Wedge Salad Recipe: If you’re looking for a salad that’s simple yet packed with flavor, the wedge salad is a perfect choice. This classic dish is made with a crisp iceberg lettuce wedge, topped with a rich and creamy dressing, crunchy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and crumbled cheese. Despite its simplicity, it delivers an incredible combination of textures and flavors that make it a favorite in steakhouses and home kitchens alike.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to make the best wedge salad, from choosing the perfect lettuce to selecting the ideal toppings.
Whether you’re making a classic blue cheese wedge or a creative variation, you’ll find all the tips and tricks you need right here.
Ingredients Needed
To make a delicious wedge salad, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:
Essential Ingredients:
- 1 head of iceberg lettuce (cut into quarters)
- 4 strips of crispy bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup blue cheese or ranch dressing
Recommended Toppings:
- Hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- Avocado slices
- Chives or green onions
- Croutons
Optional Add-Ons:
- Grilled chicken or shrimp (for a heartier meal)
- Sunflower seeds or pecans (for extra crunch)
- Balsamic glaze (for a sweet contrast)
These ingredients come together to create a refreshing, crunchy, and flavorful salad that’s easy to prepare in minutes.
Choosing the Right Lettuce
The star of this dish is iceberg lettuce, and here’s why:
- Crunchy texture – Holds up well against heavy toppings
- Mild flavor – Lets the toppings and dressing shine
- Sturdy structure – Makes it perfect for cutting into wedges
How to Prepare the Lettuce:
- Remove the outer leaves – These are usually wilted and not as crisp.
- Cut the head into quarters – Each quarter will serve as a single wedge.
- Rinse under cold water – To remove any dirt or debris.
- Pat dry with paper towels – You want it crisp, not soggy.
Homemade Dressing Options
While you can use store-bought dressing, making your own at home gives you more control over flavor and freshness.
Classic Blue Cheese Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Alternative Dressings:
- Ranch dressing – A milder alternative to blue cheese.
- Balsamic vinaigrette – Adds a tangy-sweet contrast.
- Greek yogurt dressing – A lighter, healthier choice.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Making a wedge salad is super easy—just follow these steps:
1. Cut the Lettuce
- Take your prepared iceberg lettuce and cut it into four equal wedges.
2. Assemble the Toppings
- Place each wedge on a plate and sprinkle on the toppings: crispy bacon, tomatoes, red onions, and blue cheese crumbles.
3. Drizzle the Dressing
- Spoon the dressing generously over each wedge.
4. Add the Final Garnishes
- Top with fresh chives, extra blue cheese, and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Now your perfect wedge salad is ready to serve!
Best Toppings for a Wedge Salad
The toppings can make or break a wedge salad. Here are some of the best ones:
Crunchy Toppings:
- Bacon bits
- Crispy fried onions
- Toasted nuts or seeds
Cheesy Additions:
- Blue cheese
- Parmesan shavings
- Feta crumbles
Fresh Veggies:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Avocado slices
- Cucumbers
Experiment with different toppings to find your favorite combination!
Serving Suggestions
A wedge salad is a great side dish but can also be the star of a light meal. Here’s how to serve it:
Best Pairings:
- With grilled steak – A classic steakhouse pairing
- Alongside a burger – A fresh contrast to a hearty burger
- With soup – Makes a great combo with tomato soup
Serve it cold and fresh for the best experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though it’s simple to make, here are some mistakes to watch out for:
❌ Using the wrong lettuce – Only iceberg works for the classic wedge texture.
❌ Dressing too early – Makes the lettuce soggy.
❌ Overloading with toppings – Keep it balanced!
FAQs about Wedge Salad Recipe
1. What is a wedge salad?
A wedge salad is a simple, classic salad made by cutting a head of iceberg lettuce into thick wedges, then topping them with ingredients like blue cheese, crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, and red onions. It is typically served with a creamy dressing, such as blue cheese or ranch.
2. How do I cut the lettuce for a wedge salad?
To cut the lettuce for a wedge salad, first remove any wilted outer leaves from a head of iceberg lettuce. Place the lettuce core-side down on a cutting board, and slice it into four equal quarters. Each quarter will form a wedge that serves as a base for your toppings.
3. What are the best toppings for a wedge salad?
The best toppings for a wedge salad include crumbled blue cheese, crispy bacon bits, diced tomatoes, chopped red onions, and chives. For added texture and flavor, you can also include croutons, diced cucumbers, or sliced radishes.
4. What dressing goes well with a wedge salad?
Blue cheese dressing is the most traditional choice for a wedge salad, offering a rich, tangy flavor that complements the crisp lettuce. Ranch dressing is another popular option, providing a creamy texture and a slightly milder taste. Both dressings pair well with the typical toppings of a wedge salad.
5. Can I make a wedge salad ahead of time?
It’s best to assemble a wedge salad just before serving to maintain the crispness of the lettuce and freshness of the toppings. However, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Keep the cut lettuce and other toppings refrigerated separately, and assemble them when you’re ready to serve.
6. How do I serve a wedge salad?
Serve each lettuce wedge on individual plates. Drizzle with your choice of dressing, then evenly distribute the toppings over each wedge. The salad is typically eaten with a knife and fork, making it a hearty and satisfying starter or side dish.
Conclusion
The wedge salad is an easy yet incredibly delicious dish that never goes out of style. With its crisp lettuce, creamy dressing, and flavorful toppings, it’s the perfect combination of simple and satisfying. Try this step-by-step guide to make your own restaurant-quality wedge salad at home!
