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This wedge salad bursts with bright, fresh flavors and satisfying textures. Creamy homemade blue cheese dressing hugs every crisp iceberg wedge while crunchy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction jazz up this classic salad. It is so simple to throw together but feels restaurant special as a lunch, dinner side, or crowd-pleasing appetizer.
I made this for my family on a hot day and nobody could stop raving about the creamy dressing and the combo of savory bacon with the sweet balsamic glaze. It instantly became our go to side for summer barbecues.
Ingredients
- Iceberg lettuce: Choose a very firm head for the crunchiest wedges Deep green outer leaves usually mean the inside is crisp and fresh
- Bacon: Thick cut is extra satisfying and crisps up beautifully You want a smoky flavor so seek out good quality butcher bacon if you can
- Cherry tomatoes: Try to pick ripe but not mushy ones for juiciness and sweetness
- Red onion: Use just a touch and look for one with vivid color for sharper flavor
- Crumbled blue cheese: Creamy and salty this is what makes the salad feel steakhouse level Look for a wedge rather than pre crumbled for the best texture
- Balsamic glaze: Adds sweet and tangy notes Buy ready made for convenience or simmer balsamic vinegar yourself to reduce
- Heavy cream: Essential for the creamy texture of the dressing Go full fat for richness
- Mayonnaise: Choose a high quality mayo without too much sugar for the best balance
- Sour cream: Adds tang to the dressing and helps balance the cheese flavor
- Worcestershire sauce: This gives a savory kick Aged sauces tend to have deeper flavor
- Salt and pepper: Finish to taste but taste the dressing first since some cheeses are already salty
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Dressing:
- Blend all the dressing ingredients until smooth Start with room temperature blue cheese so it blends easily Chill in the fridge for half an hour to let the flavors merge and thicken slightly
- Prepare the Lettuce:
- Cut the iceberg into four or six even wedges Remove the core first and rinse each wedge under cold water Gently shake off excess water and let them dry completely on a towel so the dressing clings better
- Crisp the Bacon:
- Fry bacon slices over medium heat until fully crispy about ten minutes Drain on paper towels and let cool before chopping into chunky bits
- Prep the Toppings:
- Slice cherry tomatoes in half mince the red onion and crumble your blue cheese into generous pieces for texture
- Assemble the Salad:
- Arrange cold lettuce wedges on chilled plates Drizzle a heavy spoonful of blue cheese dressing over each then scatter with crispy bacon tomatoes onion and extra blue cheese Finish with a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper
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My favorite part is always the bold blue cheese If you want it even stronger let the wedge cheese sit at room temperature so it gets extra creamy Mom used to always hand me the end pieces of bacon as a kitchen treat before plating the salad We mostly laughed about swiping toppings before dinner even started
How to Store Wedge Salad
Store all the components separately in airtight containers The lettuce can be cut up to a day ahead then wrapped in paper towels to keep it crisp The dressing will hold in the fridge for three days Always drizzle sauce and add toppings just before serving to keep texture lively
Ingredient Swaps and Upgrades
If you don’t want bacon try smoked turkey or roasted chickpeas for crunch Goat cheese or gorgonzola works in place of blue cheese Romaine can stand in for iceberg but it won’t have the classic wedge crunch You can also add diced cucumber avocado or pickled onions to boost freshness
Serving Suggestions
This wedge salad shines alongside steak grilled chicken or burgers It is fun for a weekend lunch with a cold drink or as a hearty starter at a dinner party I love to serve it family style so everyone can pile up their favorite toppings
Where Wedge Salad Comes From
Wedge salad feels all American and is a staple at many steakhouses Its roots go back to mid century diners looking for ways to serve crisp lettuce with bold flavors Simple ingredients in layers make it a timeless classic that is equally at home on a holiday table or weeknight meal
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I keep iceberg lettuce extra crisp?
After cutting lettuce into wedges, rinse with cold water and dry thoroughly. Chill until ready to serve for maximum crunch.
- → Can I make the blue cheese dressing ahead?
Yes, prepare the dressing in advance and refrigerate. The flavors improve as it sits for a few hours or overnight.
- → What kind of bacon works best?
Thick-cut bacon, cooked until very crisp, offers the best texture and a satisfying smoky flavor on the salad.
- → Is there a substitute for blue cheese?
If needed, swap blue cheese with feta or goat cheese for a milder but still creamy element.
- → How can I add more fresh flavor?
Add sliced avocado, chopped fresh herbs like chives, or extra tomatoes to build more color and freshness.
- → Will the salad hold up for meal prep?
Keep components separate and assemble right before serving to prevent sogginess and preserve crisp textures.