Classic Wedge Salad
The Wedge Salad is a simple yet satisfying dish, full of contrasting textures and flavors that make it a timeless favorite. Built around a crisp wedge of iceberg lettuce, this salad is topped with creamy blue cheese dressing, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and a sprinkle of chives or red onion. It’s a versatile choice—serve it as a fresh starter for steakhouse-style dinners, as a light side dish, or even as a quick and refreshing standalone lunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Wedge Salad is both easy and elegant, providing not only the satisfaction of a delicious crunch but also the indulgence of a savory, creamy dressing. With its crisp, refreshing taste, it creates a perfect balance for heavier entrees, while the toppings make it flavorful and hearty enough to stand alone. In addition, it’s great for both everyday meals and special occasions, offering a versatile yet stylish presentation that’s surprisingly easy to make in just minutes.
Key Ingredients
- Iceberg Lettuce: The cool, crunchy base of the salad, providing a refreshing texture.
- Blue Cheese Dressing: Tangy and creamy, it pairs perfectly with the cool lettuce and savory toppings.
- Bacon: Adds a savory, smoky crunch that elevates the salad.
- Tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes add a sweet, juicy burst.
- Chives or Red Onion: Freshly chopped chives or thin slices of red onion add a hint of sharpness and color.
How to Make a Classic Wedge Salad
- Prepare the Lettuce: Slice a head of iceberg lettuce into quarters, leaving the core intact to keep each wedge together. Rinse and pat dry with paper towels.
- Assemble the Salad: Place each lettuce wedge on a plate. Drizzle blue cheese dressing generously over each wedge, making sure to cover most of the surface.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle crispy bacon, cherry tomato halves, and a few chives or red onion slices over each wedge.
- Serve: For a final touch, crumble extra blue cheese on top and add a bit of freshly ground black pepper if desired.
Tips & Tricks
- Chill the Lettuce: For the best crunch try to keep the lettuce cold in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing: Mix together sour cream, mayonnaise, crumbled blue cheese, and a splash of buttermilk for a fresh take on the dressing.
- Use Thick-Cut Bacon: It adds a satisfying crunch and holds up well with the creamy dressing.
Serving Suggestions
A wedge salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or hearty dishes, making it an ideal side for steak, grilled chicken, or even barbecue. It also works well as a fresh, low-carb meal on its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different dressing?
- Absolutely. Ranch or Caesar dressing works well as an alternative for those who don’t love blue cheese.
- How should I store leftovers?
- It’s best to store the lettuce and toppings separately.
With its crunchy lettuce, creamy dressing, and bold toppings. The Classic Wedge Salad is a quick and delicious addition to any meal. Its refreshing flavors and elegant presentation make it a go-to favorite. Give it a try, and enjoy this fresh take on a steakhouse classic!
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Wedge Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 head iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing or dressing of your choice
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 2-3 strips cooked bacon crumbled
- Fresh chives chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the lettuce:
- Remove any wilted outer leaves from the iceberg lettuce. Cut the head into 4 wedges.
Assemble the salad:
- Place each wedge on a serving plate. Drizzle each with blue cheese dressing, covering the surface generously.
Add toppings:
- Top each wedge with halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, crumbled blue cheese, and bacon.
Garnish:
- Sprinkle with fresh chives, and season with salt and pepper if desired.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy this fresh, crisp classic!
