I have always been a fan of wedge salads. There’s just something so satisfying about the combination of crisp iceberg lettuce, creamy blue cheese dressing, and crispy bacon. So, when I decided to create my own version of the classic wedge salad, I knew I had to make it the best one ever.
I started by selecting the freshest iceberg lettuce I could find. I wanted the leaves to be crisp and crunchy, providing the perfect base for all the other delicious toppings. Next, I whipped up a tangy blue cheese dressing using a combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, crumbled blue cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
But what really takes this wedge salad to the next level is the addition of crispy bacon. I cooked up some thick-cut bacon until it was perfectly crispy, then crumbled it on top of the lettuce. The salty, smoky flavor of the bacon pairs perfectly with the creamy blue cheese dressing. To add a little extra crunch, I also sprinkled some chopped red onions and cherry tomatoes on top.
Ingredients
When it comes to making the best wedge salad you’ve ever tasted, it’s all about using the freshest and highest quality ingredients available. Here are the key ingredients you’ll need:
- Iceberg lettuce: The star of the show, iceberg lettuce provides a crisp and refreshing base for your wedge salad.
- Bacon: Crispy, smoky bacon adds a savory and irresistible flavor to each bite.
- Cherry tomatoes: These little bursts of sweetness and acidity add a pop of color and freshness to your salad.
- Hard-boiled eggs: Creamy and rich, hard-boiled eggs add protein and a smooth texture to your salad.
- Red onion: Sliced red onion adds a sharp and slightly spicy flavor to balance out the other ingredients.
- Blue cheese: Creamy and tangy, blue cheese crumbles add a distinct and delicious flavor to your wedge salad.
- Buttermilk dressing: A classic buttermilk dressing is the perfect accompaniment to bring all of these flavors together.
By using the freshest and highest quality ingredients, you can create a wedge salad that is bursting with flavor and will leave your taste buds begging for more. So gather these ingredients and get ready to make the best wedge salad you’ve ever had!
Preparation
When it comes to preparing the best wedge salad, attention to detail is key. It starts with selecting the freshest ingredients and taking the time to wash and dry them properly. For the lettuce, I recommend using a head of iceberg lettuce and removing the outer leaves to reveal the crisp, crunchy core. Rinse the remaining leaves under cold water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
Once the lettuce is ready, it’s time to assemble the salad. Start by cutting the head of lettuce into quarters, making sure each wedge has an equal amount of leaves. Arrange the wedges on a serving plate, with the core facing outwards for presentation. It’s important to keep the wedges intact to maintain the classic wedge salad look.
Next, it’s time to add the toppings. A wedge salad traditionally includes chopped bacon, cherry tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles, and a drizzle of homemade blue cheese dressing. Cook the bacon until crispy, let it cool, and then chop it into small pieces. Rinse the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. As for the blue cheese, you can either buy it in crumble form or crumble it yourself.
To make the homemade blue cheese dressing, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, blue cheese crumbles, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until well blended and smooth. Drizzle the dressing generously over the wedge salad, making sure it reaches all the nooks and crannies.
Lastly, garnish the salad with some fresh chives or parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve the best wedge salad ever immediately and enjoy the combination of creamy blue cheese dressing, crispy bacon, and juicy tomatoes with the crisp lettuce wedge.
Dressing
When it comes to making the perfect wedge salad, the dressing is a crucial component. A good dressing can elevate the flavors of the fresh ingredients and bring the whole dish together. For my recipe, I like to make a tangy and creamy blue cheese dressing.
To make the dressing, I start by combining mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk in a bowl. I then add crumbled blue cheese, minced garlic, and chopped chives for added flavor. I whisk everything together until it is well combined and creamy. The tanginess of the blue cheese pairs perfectly with the crisp iceberg lettuce and smoky bacon.
To give the dressing a little extra kick, I like to add a squeeze of lemon juice and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. These ingredients add a tangy and slightly acidic flavor that balances out the richness of the blue cheese. I also season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
Once the dressing is ready, I drizzle it over the wedge salad and garnish with additional blue cheese crumbles and bacon bits. The creamy and tangy dressing adds a burst of flavor to every bite of the salad, making it the perfect accompaniment to the fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and crispy bacon. It truly is the best dressing for the best wedge salad!
Assembly
Once all the ingredients for the wedge salad are prepared, it’s time to assemble the dish. This is where the magic happens, as each element is carefully layered to create a visually stunning and delicious salad.
