Easy Wedge Salad Recipe for Fresh Meals

Discover a simple Wedge Salad Recipe packed with crisp lettuce, creamy dressing, and fresh toppings for quick, healthy meals. This classic salad is a celebration of textures and flavors, combining crunchy iceberg lettuce wedges with tangy blue cheese dressing and savory extras that bring every bite to life. If you’re looking for a refreshing meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare, this recipe is just the thing to brighten your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to prepare: Minimal chopping and simple ingredients make this wedge salad recipe perfect for busy days.
• Fresh and crunchy: The crispness of iceberg lettuce offers a satisfying texture unmatched by other greens.
• Bold, creamy flavors: The rich dressing paired with tangy toppings creates a delicious flavor contrast.
• Customizable toppings: You can easily swap or add ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
• Visually stunning: The neat wedges are eye-catching and great for entertaining or casual meals alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this wedge salad recipe plays an important role in achieving the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the crunchy lettuce base to the creamy dressing and savory toppings, these simple staples come together effortlessly.

• Iceberg lettuce: Choose fresh, firm heads to ensure crisp and crunchy wedges that hold their shape.
• Blue cheese dressing: Creamy and tangy, this dressing adds richness and depth to every bite.
• Bacon bits: Crispy cooked bacon provides a smoky, salty crunch that complements the salad.
• Cherry tomatoes: Fresh and juicy tomatoes add a pop of color and natural sweetness.
• Red onion slices: Thinly sliced for a sharp, slightly sweet bite to balance creaminess.
• Chives or green onions: Finely chopped for a mild onion flavor and fresh green color.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors in the salad.

Variations for Wedge Salad Recipe

This wedge salad recipe is easy to customize to fit your taste buds or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with different toppings, dressings, or types of lettuce to make it your own quick, fresh meal.

• Switch up the dressing: Try ranch, buttermilk, or a vinaigrette instead of blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Add avocado slices: Creamy avocado brings healthy fats and an extra layer of richness.
• Use grilled chicken: Toss some tender grilled chicken on top for a more filling meal.
• Try different cheeses: Substitute blue cheese with feta, goat cheese, or shaved Parmesan to vary the taste.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit bacon and add toasted nuts or seeds for crunch without meat.

How to Make Wedge Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the lettuce

Remove any wilted or damaged outer leaves from the iceberg lettuce. Slice the head carefully into four equal wedges, keeping the core intact so the wedges stay together.

Step 2: Prepare toppings

Cook bacon until crispy and chop into small bits. Rinse and halve cherry tomatoes, thinly slice red onion, and finely chop chives or green onions.

Step 3: Assemble the salad

Place each wedge on a plate and season lightly with salt and pepper. Drizzle blue cheese dressing generously over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides.

Step 4: Add toppings

Sprinkle the bacon bits, tomatoes, onion slices, and chives evenly over and around the wedge. Add extra crumbled blue cheese if desired for a richer bite.

Step 5: Serve immediately

Enjoy your wedge salad fresh for maximum crispness and flavor.

Pro Tips for Making Wedge Salad Recipe

• Choose fresh lettuce: Firm, cold iceberg heads yield the best texture and keep the wedges crisp.
• Chill all ingredients: Cold lettuce and dressing enhance freshness and flavor contrast.
• Don’t overdress: Add dressing gradually to avoid soggy lettuce.
• Use quality bacon: Thick-cut bacon crisps nicely and adds a smoky depth.
• Prep toppings in advance: Save time by cooking bacon and chopping vegetables earlier in the day.
• Serve immediately: To maintain crunch and avoid wilting, plate just before eating.

How to Serve Wedge Salad Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra crumbled blue cheese, freshly ground black pepper, or a few chive sprigs elevate the visual appeal and impart additional layers of flavor to the salad.

Side Dishes

Pair this wedge salad with grilled steaks, roasted chicken, or seafood for a balanced meal, or serve alongside hearty sandwiches and soups for a lighter option.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange wedges on platters for parties, decorate with edible flowers for a pop of color, or build mini wedge salads in individual bowls for personal servings at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wedge salad tastes best fresh, but if you need to store leftovers, keep the lettuce and toppings separate from the dressing in airtight containers. Refrigerate and assemble just before eating to maintain freshness.

Freezing

Freezing wedge salad is not recommended as the texture of the lettuce and freshness of the toppings will be compromised.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold; reheating is not advisable because it diminishes the crispness and freshness that define this dish.

FAQs

Can I use other types of lettuce for this wedge salad recipe?

While iceberg is traditional for its crunch and shape, you can experiment with romaine or butter lettuce for a slightly different texture and flavor.

How long can I keep the dressing stored?

Store homemade blue cheese dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week for best quality.

Is this wedge salad recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?

Yes! This salad is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for low-carb or keto-friendly meals.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely. Substitute vegan blue cheese dressing and replace bacon with smoked tempeh or crispy chickpeas for a plant-based take.

What are some good alternatives to bacon in this recipe?

Try smoked almonds, toasted walnuts, or sautéed mushrooms to add umami and crunch without meat.

Final Thoughts

This easy Wedge Salad Recipe is a perfect fresh meal that never fails to impress with its crisp textures and creamy, tangy flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a vibrant side, or a show-stopping dish for guests, give this salad a try and enjoy the effortless deliciousness it brings to your table.

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