Is blue cheese dressing safe? A Comprehensive Nutrition Guide

October 21, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the CDC, listeriosis can be especially dangerous for pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems. This raises the critical question for many: is blue cheese dressing safe? The answer depends largely on the ingredients, preparation, and who is consuming it.

Quick Summary

The safety of blue cheese dressing depends on whether the cheese used is pasteurized, a key factor for at-risk groups like pregnant or immunocompromised individuals. Commercial versions are generally safe, but homemade or restaurant-made dressing requires confirming the ingredients. Moderation is advisable due to high fat and sodium content.

Key Points

Pasteurization is key: For at-risk individuals, only consume blue cheese dressing made with pasteurized milk to avoid the risk of Listeria.
Check the label: Store-bought dressings typically use pasteurized cheese, but it's essential to confirm this on the ingredient list.
Restaurant risk: Unless the restaurant confirms they use pasteurized blue cheese, pregnant and immunocompromised individuals should avoid their dressing.
Moderate consumption: Blue cheese dressing is high in calories, fat, and sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy diet.
Proper storage: Store-bought dressing lasts for months, but homemade versions must be used within 5-7 days and kept properly refrigerated.
Heated is safe: For uncertain or unpasteurized cheese, cooking it until steaming hot effectively kills harmful bacteria like Listeria.

The Primary Concern: Listeria and Pasteurization

At the heart of the safety concern for blue cheese dressing is the risk of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can cause a serious illness called listeriosis. While listeriosis is rare, it poses a significant threat to certain populations, particularly pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

The risk of Listeria is primarily associated with unpasteurized soft cheeses, and some traditional blue cheeses fall into this category. Pasteurization is a heat-treatment process that kills harmful bacteria in raw milk, making it safe for consumption. The key takeaway is to distinguish between blue cheese made with pasteurized versus unpasteurized milk. When eating out or consuming a product where the source is unclear, the safest course of action is to assume it is unpasteurized unless confirmed otherwise.

Blue Cheese Dressing and Pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman's immune system is naturally suppressed, increasing her susceptibility to foodborne illnesses. Listeriosis in pregnant women, though often presenting with mild, flu-like symptoms, can be passed to the fetus and lead to severe complications such as miscarriage, stillbirth, or life-threatening infection in the newborn. For this reason, major health authorities advise pregnant women to avoid soft blue-veined cheeses unless they are cooked until steaming hot.

Most commercially produced, store-bought blue cheese dressings are made with pasteurized blue cheese and are therefore considered safe. However, homemade versions or dressings served in restaurants could be made with unpasteurized artisanal cheeses. The prudent approach for pregnant women is to only consume blue cheese dressing from a sealed, reputable, store-bought source or to confirm the cheese's pasteurization status with the restaurant.

Safety for the Immunocompromised

Similarly, individuals with compromised immune systems due to cancer treatments, organ transplants, or certain autoimmune diseases must exercise extreme caution. These individuals are at a higher risk of complications from Listeria. Health guidance for immunocompromised individuals often recommends avoiding all unpasteurized dairy products, mould-ripened soft cheeses, and blue-veined cheeses unless thoroughly cooked. Commercial dressings made with pasteurized ingredients may be acceptable, but it is best to consult a doctor or dietitian for personalized recommendations.

How to Determine if Your Blue Cheese Dressing Is Safe

Knowing the source of your dressing is the most effective way to assess its safety. This process varies depending on where you obtain the dressing.

Store-Bought: Check the label for the term "pasteurized" on the ingredients list. Most major brands in the US and Canada use pasteurized milk and are safe for general consumption.
Homemade: If you make your own dressing, ensure you use only blue cheese that is clearly labeled as being made from pasteurized milk.
Restaurant: When dining out, always ask your server if the dressing is made with pasteurized ingredients. If they are unsure or cannot confirm, opt for a safer alternative.