To start, place a wedge of iceberg lettuce on a plate or in a shallow bowl. The crispness and freshness of the lettuce provide a solid foundation for the other ingredients. It’s important to choose a nice, firm wedge that will hold up well when dressed.
- Dressing: Drizzle a generous amount of the homemade blue cheese dressing over the lettuce. The creamy and tangy flavors of the dressing will complement the crispness of the lettuce and add a rich and indulgent element to the salad.
- Bacon and Tomatoes: Sprinkle crispy bacon crumbles and diced tomatoes over the salad. The smoky and salty bacon bits add a burst of flavor, while the juicy tomatoes provide a refreshing and slightly sweet taste.
- Red Onion and Blue Cheese Crumbles: Scatter thinly sliced red onion and crumbled blue cheese over the salad. The sharpness of the onion and the pungent and creamy blue cheese create a perfect balance of flavors.
- Chives: Finally, garnish the salad with chopped fresh chives. The delicate oniony flavor of the chives adds a hint of freshness and a touch of green to the dish.
Once all the ingredients are added, the wedge salad is ready to be enjoyed. The different textures, flavors, and colors come together to create a truly mouthwatering and satisfying dish. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, this wedge salad is sure to impress.
Serving
When it comes to serving the best wedge salad, presentation is key. The first step is to choose a plate that will show off the vibrant colors of the salad. I like to use a white or light-colored plate to highlight the green lettuce, red tomatoes, and creamy dressing.
Once you have the perfect plate, it’s time to assemble your salad. Start by placing a wedge of iceberg lettuce in the center of the plate. The wedge should be thick and sturdy, so it holds up well when toppings and dressing are added.
Next, it’s time to add the toppings. Sprinkle crispy bacon and crumbled blue cheese over the top of the wedge. This will add a salty, tangy flavor to the salad.
To finish off the salad, drizzle a generous amount of creamy blue cheese dressing over the top. The dressing should coat the lettuce and toppings evenly, but not overpower them. If desired, you can garnish the salad with some freshly chopped chives or parsley for added freshness.
Serve the wedge salad immediately after assembling it, so the lettuce stays crisp and the flavors are at their peak. It can be enjoyed as a starter or a main course, depending on your preference.
The best part about serving a wedge salad is that it is easy to customize to individual tastes. You can add additional toppings such as avocado, grilled chicken, or hard-boiled eggs to make it even more filling. Just make sure to adjust the dressing accordingly, so it doesn’t become too heavy.
Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a main course, the best wedge salad is always a crowd-pleaser. Its classic flavors and beautiful presentation make it a versatile and delicious option for any occasion. So go ahead, give it a try and impress your guests with the best wedge salad they’ve ever had!
Tips and Variations
In order to make the best wedge salad ever, here are some helpful tips and variations:
1. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, and blue cheese for the best flavor and texture.
2. Chilled Plate: It is important to serve the wedge salad on a chilled plate to keep the ingredients crisp and refreshing.
3. Bacon Crumbles: Instead of using full bacon slices, you can crumble the bacon over the salad for easier eating.
4. Dressing Variations: While the traditional blue cheese dressing is delicious, you can also try ranch, Caesar, or balsamic vinaigrette dressings for a different twist.
5. Add Protein: Enhance the wedge salad by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even steak to make it a complete meal.
6. Vegan or Vegetarian Options: For those who prefer a plant-based diet, you can substitute the bacon with vegan bacon bits, or omit it altogether. Use vegan cheese and a plant-based dressing to make it suitable for vegans.
7. Garnish: Sprinkle some chopped chives or green onions on top for added color and flavor.
8. Presentation: Serve the wedge salad with the core facing up for an impressive presentation.
9. Personalize: Feel free to customize the toppings and dressing to your liking. You can add other vegetables, such as cucumbers or avocado, and experiment with different combinations of flavors.
In conclusion, with these tips and variations, you can create the best wedge salad ever by selecting fresh ingredients, experimenting with dressings, and personalizing it to suit your taste. Whether you enjoy it as an appetizer or a main course, the wedge salad is a classic dish that will always impress.
10 Best Wedge Salad Recipe Ever
Garlic Expressions Vinaigrette Salad Dressing, Marinade | Non GMO, Vegan, Gluten Free Garlic Oil Vinaigrette Dressing | 12 Ct
Features
| Part Number | 00053482 |
| Model | 00053482 |
| Is Adult Product | |
| Size | 12.5 Fl Oz (Pack of 12) |
- SINGLE PRODUCT SINCE 1993 | Why be average at a few things when you can be an expert in one? Meet Garlic Expressions, we exclusively produce a zesty vinaigrette dressing fused with pickled garlic cloves. Dub it a dressing, marinade, condiment, sauce, or your secret weapon in the kitchen – the flavor’s versatility adds a flavorful punch to any dish. The blend of a small-batch production process and premium ingredients results in the taste and aromatic standard for this two-in-one dressing.
