The Best Homemade Wedge Salad Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade wedge salad is a fresh, crunchy delight that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. You’ll love how simple it is to put together while still feeling fancy enough for any occasion.
- Crisp and revitalizing—the chilled iceberg lettuce stays perfectly crunchy, making every bite satisfying.
- Creamy and tangy—the rich blue cheese dressing adds a bold, zesty kick that pairs perfectly with the bacon.
- Customizable toppings—pile on extra bacon, tomatoes, or chives to make it just how you like it.
Recipe
A classic wedge salad is a simple yet elegant dish that brings together crisp iceberg lettuce, creamy dressing, and savory toppings. This homemade version stays true to the traditional recipe while allowing you to enjoy it fresh at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, quartered
- ½ cup blue cheese dressing (or ranch dressing)
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Rinse the iceberg lettuce and pat dry. Cut into four equal wedges, keeping the core intact to hold the leaves together.
- Place each wedge on a plate.
- Drizzle generously with blue cheese or ranch dressing.
- Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese, bacon, and cherry tomatoes over each wedge.
- Garnish with chopped chives and freshly ground black pepper.
- Serve immediately.
Notes:
- For extra crunch, add toasted walnuts or pecans.
- Use thick-cut bacon for a richer flavor.
Equipment:
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Serving plates
Time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 5 minutes (for bacon)
Cuisine: American
Serving: 4
Nutrition
This wedge salad is packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables and a creamy dressing. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Total Fat | 28g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 20mg |
| Sodium | 450mg |
| Total Carbs | 12g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Protein | 6g |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my wedge salad with grilled chicken for a heartier meal, or crispy bacon for extra crunch. Both options add great flavor and make the dish feel more complete. You can’t go wrong with either, so pick what you’re craving!
Grilled Chicken Options
When I’m grilling chicken for my wedge salad, I love thinking about ways to make the meal feel complete and satisfying. I usually marinate boneless thighs in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for extra flavor, then season them with salt and pepper before grilling. Slicing the chicken thinly makes it easier to layer on the salad without overpowering it. Sometimes, I grill chicken breasts and let them cool slightly before adding them to the dish, which keeps the salad crisp and invigorating. Pairing grilled chicken with a wedge salad always feels hearty, healthy, and just right for a summer dinner.
Crispy Bacon Pairings
Though crispy bacon stands out on its own, pairing it thoughtfully can elevate any dish. I love adding it to sandwiches, like a classic BLT, or crumbling it over creamy soups for extra crunch. Bacon also works wonders in breakfast favorites, such as pancakes or scrambled eggs. For salads, it’s a must, especially on a wedge salad, where its smoky flavor balances the cool lettuce and tangy dressing. You can even use it in pasta dishes or sprinkle it on roasted veggies for a savory twist. Honestly, bacon’s versatility makes it my go-to ingredient for enhancing flavors and adding that perfect texture.
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