red onions, blue cheese, Cheddar, mozzarella and tomatoes. Drizzle with the vinaigrette and toss. Season with salt and pepper.

GOAT CHEESE VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Whisk the vinegar and a generous pinch of salt in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in the oil, starting with a few drops and then adding the rest in a steady stream to make a smooth, slightly thick dressing. Whisk in a couple of turns of freshly ground black pepper. Stir in the goat cheese.

BAKED THREE-CHEESE MACARONI

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. Cook macaroni in a 6-qt. stockpot according to package directions for al dente. Drain; return to pot., In a large saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth; whisk in warmed milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 2-3 minutes or until thickened., Remove from heat; stir in Gruyere and cheddar cheeses, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Add to macaroni, tossing to coat., Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Toss bread crumbs with Parmesan cheese and melted butter; sprinkle over casserole. Bake, uncovered, 30-40 minutes or until bubbly and top is golden brown.

BLUE CHEESE VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Transfer the garlic mixture to the blender.
• Add 1/2 cup of blue cheese crumbles, white wine vinegar, remaining olive oil, vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon of water, a dash of hot pepper sauce, a pinch of sugar, if desired, and season with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste. Blend until creamy.
• Add the remaining 1/4 cup of blue cheese crumbles; mix well. Seal jar and place in the refrigerator for flavors to mingle.
• Taste before serving and add more seasonings if needed. Whisk and drizzle over your salad, to taste. Enjoy.

THREE CHEESE VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Place all ingredients in a food processor.
• Pulse until smooth.
• Serve over salads, use to marinate chicken or fish, mix with pasta, etc. Enjoy!

HOW TO MAKE BLUE CHEESE VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Simply put all the ingredients in a blender and blend until very smooth.
• When blended, the blue cheese will give this dressing a slightly blue hue. Don't worry-when you pour the dressing over lettuce the color will look closer to white or cream.
• This dressing will thicken when refrigerated; bring leftover dressing up to room temperature before using or at the very least, whisk it vigorously.​