A Comparison of Blue Cheese Dressing Sources


Feature	Store-Bought Dressing	Homemade Dressing	Restaurant Dressing
Pasteurization	Typically pasteurized. Check the label.	Depends on cheese source. Must confirm pasteurization.	Varies by restaurant. Must inquire.
Listeria Risk	Very low, assuming proper storage.	Risk exists if unpasteurized cheese is used.	Risk exists if unpasteurized cheese is used.
Shelf Life	Months after opening, if refrigerated.	5-7 days in the refrigerator.	Freshly made, to be consumed promptly.
Nutritional Content	Often high in sodium, fat, and calories.	Can be customized for a healthier profile.	Varies, can be high in fat and calories.
Control	No control over ingredients or nutritional content.	Full control over ingredients, quality, and freshness.	Limited to no control over ingredients.

Nutritional Considerations and Healthful Eating

Beyond foodborne illness, blue cheese dressing is a high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sodium condiment. While its key ingredient, blue cheese, can provide valuable nutrients like calcium and phosphorus, the overall nutritional impact of the dressing warrants moderation. Consuming it sparingly is key, especially for those managing blood pressure or heart health.

For those who love the flavor but want to reduce the less-healthy aspects, modifications can be made. Swapping a portion of the mayonnaise and sour cream with lower-fat Greek yogurt or buttermilk can significantly reduce the calorie and fat content while maintaining a rich, creamy texture.

Creating a Healthier Blue Cheese Dressing

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a protein boost and less fat.
Substitute some of the mayonnaise with low-fat buttermilk to maintain creaminess and flavor.
Opt for a blue cheese vinaigrette recipe that uses olive oil and vinegar for a lighter consistency.
Increase the ratio of herbs and spices (e.g., fresh parsley, garlic powder) to enhance flavor without adding calories.

Storage and Handling for All Dressings

Proper storage is essential for maintaining the safety of any dressing, regardless of its source. Both store-bought and homemade dressings must be refrigerated immediately after opening.

Store-bought dressing: Typically lasts for several months in the refrigerator, but always check the expiration date and any instructions on the label.
Homemade dressing: Should be stored in an airtight container and consumed within 5 to 7 days.
Spoilage: Discard any dressing that shows signs of spoilage, such as an off-odor, changes in color or texture, or the presence of mold. Do not taste test if in doubt.

Conclusion

For most healthy individuals, commercially produced blue cheese dressing made with pasteurized cheese is safe to eat. However, for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, the elderly, and the immunocompromised, caution is crucial due to the risk of Listeria contamination from unpasteurized cheese. Always check labels for pasteurization and err on the side of caution with homemade or restaurant versions. Beyond safety, be mindful of the dressing's high fat and sodium content and enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. For further information on food safety guidelines for at-risk groups, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/causes/dairy.html).

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, if the dressing is made with pasteurized blue cheese. Most commercial, store-bought brands are safe. For homemade or restaurant dressings, confirm that the cheese was pasteurized or that the dressing was cooked until steaming hot.

The main risk is contracting listeriosis, a foodborne illness caused by Listeria monocytogenes bacteria, which can be found in unpasteurized soft cheeses. This is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

For store-bought products, check the label for the word "pasteurized" or confirm the ingredients list. When at a restaurant, you must ask the server or staff about the ingredients and preparation.

Store-bought blue cheese dressing can last for several months after opening if properly refrigerated. Homemade dressing, however, should be stored in an airtight container and used within 5 to 7 days.

You should avoid all mould-ripened or blue-veined cheeses, including blue cheese dressing, unless it is cooked until steaming hot or confirmed to be made with pasteurized ingredients. Always consult your doctor or dietitian for specific advice.

You can make a healthier version by replacing some of the mayonnaise and sour cream with lower-fat Greek yogurt or buttermilk. This reduces the calorie and fat content while maintaining a creamy texture.

Signs of spoilage include an off-smell, changes in color (such as a pinkish hue), or an unusual texture. If you notice any of these, or if the dressing is past its recommended storage time, it should be discarded.