Red Roquefort Salad

Looking for a cozy, yet vibrant salad to enjoy during the fall or winter? This Red Roquefort Salad is the perfect answer, combining the hearty flavors of bacon, sweet candied walnuts and crisp apples or pears. With a rich and tangy homemade Red Roquefort dressing, it brings a unique twist that’s both delicious, and satisfying.

This fall salad makes a fantastic side or light meal, and it can easily be turned into a heartier main dish by adding your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken, salmon or seared steak.

What is Roquefort Cheese

Roquefort is a blue cheese made from sheep’s milk and aged in the caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, France. Known for its distinct, slightly tangy taste with a creamy texture, it adds a rich depth of flavor to this salad that’s both savory and indulgent.

If you’re new to blue cheese, Roquefort offers a milder option that still has that bold, crave-worthy taste.

Why You Should Make This Red Roquefort Salad

• Perfect for Fall and Winter: This salad brings together seasonal flavors with hearty, fresh ingredients, making it ideal for cooler months.
• Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and a simple homemade dressing, this Red Roquefort Salad is easy to prepare, and impressive to serve.
• Versatile as a Side or Main: Serve this winter salad as a side for a cozy dinner, or top with a protein for a satisfying main course.
• Unique Red Roquefort Dressing: The dressing combines Roquefort cheese with a creamy, tangy blend of buttermilk and mayo, giving it an irresistible depth of flavor.
• Great for the Holidays: The vibrant colors and unique flavors make this salad a festive addition to any holiday table, whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a winter gathering.

Ingredients

• Romaine Lettuce: You can substitute with butter lettuce or green leaf lettuce, if romaine is unavailable.
• Radicchio or Red Leaf Lettuce: If you don’t have either, try arugula or baby spinach for a different flavor profile. For a milder option, mixed greens also work well.
• Bacon: Turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon are good alternatives if you want a lighter or meat-free option. For added crunch without bacon, try crispy chickpeas or toasted sunflower seeds.
• Candied Walnuts: Use store bought, or make your own. If you prefer, use candied pecans, toasted almonds, or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option.
• Apple or Pear: Use your favorite apple or pear variety, or substitute with fresh figs, pomegranate seeds, or dried cranberries for a unique seasonal twist.
• Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used as a lighter alternative, though the texture may be slightly thicker.
• Buttermilk: Use regular milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice to mimic buttermilk’s tang, or substitute with Greek yogurt thinned with a bit of water.
• Roquefort Cheese: If you can’t find Roquefort, any blue cheese or Gorgonzola will provide a similar flavor.
• Red Onion: Optional, but adds extra flavor and color.
• Cranberries: Add cranberries for extra sweetness and texture.

How to Prepare a Red Roquefort Salad

1. If making your own candied walnuts, refer to this recipe for Candied Pecans, and just substitute with walnuts.
2. Crisp the diced bacon in a pan. Drain excess fat and reserve the bacon.
3. To make the dressing, combine the mayonnaise, buttermilk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and cracked black pepper in a large jar with a lid. Shake or whisk well until combined.
4. Add the crumbled Roquefort cheese to the dressing and stir gently to combine. Place the dressing in the fridge while you assemble the salad.
5. Wash and spin the lettuces, then add to a large serving platter or bowl.
6. Add the thinly sliced apple or pear, and sprinkle with most of the crisp bacon and candied walnuts, reserving a few pieces for garnish.
7. Drizzle the dressing over the salad or serve it on the side, garnishing with reserved bacon, walnuts, and cracked black pepper.

How to Serve and Store Red Roquefort Salad

• Serve Fresh: This Red Roquefort Salad is best enjoyed immediately after assembling, to keep the lettuce crisp and the flavors vibrant.
• Chill the Dressing: Prepare the Roquefort dressing in advance and keep it in the fridge until ready to serve.
• Storing Leftover Dressing: Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Leftover Salad: If the salad has already been dressed, store in an airtight container and consume within a day to prevent wilting.
• For the freshest results, store undressed salad ingredients separately, then toss with dressing just before serving.

More Salad Recipes to Love

• Columbia’s Famous 1905 Salad
• Copycat Portillo’s Chopped Salad
• Fresh Fig and Parsley Salad
• Cobb Salad

Print

GET TO KNOW ME!

WELCOME! My name is Melissa Latin aka. Charlotte Fashion Plate. Happy to meet you! I am more than just recipes. I love fashion and style too! Most importantly, I love my Family (my Hubby and my Fur Babies). My Husband (aka my “Kitchen Bitch”) means the world to me. He’s pretty damn cool too. Not only is he one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, he also has had a lengthy career in professional hockey. Not only winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the early ’90’s, but most recently winning the Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers, amongst many other accolades. If you live in Charlotte and play hockey, or have a family member who plays, be sure to contact him!

Our life has changed dramatically in the past few years with the passing of our two goldendoodles, Vegas and Viva. We were lucky enough to have Vegas for five years (totally wish it was longer). Most recently, losing our Viva to a brain tumor in July of 2020. We welcomed our mini goldendoodle 7, almost seven years ago. We just added the amazing Hazel! Of course, I am always posting tons and tons of photos! Be sure to check out my recipe for Pet Bone Broth! This broth is super rich in nutrients and will provide your pet with a multitude of health benefits!

In addition, I’m so very excited to announce I have published my first e-book and paperback, “Mastering Thanksgiving – A Guide to Perfecting Your Thanksgiving Dinner.” Your support would mean the world to me.

Let’s Get Social!

Be sure to follow me on social media! I’m always talking food, fashion, and family! I also love sharing some of my favorite Amazon Finds too. Click here to check out my Amazon page! Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and Pinterest! Check out my LTK to find out what I’m wearing! THANK YOU!