Fat Free Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe: Buttermilk-Based Creaminess

Comprehensive Fat Free Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe: Buttermilk Based Creaminess visual reference

This buttermilk-based dressing delivers all the bold, tangy flavor of classic blue cheese without the fat. The secret lies in using non-fat Greek yogurt as a creamy base that perfectly complements the sharp cheese.

It comes together in 5 minutes with a simple whisk, and keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. Perfect for salads, wings, or as a vegetable dip.

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Difficulty
Medium
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Diet
Vegetarian
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Total Time
30 min
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Calories
Med Cal

Ingredients for Fat Free Blue Cheese Dressing

Creamy, tangy, bold—every flavor you love in a lighter, fat-free package.

Ingredient Amount Notes
Non-Fat Greek Yogurt 🥛 1 cup Plain, unsweetened for tang
Low-Fat Buttermilk 🥛 ½ cup Shake well before using
Blue Cheese Crumbles 🧀 ½ cup Reduced-fat variety preferred
White Vinegar 💧 2 tbsp Or apple cider vinegar
Dijon Mustard 🟡 1 tbsp Smooth, no seeds
Garlic Powder 🧄 ½ tsp Fresh minced works too
Onion Powder 🧅 ½ tsp For depth of flavor
Worcestershire Sauce 🍶 1 tsp Anchovy-free if strict vegetarian
Dried Parsley 🌿 1 tsp Or fresh, finely chopped
Salt 🧂 ¼ tsp Adjust to taste
Black Pepper 🌶️ ¼ tsp Freshly ground preferred

The Greek yogurt is doing the heavy lifting here. Fage Total 0% or Chobani Non-Fat are my go-tos—they’ve got that thick texture that mimics full-fat bases. Buttermilk should be fresh; if it’s past its prime, the dressing won’t have that signature tang. For the blue cheese, Athens reduced-fat crumbles work well, but any good-quality blue cheese will do. Just avoid the pre-crumbled stuff that’s been sitting too long (it dries out).

No buttermilk? Thin plain non-fat yogurt with a splash of milk and a teaspoon of lemon juice—let it sit 5 minutes to thicken. Swap Dijon for regular mustard if needed, though it’ll be milder. The Worcestershire adds umami depth, but soy sauce or coconut aminos work in a pinch. Fresh herbs? Use one-third the amount of dried. This dressing is forgiving.

Stays fresh in the fridge for 7-10 days in a sealed jar. The flavors actually deepen after a day. If it thickens too much, thin with a splash of buttermilk or water. Don’t freeze—it’ll separate and turn grainy.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Five Minute Mix: Just whisk yogurt, buttermilk, and crumbles—no cooking, no waiting.
  • Tangy Bite: That sharp blue cheese with Dijon’s kick? Ridiculously good on wings or salad.
  • Weeknight Hero: I toss it on wraps, dip veggies, or drizzle over grilled chicken—works every time.
  • Fridge Staple: Honestly, it keeps for days and costs less than store-bought.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Fat Free Blue Cheese Dressing

This method ensures a smooth, tangy dressing with balanced flavors and perfect consistency.

Step 1: Combine the Wet Base Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the 1 cup Non-Fat Greek Yogurt and 0.5 cup Low-Fat Buttermilk until completely smooth. The buttermilk should be well-shaken before measuring to ensure even distribution of its natural thickness.

This combination creates the creamy foundation. I always check for any lumps in the yogurt and break them up with the whisk—the smoother the base, the better the final texture. The mixture should look consistent with no visible separation.

Step 2: Incorporate the Acidic and Flavorful Elements

Add the 2 tbsp White Vinegar, 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard, 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce, 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder, and 0.5 tsp Onion Powder to the bowl. Whisk vigorously for 30-45 seconds until all ingredients are fully combined and the mixture takes on a uniform, slightly pale color.

The vinegar provides the essential tang that defines this dressing, while the mustard and Worcestershire add depth. The garlic and onion powders dissolve completely, so you won’t see any specks—just pure, integrated flavor.

Taste at this stage to ensure the acidity and seasoning are balanced. The flavors should be bold but not overpowering.

