Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients
- Offers a restaurant-quality presentation with little effort
- The combination of creamy, crunchy, tangy, and savory elements is deeply satisfying
- Perfect as a side for steak, burgers, or grilled chicken
- Easily customizable with your favorite toppings
- Great for meal prep or entertaining guests
- Naturally gluten-free
- Requires no cooking except for the bacon
- Always a crowd-pleaser
- Pairs well with a variety of dressings if blue cheese isn’t your favorite
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Iceberg lettuce
- Blue cheese dressing
- Cherry or grape tomatoes
- Cooked crispy bacon
- Red onion
- Blue cheese crumbles
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
Directions
- Remove any wilted outer leaves from the head of iceberg lettuce. Cut the head into quarters to create four wedges.
- Rinse each wedge under cold water to remove any hidden dirt. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Place each wedge on a serving plate, cut-side up.
- Spoon blue cheese dressing generously over the top of each wedge, allowing it to drizzle down the sides.
- Sprinkle chopped bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, and blue cheese crumbles over each wedge.
- Finish with a touch of freshly ground black pepper, if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings. Prep time is about 10 minutes, with no cooking time required beyond preparing the bacon.
Variations
- Lighter version: Use a Greek yogurt-based blue cheese dressing or a vinaigrette for a lighter option.
- No blue cheese: Substitute with ranch, Caesar, or green goddess dressing.
- Add protein: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak to make it a full meal.
- Vegetarian: Skip the bacon or use a plant-based bacon alternative.
- Spicy twist: Add pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra kick.
- Crunchy extras: Toss on croutons, roasted chickpeas, or toasted nuts.
Storage/Reheating
Wedge salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Do not refrigerate assembled salad for long periods, as the lettuce can wilt and become soggy. Reheating is not necessary; simply assemble and serve cold.
FAQs
What is a wedge salad made of?
A wedge salad typically features a quartered head of iceberg lettuce topped with blue cheese dressing, bacon, tomatoes, red onion, and blue cheese crumbles.
Can I use a different lettuce besides iceberg?
Yes, but iceberg provides the best crunch and structure for a wedge. Romaine can be used but will not offer the same effect.
What’s the best dressing for wedge salad?
Classic blue cheese dressing is traditional, but you can also use ranch, Caesar, or balsamic vinaigrette based on your preference.
How do I keep the lettuce crisp?
Wash and dry the wedges thoroughly and keep them refrigerated until ready to serve. Only dress right before serving.
Can I make wedge salad ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients in advance, but assemble the salad just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
Is wedge salad keto-friendly?
Yes, when using a low-carb dressing and omitting croutons or sugary toppings, it’s very keto-friendly.
How do I cook bacon for this salad?
You can bake, pan-fry, or microwave the bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels and chop into small pieces.
What’s the best way to cut a wedge salad?
Cut a cold, firm head of iceberg lettuce into quarters through the core to maintain structure.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Absolutely. Just add a protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for a more filling meal.
Can kids enjoy wedge salad?
Yes, though you may want to use a milder dressing and remove onions or stronger flavors depending on their taste preferences.
Conclusion
The Classic Wedge Salad is a timeless favorite that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. With its cool crunch, creamy dressing, and satisfying toppings, it’s an excellent starter or side dish that’s easy to make and always impressive. Whether you’re entertaining guests or preparing a quick meal, this salad never disappoints.
PrintClassic Wedge Salad
A Classic Wedge Salad is a crisp, refreshing side dish made with iceberg lettuce, creamy blue cheese dressing, bacon, tomatoes, red onions, and blue cheese crumbles. It’s quick to make, visually impressive, and perfect alongside grilled meats or as a light meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for bacon)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 head iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 4 slices crispy cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Remove any wilted outer leaves from the head of iceberg lettuce. Cut the head into quarters to create four wedges.
- Rinse each wedge under cold water to remove any hidden dirt. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Place each wedge on a serving plate, cut-side up.
- Spoon blue cheese dressing generously over the top of each wedge, allowing it to drizzle down the sides.
- Sprinkle chopped bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, and blue cheese crumbles over each wedge.
- Finish with a touch of freshly ground black pepper, if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a cold, crisp head of iceberg lettuce for best results.
- Assemble the salad just before serving to maintain crunch and freshness.
- Customize with your favorite toppings or alternative dressings.
- Store components separately for meal prep and easy assembly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wedge
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