- COMMITMENT TO PREMIUM INGREDIENTS AMPLIFIES FLAVOR | We acquire the highest quality garlic from the prime growing region of California. Each garlic clove is sized and qualified by hand to meet our quality threshold. This process enables us to develop a subtle, yet full-flavored garlic taste that doesn’t overwhelm the other ingredients. Nearly all other products use dried or dehydrated garlic that zaps the full garlic flavor, we’ve chose the difficult method of only using fresh garlic.
- VERSATILE FLAVOR COMPLEMENTS YOUR FAVORITE HEALTHY DISH | Dub it a dressing, marinade, condiment, sauce, or your secret weapon in the kitchen – the flavor’s versatility adds a flavorful punch to your favorite dish. Perfect for salads, meats, vegetables, starches, garlic bread dip, fresh pasta sauce, garlic sauce, and even pizza – the zesty flavor amplifies your favorite dish. Additionally, our ingredients are Non GMO Project Verified, Gluten Free Certified, Vegan, and Allergen Free, and Kosher.
- CLEAN INGREDIENTS FIT DIETARY RESTRICTIONS OF ALL KINDS | Garlic Expressions’ bold flavor doesn’t mean you need to compromise on your dietary restrictions. This low carb garlic oil and vegan dressing is perfect for those who follow Keto, Paleo, Mediterranean, Atkins, or Weight Watchers diets. Made in a dedicated facility that does not handle any of the top 8 allergens: wheat, fish, milk, peanuts, soy, tree nuts, shellfish, or eggs.
- PUT DOWN THE RANCH! | Taste is king, and we’re flavor royalty. Our meticulous attention to flavor details separates us from the rest of the pack. We’ll let the flavor speak for itself - compare us to Primal Kitchen Dressing, Tessemae’s, Annie’s, Sir Kensington’s, Brianna’s, Wish-Bone Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing, Colavita, Kraft, or garlic infused olive oil.
Garlic Expressions Vinaigrette Salad Dressing, Marinade | Non GMO, Vegan, Gluten Free Garlic Oil Vinaigrette Dressing | 12 Ct
Features
| Color | Natural |
| Release Date | 2022-06-29T00:00:01Z |
| Size | 12.5 Fl Oz (Pack of 12) |
- SINGLE PRODUCT SINCE 1993 | Why be average at a few things when you can be an expert in one? Meet Garlic Expressions, we exclusively produce a zesty vinaigrette dressing fused with pickled garlic cloves. Dub it a dressing, marinade, condiment, sauce, or your secret weapon in the kitchen – the flavor’s versatility adds a flavorful punch to any dish. The blend of a small-batch production process and premium ingredients results in the taste and aromatic standard for this two-in-one dressing.
- COMMITMENT TO PREMIUM INGREDIENTS AMPLIFIES FLAVOR | We acquire the highest quality garlic from the prime growing region of California. Each garlic clove is sized and qualified by hand to meet our quality threshold. This process enables us to develop a subtle, yet full-flavored garlic taste that doesn’t overwhelm the other ingredients. Nearly all other products use dried or dehydrated garlic that zaps the full garlic flavor, we’ve chose the difficult method of only using fresh garlic.
- VERSATILE FLAVOR COMPLEMENTS YOUR FAVORITE HEALTHY DISH | Dub it a dressing, marinade, condiment, sauce, or your secret weapon in the kitchen – the flavor’s versatility adds a flavorful punch to your favorite dish. Perfect for salads, meats, vegetables, starches, garlic bread dip, fresh pasta sauce, garlic sauce, and even pizza – the zesty flavor amplifies your favorite dish. Additionally, our ingredients are Non GMO Project Verified, Gluten Free Certified, Vegan, and Allergen Free, and Kosher.
- CLEAN INGREDIENTS FIT DIETARY RESTRICTIONS OF ALL KINDS | Garlic Expressions’ bold flavor doesn’t mean you need to compromise on your dietary restrictions. This low carb garlic oil and vegan dressing is perfect for those who follow Keto, Paleo, Mediterranean, Atkins, or Weight Watchers diets. Made in a dedicated facility that does not handle any of the top 8 allergens: wheat, fish, milk, peanuts, soy, tree nuts, shellfish, or eggs.
