I love a good wedge salad recipe because it feels fancy enough for a steakhouse dinner but is ridiculously easy to make at home.
If you want something crisp, creamy, crunchy, and beginner-friendly, this one is absolutely for you.
Wedge Salad Recipe
Recipe Overview
| Detail | Value |
| COURSE | Salad / Appetizer |
| CUISINE | American |
| DIFFICULTY | Easy |
| SERVINGS | 4 |
| PREPARATION TIME | 15 minutes |
| COOKING TIME | 10 minutes |
| CALORIES | 320 per serving |
Equipment Needed
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Skillet (for bacon)
- Serving platter
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1 large head iceberg lettuce, cut into 4 wedges
- 8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
For the Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/3 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Easy Variations
- Swap blue cheese for feta if you’re not team funky cheese.
- Use turkey bacon for a lighter version.
- Add avocado slices for extra creaminess.
- Try ranch dressing if blue cheese isn’t your thing (I won’t judge).
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then transfer it to paper towels to cool.
- Crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces once cooled.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, blue cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Chill the dressing for 10 minutes so the flavors mingle like old friends at a backyard BBQ.
- Remove any wilted outer leaves from the iceberg lettuce.
- Slice the lettuce head into 4 equal wedges, keeping the core intact so each wedge stays together.
- Arrange the wedges on a serving platter.
- Spoon generous amounts of dressing over each wedge for that classic wedge salad recipe look.
- Sprinkle bacon, cherry tomatoes, red onion, blue cheese crumbles, and chives evenly over the top.
- Add extra black pepper if you like a little kick.
- Serve immediately while everything stays crisp and crunchy.
- This wedge salad recipe tastes best fresh, so don’t let it sit too long unless you enjoy soggy lettuce sadness.
Ideas for Serving
- Pair this wedge salad recipe with grilled steak for a steakhouse-style dinner at home.
- Serve alongside burgers, BBQ chicken, or grilled salmon for a fresh crunchy contrast.
- Add grilled shrimp on top to turn it into a satisfying lunch.
- Enjoy with warm crusty bread and soup for a lighter meal.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 10g |
| Fat | 27g |
| Carbs | 8g |
This salad is rich in healthy fats and protein thanks to the dressing, bacon, and cheese.
Iceberg lettuce keeps things light and refreshing while adding crunch without many calories.
If you want a lighter option, swapping turkey bacon and reduced-fat dressing ingredients works beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cutting away the lettuce core completely so the wedges fall apart
- Overdressing the salad until it turns into lettuce soup
- Using warm bacon directly on the lettuce
- Skipping chilling time for the dressing
- Using old iceberg lettuce that lacks crunch
- Slicing the wedges too thin
Conclusion
This wedge salad recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create something seriously delicious.
I make this whenever I want a quick side that feels restaurant-worthy without spending a fortune.
The crunchy lettuce, creamy dressing, smoky bacon, and tangy cheese are basically the dream team.
If this is your first homemade wedge salad, trust me, you’ve got this.
And if you accidentally add too much bacon, I consider that a success.
FAQs
What is a wedge salad recipe made of?
A classic wedge salad recipe includes iceberg lettuce, blue cheese dressing, bacon, tomatoes, onion, and cheese crumbles.
Can I make wedge salad ahead of time?
Yes, prep toppings and dressing ahead, but assemble right before serving for best crunch.
What dressing goes best with wedge salad?
Blue cheese dressing is traditional, but ranch or creamy Caesar also taste great.
Is wedge salad healthy?
It can be, especially with lighter dressing and turkey bacon substitutions.
What lettuce is best for wedge salad recipe?
Iceberg lettuce is best because it holds shape well and gives that signature crisp crunch.
