Classic Wedge Salad

This classic wedge salad is a timeless American side dish that has delighted taste buds since the 1920s! 

With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, it’s easy to see why it hasn’t gone out of style.

The crisp crunch of iceberg lettuce, the salty bacon, the creamy blue cheese dressing…it’s so satisfying. 

And let’s not forget the juicy cherry tomatoes, peppery red onions, and extra blue cheese crumbles. Yum!

Why You’ll Love This Classic Wedge Salad

Quick & Easy: This salad is SO easy to put together, yet it tastes like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant.

Crisp & Refreshing Taste: Each bite of crunchy iceberg lettuce is light and refreshing – especially with the tomatoes and onions in the mix.

Creamy, Savory Taste: The homemade dressing is ultra creamy with a lovely layer of tang from the blue cheese.

Perfect Starter or Side: It’s great as an appetizer or a side for hearty mains like steak or grilled chicken.

Ingredients

• Iceberg Lettuce: It’s sturdy enough to withstand the blanket of toppings, keeping that wedge shape perfectly.

• Bacon: Salty, smoky, and oh-so-satisfying, it’s the perfect contrast to the creamy blue cheese.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Add a burst of juicy sweetness.

• Red Onion: Provide a delightful contrast to the rich dressing and bacon. Soak them in cold water to mellow the kick.

• Fresh Chives: Mild onion flavor is the perfect garnish.

• Blue Cheese Crumbles: Tangy, bold, and unapologetically pungent.

• Blue Cheese Dressing: A blend of sour cream, mayo, buttermilk, blue cheese, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. It’s creamy, dreamy, and jam-packed with flavor. 

How to Make Classic Wedge Salad

Just how easy is this steakhouse-worthy salad? It’s as simple as mixing, slicing, and assembling.

But whatever you do, don’t skip out on the homemade dressing. It takes this classic wedge to a whole other level. Trust me!

1. WHISK the sour cream, mayonnaise, buttermilk, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

2. ADD the blue cheese crumbles, mix well, then cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to meld flavors.

3. COOK the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Drain on a plate.

4. PREP the iceberg lettuce by removing any wilted leaves, cutting it in half, then into quarters. Leave the core intact*.

5. RINSE the lettuce under cold water, separating the leaves slightly. Then, shake off any excess water and drain on paper towels.

6. ASSEMBLE by placing each lettuce wedge on a plate. Crumble the bacon over the wedges, add the tomatoes and red onion, and drizzle with the dressing.

7. FINISH with chopped chives and blue cheese crumbles. Serve immediately and enjoy!

*You can serve a wedge salad without the core. You just have to be more careful when plating so it doesn’t fall apart.

Tips For the Best Classic Wedge Salad

Wedge salads are my go-to when I want to impress dinner guests or treat myself to a restaurant-quality dish at home.

And while there are plenty of ways to jazz it up, I think the recipe below has the best mix of toppings and textures.

Follow these tips for the best classic wedge salad experience:

• Chill the lettuce. For a crisp, cool salad, refrigerate the iceberg lettuce head for at least an hour before cutting and serving.

• Careful cutting. Remember that you need the core of the lettuce intact so the wedge holds its shape.

• Use thick-cut bacon. For a richer flavor, use thick-cut bacon. Be sure to cook it until crispy to achieve the best texture.

• Avoid soggy lettuce. To prevent the lettuce from getting soggy, assemble the salad just before serving.

• Make ahead. For easier prep, make the dressing in advance. You can refrigerate it for up to 2 days.

• Make minis. You can easily cut the lettuce into eight wedges instead of four to make a smaller side dish. The toppings will stay the same.

• Char the lettuce. Want to take it up a notch? Broil or char the lettuce in a hot skillet for added taste and texture.

• Lettuce options. The classic recipe uses iceberg, but napa cabbage works really well, too. Look for something crisp with a core that’ll hold the wedge shape.

• Customize. For more flavor and texture, try diced avocado, grilled chicken, chopped hard-boiled eggs, or toasted nuts. Or add a few Parmesan crisps on top for a salty crunch.

How to Store

Once you assemble the salad, it’s best enjoyed immediately. 

If you do have leftovers, I recommend storing all the components separately for the best texture and then serving them with fresh lettuce if it wilts.

To Store: Place all the components in separate airtight containers. Store the lettuce wedges wrapped in paper towels if you can. This will help absorb excess moisture and keep it fresh. Refrigerate for 3-5 days.

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Hot Girl Summer Salad
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Spinach Pesto Pasta Salad