- PUT DOWN THE RANCH! | Taste is king, and we’re flavor royalty. Our meticulous attention to flavor details separates us from the rest of the pack. We’ll let the flavor speak for itself - compare us to Primal Kitchen Dressing, Tessemae’s, Annie’s, Sir Kensington’s, Brianna’s, Wish-Bone Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing, Colavita, Kraft, or garlic infused olive oil.
Maytag Blue Cheese (2x1 pound)
Features
| Size | 8 Ounce (Pack of 2) |
- Made in Iowa
- Great product for salads
- Hand-cut to order in 1 pound or 2 x 8 oz. wedges
Low Sodium Salad Dressing, 6pk Six Different Flavors Vegan Salad Dressing Option, Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing, Avocado Ranch Dressing by Brick House
Features
| Warranty | no warranty |
| Color | Clear |
| Size | 12 Ounce (Pack of 6) |
- TAKE YOUR FAVORITE SALADS TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH NO REGRETS. The Brick House sugar free salad dressing option is all natural with no preservatives, dairy, gluten-free, and is low in carbs, making it a clean-label solution for salad dressings.
- ADD SAVORY TO ANY DISH WITH OUR BRICK HOUSE VINAIGRETTE SALAD DRESSING. Infused with an irresistible blend of keto salad dressing pack. Our vegan salad dressing adds flavor to any meal by marinading and cooking, elevating dishes to taste better.
- NON-GMO WITH HEART-HEALTHY CLEAN SOURCED PREMIUM INGREDIENTS. Our variety pack of balsamic dressing contains only the best ingredients, non-GMO oils, and antioxidants like vitamin E, a good source of healthy fats, helping your body absorb minerals.
- THE PERFECT SALAD DRESSING FOR A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE. Our 12 oz vegan dressing variety pack is crafted with the finest ingredients to complement a healthy lifestyle. A guilt-free addition to salads and marinades. Perfect for keto and paleo diets.
- WE HELP YOU EAT BY MAKING YOUR FOOD CLEAN. The Brick House Vinaigrettes products are shipped and Made in the USA. We served in the culinary & hospitality industry for nearly four decades by developing "clean label" salad dressings in our products.
Kraft Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing Single Serve Packet (1.5 oz Packets, Pack of 60)
Features
| Part Number | 1148 |
| Model | 10021000011480 |
| Size | 1.5 Ounce (Pack of 60) |
- KRAFT BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE SALAD DRESSING PACKETS: Sixty 1.5 oz packets of Kraft Balsamic Vinaigrette Single Serve Salad Dressing with Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- CLASSIC FLAVOR: Kraft Signature Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing has the bold flavor of balsamic vinegar with the perfect blend of spices
- DISTINCTIVE FLAVOR & TEXTURE: Kraft salad dressings offer distinctive and balanced flavor, vibrant appearance and rich texture
- DELICIOUS INGREDIENTS: Made with balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, sugar, salt and other flavors and spices
- SERVED WITH MANY DISHES: Kraft dressing is served with many American dishes as well as other cuisines around the world
- VERSATILE: Traditionally served with green vegetable salads, the dressing can also be used as a sandwich topping or dipping sauce for cut veggies, fries, chicken nuggets and more
- SINGLE-SERVE PACKETS: Single-serve packets are ideal for takeout or self-service condiment or salad bars; easy and controlled application with a conveniently portable design
- IDEAL FOR COMMERCIAL USE: Great for restaurants, cafeterias, concession stands, commercial kitchens, delivery or takeout food service
FAQ:
What is a wedge salad?
A wedge salad is a classic American salad made by cutting a head of iceberg lettuce into wedges and topping it with various ingredients such as bacon, blue cheese dressing, tomatoes, and red onions.
What makes a wedge salad the best?
A great wedge salad recipe is made with fresh and crisp iceberg lettuce, creamy and tangy blue cheese dressing, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy red onions. The combination of these ingredients creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this wedge salad recipe is truly the best ever. With its crisp iceberg lettuce, tangy blue cheese dressing, crunchy bacon bits, and refreshing cherry tomatoes, it’s a salad that never fails to impress. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or as a main course, this recipe is sure to be a hit. The combination of flavors and textures creates a truly satisfying and delicious salad experience. So next time you’re in need of a simple yet flavorful salad, give this wedge salad recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed.
