If you’re a fan of salads, Outback Steakhouse’s Wedge Salad is definitely a must-try. This classic American salad is not your ordinary salad filled with greens and tossed with dressing. Instead, the Wedge Salad offers a refreshing twist with its simplicity and unique combination of ingredients.
The star of the show is the crisp iceberg lettuce, which is cut into a thick wedge, giving the salad its name. The wedge is then topped with a generous amount of creamy and tangy blue cheese dressing, adding a delicious flavor that complements the freshness of the lettuce.
But that’s not all – Outback’s Wedge Salad is also packed with additional toppings that take it to a whole new level. Crispy bacon bits provide a savory crunch, while ripe cherry tomatoes add a burst of juiciness. To add a touch of sweetness, red onions are thinly sliced and scattered over the top.
Overall, Outback’s Wedge Salad offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will leave you craving for more. Whether you’re a salad lover or just looking to try something new, this dish is definitely worth a taste!
History of Outback’s Wedge Salad
The Outback Steakhouse chain is known for its delicious and hearty menu offerings, including its famous Wedge Salad. This classic salad has a fascinating history that dates back to the creation of the restaurant itself.
When Outback Steakhouse first opened its doors in 1988 in Tampa, Florida, the founders envisioned a menu that would showcase the bold flavors and traditional dishes of the Australian Outback. One of the dishes they wanted to include was a refreshing salad option that would complement the rich flavors of their steaks and other entrees.
The inspiration for the Wedge Salad came from the classic American iceberg lettuce salad. However, the Outback team decided to put their own unique twist on it by adding Australian-inspired ingredients and flavors.
Outback’s Wedge Salad is made with a quarter head of fresh iceberg lettuce that is cut into a wedge shape. The wedge is then topped with crispy bacon bits, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and crumbled blue cheese. The salad is finished with a drizzle of homemade blue cheese dressing, which adds creaminess and tanginess to the dish.
This combination of ingredients creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The crispness of the iceberg lettuce pairs well with the smoky bacon, while the sweetness of the cherry tomatoes and the sharpness of the red onions add depth to the salad. The tangy blue cheese dressing ties everything together and adds a luxurious touch to the dish.
The Outback’s Wedge Salad quickly became a customer favorite and remains a popular choice on the menu to this day. Its refreshing nature and unique flavor profile make it a perfect starter or side dish for any meal.
Over the years, Outback Steakhouse has expanded its menu to include a variety of other salads, but the Wedge Salad remains a beloved classic. Its popularity is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to creating delicious and memorable dining experiences.
So, the next time you visit Outback Steakhouse, make sure to try the iconic Wedge Salad. It’s a taste of the Australian Outback with a delightful twist!
Origin and Evolution
The wedge salad is a classic American dish that has roots dating back to the 1930s. It is believed to have been created at the famous Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood, California. The salad was initially known as the “Blue Cheese Wedge Salad” due to its distinctive wedge shape and the prominent use of blue cheese dressing.
Over the years, the wedge salad has evolved and gained popularity across the United States. Different variations of the salad have emerged, with different toppings and dressings being used. In some versions, additional ingredients such as bacon, tomatoes, red onions, and avocado can be added to enhance the flavors and textures.
Today, the wedge salad is a staple in many American steakhouses, including Outback Steakhouse. Outback’s wedge salad typically consists of a crisp iceberg lettuce wedge topped with blue cheese dressing, bacon bits, cherry tomatoes, and chives. The combination of creamy dressing, salty bacon, and refreshing lettuce makes for a satisfying and delicious salad.
| Ingredient | Description |
|---|---|
| Iceberg Lettuce | A crisp and refreshing lettuce variety |
| Blue Cheese Dressing | A creamy dressing made with blue cheese |
| Bacon Bits | Crispy bacon pieces |
| Cherry Tomatoes | Small and sweet tomatoes |
| Chives | Herb with a mild onion flavor |
Ingredients of Outback’s Wedge Salad
The wedge salad at Outback Steakhouse includes:
- Iceberg Lettuce: Crispy and refreshing, iceberg lettuce forms the base of Outback’s wedge salad.
- Bacon: Smoky and crispy bacon bits are sprinkled over the iceberg lettuce for added flavor.
- Grape Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy grape tomatoes add a burst of color and freshness to the salad.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion provides a sharp and slightly tangy flavor.
- Blue Cheese Dressing: Outback’s wedge salad is traditionally served with a creamy and tangy blue cheese dressing for a rich and indulgent taste.
- Blue Cheese Crumbles: To enhance the blue cheese flavor, crumbled blue cheese is sprinkled over the salad.
- Chives: Freshly chopped chives are added as a garnish to add a subtle onion-like flavor and a touch of green.
These ingredients come together to create a satisfying and delicious wedge salad that is a popular choice at Outback Steakhouse.
Fresh Lettuce, Crispy Bacon, and Creamy Dressing
Outback’s wedge salad is a delicious combination of fresh lettuce, crispy bacon, and a creamy dressing.
The base of the salad is a wedge of crisp iceberg lettuce, which adds a satisfying crunch to each bite. The lettuce is carefully selected for its freshness and flavor.
To add a savory element to the salad, crispy bacon is generously sprinkled over the top. The bacon is cooked to perfection, providing a smoky and slightly salty taste that complements the freshness of the lettuce.
But what really takes this salad to the next level is the creamy dressing. Made with a secret blend of ingredients, the dressing is rich, smooth, and tangy. Its creamy texture coats the lettuce and bacon, adding a burst of flavor to every mouthful.
Ingredients:
- Fresh iceberg lettuce
- Crispy bacon
- Creamy dressing
This combination of fresh lettuce, crispy bacon, and creamy dressing makes Outback’s wedge salad a popular choice for both salad lovers and those looking for a satisfying appetizer or side dish. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a main course, this salad is sure to delight your taste buds.
Preparation of Outback’s Wedge Salad
To prepare Outback’s Wedge Salad, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 head of iceberg lettuce
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup diced red onions
- 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup blue cheese dressing
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
Instructions:
- Begin by cutting the head of iceberg lettuce into quarters. Remove the core from each quarter and place them on individual serving plates.
- Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese, diced tomatoes, diced red onions, and crumbled bacon over each lettuce wedge.
- Drizzle the blue cheese dressing over the top of each wedge.
- Finish off the salad by drizzling the balsamic glaze over the top.
Your Outback’s Wedge Salad is now ready to be served. Enjoy!
Cutting the Lettuce and Cooking the Bacon
One of the key components of Outback’s wedge salad is the fresh and crisp lettuce. To prepare the lettuce for the salad, start by washing it thoroughly under cold running water. This will help remove any dirt or impurities. Once washed, use a sharp knife to cut the lettuce head into quarters. Each quarter will serve as an individual wedge for the salad.
Next, it’s time to cook the bacon. Take several strips of bacon and place them in a cold skillet. Turn the heat to medium and let the bacon cook slowly. This will help render the fat and crisp up the bacon evenly. Flip the bacon occasionally to ensure it cooks on both sides.
Keep a close eye on the bacon as it can quickly go from golden brown to burnt. Once the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness, carefully remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease.
Once the bacon has cooled, chop it into small pieces using a sharp knife. These bacon bits will add a delicious smoky and salty flavor to the Outback’s wedge salad.
Now that the lettuce is ready and the bacon is cooked and chopped, you’re well on your way to creating a fantastic Outback’s wedge salad. Just be sure to combine these elements with the other fresh ingredients and the tangy dressing to complete the dish.
