Outback Steakhouse Blue Cheese Vinaigrette – Easy Copycat Recipe

The first time I tasted Outback Steakhouse’s Blue Cheese Vinaigrette, I was amazed by how different it was from the heavy, mayo-laden versions I’d encountered elsewhere. This lighter, tangier approach transforms blue cheese from an overpowering ingredient into a bright, sophisticated dressing that enhances rather than masks the flavors of your salad. The secret in the taste lies in balancing creamy cheese with acidic vinegars and aromatic seasonings.

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Why is the Outback Steakhouse bleu cheese vinaigrette so good?

Traditional blue cheese dressings rely heavily on mayonnaise and sour cream, creating dense, rich textures that can overwhelm delicate greens. This vinaigrette-style approach uses the emulsification technique of slowly adding oil to vinegar, creating a lighter base that allows the blue cheese’s complex flavors to shine through without heaviness.

What makes the Outback’s version special?

Outback’s genius lies in combining two types of vinegar with an Italian seasoning blend, creating a bright, herbaceous foundation that complements the sharpness of the blue cheese. The result is a dressing sophisticated enough for steakhouse dining but simple enough to make at home in minutes.

Blue cheese vinaigrette ingredients

For the Vinaigrette Base

• Good Seasons Italian Dressing Mix – Provides an herb and spice blend that ties all flavors together
• Balsamic vinegar – Adds subtle sweetness and depth that balances the blue cheese’s sharpness
• Red wine vinegar – Contributes bright acidity that lightens the overall flavor profile
• Water – Helps hydrate the dry seasoning mix and creates proper consistency

For the Emulsion

• Vegetable oil – Creates smooth, pourable consistency without competing flavors
• Olive oil – An Alternative option that adds subtle fruity notes to complement the cheese

For the Cheese Element

• Danish blue cheese crumbles – Provides creamy texture with balanced saltiness and tang
• Alternative bl

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Good Seasons Italian Dressing is a dry mix that comes in a packet. If you can’t find this particular brand, feel free to use a different one, such as Hellmann’s or Simply Organic. 

If you can’t find Danish blue cheese crumbles, check out the “Recipe Variations” section below for other options. 

How to Make Blue Cheese Vinaigrette

It is easiest to make this Outback Blue Cheese vinaigrette recipe using a blender or an immersion blender, but a whisk can also be used. 

1. Combine one pack of Italian dressing mix, balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, and water in a bowl.

2. Pulse a few times or whisk for about 10 seconds to fully hydrate the Italian dressing mix. 
3. Set the blender on low, and slowly pour in the vegetable oil.
4. After adding all the oil, increase the speed to medium and blend for about 30 seconds. This is the most challenging step if you are using a whisk. It helps to have someone hold the bowl or pour the oil for you. Try rolling a dish towel into a tube and forming a ring on your work surface if you’re cooking alone. Place the bowl onto the towel ring to hold it steady while you whisk and pour. 
5. Add the blue cheese to the vinaigrette and pulse one or two times. Whisk users may want to chop the blue cheese into smaller pieces before adding to the rest of the vinaigrette. 
6. Serve immediately.

Recipe Variations 

Danish blue cheese crumble isn’t available everywhere, so feel free to buy a block of Danish blue cheese and grate or crumble it. If you can’t find any Danish blue cheese, Stilton, or a younger Gorgonzola is a good alternative. People who want a stronger blue cheese flavor may prefer using Roquefort.

Spice up the dressing a little or a lot with Tabasco or other hot sauce.

Storage & serving guidelines

• Refrigerator Storage: Store in airtight containers for up to 7 days. Separation is normal.
• Before serving: Always shake or whisk well before each use as ingredients naturally separate when sitting.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as dairy-based vinaigrettes don’t freeze well and may separate permanently when thawed.

More Outback Steakhouse copycat recipes

• Bloomin Onion
• Bloomin Onion Sauce
• Outback Caesar Salad Dressing
• Outback Honey Mustard Dressing
• Steamed Green Beans
• Steakhouse Baked Potato
• Tiger Sauce

Popular salad dressing recipes

• Avocado Ranch Dressing
• Cobb Salad Dressing
• French Salad Dressing
• Hot Bacon Dressing
• Olive Garden Italian Dressing
• Southwest Salad Dressing

Check out more of my easy salad dressing recipes and the best Outback Steakhouse recipes here on CopyKat!

Outback Blue Cheese Vinaigrette Easy Copycat Recipe

Light, tangy blue cheese vinaigrette that's better than store-bought! Perfect balance of creamy cheese and bright vinegar flavors.

4.97 from 27 votes

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Course: Sauces

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Blue Cheese Vinaigrette, Outback Blue Cheese Vinaigrette

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 7

Calories: 16kcal

Author: Stephanie Manley

Ingredients

• 1 packet Good Seasons Italian Dressing mix
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons water
• 3 tablespoons Danish blue cheese crumbles

Instructions

• In a small bowl combine the Good Seasons Italian dressing mix, red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, vegetable oil, and water. Use an immersion blender to blend well.
• Add the blue cheese crumbles and pulse once or twice.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 16kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 58mg | Potassium: 14mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 23IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg