Classic Wedge Salad

A delicious, crisp Wedge Salad topped with bacon crumbles, onion, tomatoes and a creamy homemade blue cheese dressing.

You can serve wedge salads as a side with just about any meal, like Braised short Ribs, Penne alla Vodka, or Chicken Piccata.

A wedge salad on a plate, topped with blue cheese dressing, bacon crumbles, tomato, and onion.

Whenever I’m ordering a side salad from a restaurant I always scan the menu for a wedge salad; they’re my favorite! Kind of ironic considering they are probably the cheapest, simplest thing on the menu, but, for some reason they seem “fancy” to me and I love seeing how they’re presented (plus, they’re DELICIOUS!).

This is the perfect salad for impressing guests, with little effort.

How to Cut a Wedge Salad:

Iceberg lettuce is used to make wedge salads because the leaves are compact and layered tightly together. For wedge salads, grab a whole head of iceberg lettuce and cut it in half, from the top down to the stem. Cut each halve again, to make 4 quarters of lettuce.

Rinse each quart of lettuce and gently shake off any excess water. Place them on a paper towel lined plate, or in a large bag with a paper towel to catch excess water, and store in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. If any outer edges of the lettuce start to brown you can simply cut them off.

Two process photos for cutting iceberg lettuce into wedges for wedge salad.

How to make Wedge Salad:

  • Make the Blue Cheese Dressing: Add all of the blue cheese dressing ingredients to a bowl and stir well to combine. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. The dressing can be made up to 1 week in advance.
  • Cut lettuce: Cut the iceberg lettuce in half. Cut each of the halves again in half or thirds (depending on how big the head of lettuce is) to create “wedges”.
  • Add toppings: Place wedges on individual plates. Spoon dressing over lettuce and garnish with bacon crumbles, chopped tomatoes, onion and blue cheese crumbles on top. Season with fresh crushed black pepper, to taste.

Homemade blue cheese dressing in a bowl, and a wedge of lettuce topped with blue cheese dressing, chopped tomato and bacon.

Additional Wedge Salad Toppings Ideas:

  • Avocado
  • Cucumber
  • Olives
  • Beets
  • Croutons
  • Other cheese varieties: parmesan, mozzarella, feta, gorgonzola, goat cheese.
  • Nuts
  • Berries
  • Creamy Parmesan, Caesar, or Ranch Dressing instead of Blue Cheese Dressing.
  • Protein: grilled chicken or steak.

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A wedge salad on a plate, topped with blue cheese dressing, bacon crumbles, tomato, and onion.
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Classic Wedge Salad

A delicious, crisp Wedge Salad topped with bacon crumbles, onion, tomatoes and a creamy homemade blue cheese dressing.
Course Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 237kcal

Ingredients

For the salad:

  • 1 head iceberg lettuce
  • 8 slices bacon , cooked, cooled and crumbled
  • 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes , halved
  • 1/2 cup red onion , chopped
  • pecans or walnuts toasted (optional)

Easy Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing:

  • 1 cup light sour cream
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 3 Tablespoons buttermilk
  • 3 teaspoons red wine vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper , or to taste
  • 4 ounces blue cheese , reserve a few spoonfuls for garnish

Instructions

  • Add all of the dressing ingredients to a medium bowl and stir well to combine. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or can be made several days in advance.
  • Cut the bacon into pieces and cook the bacon in a skillet until crisp. Remove to a plate lined with paper towels.
  • Cut the iceberg lettuce in half. Cut each of the halves again in half or thirds (depending on how big the ice berg lettuce head is), to create "wedges". Place wedges on individual plates. 
  • To serve, spoon dressing over lettuce and then sprinkle the bacon crumbles, tomatoes, onion and blue cheese crumbles on top. Season with fresh crushed black pepper, to taste.

Notes

Additional Wedge Salad Toppings Ideas:
  • Avocado
  • Cucumber
  • Olives
  • Beets
  • Croutons
  • Other cheese varieties: parmesan, mozzarella, feta, gorgonzola, goat cheese.
  • Nuts: pine nuts, almonds, etc.
  • Berries
  • Creamy parmesan or Caesar Dressing instead of Blue Cheese Dressing.
  • Protein: grilled chicken or steak.

Nutrition

Calories: 237kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 563mg | Potassium: 342mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 840IU | Vitamin C: 9.2mg | Calcium: 142mg | Iron: 0.7mg
Have you tried this recipe?!

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I originally shared this recipe May 2017. Updated August 2020.

The post Classic Wedge Salad appeared first on Tastes Better From Scratch.



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