Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare yet feels restaurant-worthy. The crunch of cold iceberg lettuce pairs perfectly with rich, creamy dressing and savory toppings. It’s customizable, quick to assemble, and works as both a starter or a light meal. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s a go-to for busy days or elegant dinners alike.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
iceberg lettuce
cherry tomatoes
crispy bacon
blue cheese dressing
crumbled blue cheese
red onion
olive oil
salt
black pepper
optional: chives
Directions
Start by removing any wilted outer leaves from the iceberg lettuce. Cut it into quarters to create wedges, keeping the core intact so the wedges hold together.
Rinse the wedges under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly.
Place each wedge on a plate or serving dish.
Drizzle blue cheese dressing generously over each wedge.
Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese on top for extra richness.
Add halved cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced red onion.
Top with crispy bacon pieces.
Season lightly with salt and black pepper, and drizzle a small amount of olive oil if desired.
Finish with chopped chives for a fresh touch and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes (for bacon)
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
Swap blue cheese dressing for ranch or Caesar dressing for a different flavor.
Use turkey bacon or omit bacon for a lighter option.
Add avocado slices for creaminess.
Include grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.
Try topping with toasted nuts for added crunch.
Storage/Reheating
Wedge salad is best served fresh and cold.
Store components separately in the refrigerator for up to 1 day if needed.
Avoid assembling ahead of time to prevent sogginess.
Reheating is not recommended, as this is a cold dish.
FAQs
What is a wedge salad?
It’s a salad made with a quartered head of iceberg lettuce topped with dressing and toppings.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep ingredients ahead, but assemble just before serving.
What dressing works best?
Blue cheese dressing is traditional, but ranch is also popular.
How do I keep the lettuce crisp?
Keep it cold and dry until serving.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, simply skip the bacon.
What can I use instead of blue cheese?
Feta or goat cheese are good alternatives.
Is iceberg lettuce healthy?
Yes, it’s low in calories and provides hydration and some nutrients.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu work well.
How do I cut the perfect wedge?
Cut the lettuce into quarters while keeping the core intact.
Can I use bagged lettuce?
Whole iceberg is recommended for the classic wedge presentation.
Conclusion
The wedge salad is a timeless dish that proves simple ingredients can create bold flavors. With its crisp texture and creamy toppings, it’s a refreshing and versatile recipe perfect for any occasion.
PrintWedge Salad Recipe
A crisp and refreshing wedge salad made with crunchy iceberg lettuce, creamy blue cheese dressing, and savory toppings. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish with bold textures and flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
- 1 head iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 6 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped chives (optional)
Instructions
- Remove any wilted outer leaves from the iceberg lettuce and cut it into quarters, keeping the core intact.
- Rinse the wedges under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly.
- Place each wedge on a serving plate.
- Drizzle blue cheese dressing over each wedge.
- Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese on top.
- Add cherry tomatoes and sliced red onion.
- Top with crispy bacon pieces.
- Season lightly with salt and black pepper and drizzle olive oil if desired.
- Garnish with chopped chives and serve immediately.
Notes
- Swap blue cheese dressing for ranch or Caesar dressing for a different flavor.
- Use turkey bacon or omit bacon for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Add avocado slices for extra creaminess.
- Include grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a full meal.
- Store ingredients separately and assemble just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wedge
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
