There’s something undeniably nostalgic about a classic wedge salad. It takes me back to summer picnics, where the sun kissed your skin and the crunch of iceberg lettuce was like nature’s own symphony. This salad is not just a dish—it’s a crisp, refreshing escape that begs you to savor every creamy, tangy bite.
Steps
- Prepare Blue Cheese Dressing: Combine all the ingredients for the blue cheese dressing in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Chill the dressing in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before using, or prepare it up to a week ahead of time.
- Cook Bacon: Slice the bacon into pieces and cook in a skillet until crispy. Once done, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.
- Cut Iceberg Lettuce: Take a head of iceberg lettuce and slice it in half from top to bottom. Then, cut each half into quarters or thirds to create wedges, depending on the size of the lettuce.
- Assemble the Salad: Place each lettuce wedge on a separate plate. Drizzle the prepared blue cheese dressing over the wedges.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the bacon crumbles, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, and blue cheese crumbles over the dressed lettuce. Finish with freshly crushed black pepper to taste.
- Optional Garnishes: Consider adding extras like avocado slices, cucumber, olives, beets, croutons, other cheeses, nuts, berries, or different dressings. For additional protein, top with grilled chicken or steak if desired.
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 ground black pepper, to taste
- Pecans or walnuts, toasted
FAQ
- What type of lettuce is best for making a wedge salad?
- Iceberg lettuce is ideal for wedge salads due to its tightly packed and layered leaves, which hold their shape well when cut into wedges.
- How do you prepare the iceberg lettuce for a wedge salad?
- Start by slicing the head of iceberg lettuce in half, then cut each half into quarters to create wedges. Rinse each wedge and gently shake off excess water before storing them in the fridge.
- Can I make the blue cheese dressing ahead of time?
- Yes, the blue cheese dressing can be prepared up to one week in advance. Ensure it’s refrigerated for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- What are some alternative toppings for a wedge salad?
- In addition to the classic toppings like bacon, tomatoes, and onions, you can add avocado, cucumber, olives, beets, croutons, various cheeses, nuts, berries, or even proteins like grilled chicken or steak.
- What are some dressing alternatives to blue cheese for a wedge salad?
- You can substitute blue cheese dressing with creamy Parmesan, Caesar, or Ranch dressing for a different flavor profile.
Tips
- Prepare Lettuce Ahead of Time: After cutting the iceberg lettuce into wedges, rinse each piece thoroughly, shake off excess water, and store them on a paper towel-lined plate or in a bag with a paper towel. This can keep them fresh in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Enhance the Dressing Flavor: Make the blue cheese dressing in advance and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.
- Customize with Extra Toppings: Consider adding a variety of toppings like avocado, cucumber, nuts, or even grilled chicken to tailor the salad to your taste and make it more filling.
- Adjust for Dietary Preferences: Feel free to substitute the blue cheese dressing with alternatives like creamy Parmesan, Caesar, or Ranch dressing for those who prefer a different flavor profile.
Equipment
- Skillet – For cooking bacon until crisp.
- Medium Mixing Bowl – For making the blue cheese dressing.
- Salad Plates – For serving the wedge salad.
- Chef’s Knife – For cutting the iceberg lettuce into wedges and chopping other ingredients.
- Cutting Board – For cutting and preparing ingredients like lettuce, bacon, and tomatoes.