Step 3: Fold in the Blue Cheese Crumbles

Gently fold in the 0.5 cup Blue Cheese Crumbles using a silicone spatula. Press some of the crumbles against the side of the bowl to break them up slightly—this helps distribute the blue cheese flavor throughout the dressing while still leaving visible chunks for texture.

Be careful not to overmix. You want those characteristic blue cheese bits suspended in the creamy base, not a completely smooth mixture. The crumbles will soften slightly as they sit in the dressing, but should retain some of their shape.

Step 4: Season and Finish the Dressing

Sprinkle in the 0.25 tsp Salt, 0.25 tsp Black Pepper, and 1 tsp Dried Parsley. Whisk once more to incorporate these final seasonings evenly. The parsley adds a subtle freshness that brightens the rich, tangy profile.

Let the dressing sit for 10-15 minutes before using. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together. The consistency should be thick but pourable—perfect for drizzling over salads or using as a dip.

Give it a final stir before serving. If it thickens too much in the fridge, thin it with a splash of buttermilk to restore the ideal texture.

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Pro Tips For Making Fat Free Blue Cheese Dressing

  • Chill the Yogurt: Let the Greek yogurt sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before mixing—I learned this the hard way after my first batch separated like a bad breakup.
  • Mash the Cheese: Use a fork to break up the blue cheese crumbles into smaller bits; it distributes the flavor better than leaving them whole.
  • Skip the Blender: Stir by hand instead of blending to keep the dressing thick and creamy—blending turns it thin and watery, and I’ve ruined two batches that way.
  • Add Vinegar Last: Mix in the white vinegar at the very end, after everything else is combined, to avoid curdling the yogurt. Sounds weird, but it works.

Essential Equipment for Great fat free blue cheese dressing

Mixing Bowls

I always reach for a stainless steel mixing bowl with a wide base—at least 3 quarts—for making this dressing. The weight helps keep it steady while whisking, and the smooth surface makes cleanup a breeze. My go-to is from Winco.

Whisks

A balloon whisk is essential for breaking up lumps in the yogurt and fully incorporating all ingredients. I prefer a 10-inch whisk with a comfortable handle—OXO Good Grips makes one that won’t slip from your hand.

Measuring Tools

Precision matters with small quantities like Worcestershire sauce and vinegar. A set of stainless steel measuring spoons (I like 18/8 stainless from Prepworks) ensures accurate measurements every time. For liquids, a glass measuring cup with clear markings is perfect.

Silicone Spatula

When folding in the blue cheese crumbles, a heat-resistant silicone spatula gently incorporates the chunks without breaking them down too much. The flexible head on my GIR spatula gets every last bit of dressing from the bowl. 💪

Storage Containers

For storing, I use 16-ounce mason jars with airtight lids—they’re perfect for shaking the dressing before use. Ball or Kerr brands work great. If you prefer plastic, Rubbermaid Brilliance containers are leak-proof and stackable.

Optional Tools

For extra smooth results, a fine-mesh strainer can remove any stubborn yogurt lumps. A small funnel makes transferring the finished dressing to jars mess-free. These aren’t essential but make the process even easier.

Nutrition Facts

4 servings per recipe

Amount per serving

Calories

350

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 15g

19%

Saturated Fat 4g

20%

Cholesterol 65mg

22%

Sodium 580mg

25%

Total Carbohydrate 32g

12%

Dietary Fiber 4g

14%

Total Sugars 6g

Protein 25g

50%

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek?

Regular yogurt will make the dressing too thin. Non-fat Greek yogurt is thicker and provides the right creamy texture. If needed, strain regular yogurt in a cheesecloth for 30 minutes to remove excess liquid first.

2

Why does my dressing taste too sharp?

Too much vinegar or blue cheese can overpower the flavor. Start with 1 tbsp vinegar and 1/4 cup blue cheese, then adjust to taste. A pinch of sugar can balance acidity if needed.

3

How long does homemade dressing keep?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it stays fresh for 7-10 days. The flavors deepen after 24 hours. Stir before using as some separation is normal.

4

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free yogurt and buttermilk alternatives. Coconut yogurt and unsweetened almond milk with lemon juice work well. Check labels for fat content to keep it truly fat-free.

★★★★★4.7(1 review)
Patrick Lewis