There’s something undeniably satisfying about a classic wedge salad. Crisp iceberg lettuce, rich blue cheese, and the smoky essence of grilled flavors come together in perfect harmony.
This is a salad that elevates any meal, offering bold flavors and a delightful crunch in every bite. Perfect for a simple lunch or as a standout starter, this wedge salad is all about classic appeal with a modern twist.
Get ready to enjoy a dish that’s both fresh and indulgent.
Steps
- Prepare the Blue Cheese Dressing: Combine all the ingredients for the blue cheese dressing in a bowl. Stir them well and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes before using. You can prepare this dressing up to a week in advance.
- Cook the Bacon: Slice the bacon into pieces, then cook them in a skillet until crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.
- Cut the Lettuce: Take a head of iceberg lettuce and cut it in half. Slice each half into quarters or thirds, depending on the size of the lettuce, to create wedge-shaped pieces.
- Assemble the Salad: Position each lettuce wedge on a separate plate. Spoon the chilled blue cheese dressing over the wedges, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Add the Toppings: Sprinkle bacon crumbles, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, and additional blue cheese crumbles over each wedge. Finish by seasoning with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Ingredients
- 1 head of iceberg lettuce
- 8 slices of bacon, cooked, cooled, and crumbled
- 1 1/2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup of red onion, chopped
- Blue cheese crumbles
- Freshly crushed black pepper, to taste
- Pecans or walnuts, toasted (optional)
FAQ
- What type of lettuce is best for a wedge salad?
- Iceberg lettuce is ideal for wedge salads due to its tightly packed, layered leaves which hold their shape well.
- How do you properly cut a wedge salad?
- To cut a wedge salad, halve the iceberg lettuce from top to stem, then cut each half into quarters or thirds, depending on the size of the lettuce.
- Can the blue cheese dressing be made ahead of time?
- Yes, the blue cheese dressing can be prepared up to a week in advance and should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- What are some alternative toppings for a wedge salad?
- In addition to traditional toppings like bacon and tomatoes, you can add avocado, cucumber, olives, beets, croutons, nuts, or different cheeses such as parmesan or feta. Protein options like grilled chicken or steak are also great additions.
- How should leftover iceberg lettuce be stored?
- After rinsing, store the lettuce quarters on a paper towel-lined plate or in a large bag with a paper towel to absorb moisture, and keep in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. Remove any browned edges before serving.
Tips
- Prepare the Dressing in Advance: Mix your blue cheese dressing ingredients and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This can be prepared up to a week ahead to save time on the day you plan to serve the salad.
- Properly Cut and Store the Lettuce: Slice the iceberg lettuce into quarters and wash each piece thoroughly. Shake off any excess water, then store the wedges on a paper towel-lined plate or in a bag with a paper towel to absorb moisture, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Customize Your Toppings: While the classic toppings include bacon, tomatoes, and onions, consider adding avocado, cucumber, olives, or even nuts for extra flavor and texture. You can also experiment with different cheeses like feta or gorgonzola.
- Add Protein for a Heartier Salad: To make your wedge salad more filling, consider adding grilled chicken or steak. This addition can transform the salad from a side dish to a satisfying main course.
Equipment
- Skillet – For cooking the bacon until crisp.
- Medium Bowl – To mix the blue cheese dressing ingredients.
- Chef’s Knife – For cutting the iceberg lettuce and other toppings.
- Cutting Board – For preparing the lettuce and toppings.
- Pepper Mill – For freshly crushing black pepper to taste.
- Serving Plates – To individually serve the wedge salad.
