This easy Wedge Salad Recipe makes for the perfect side dish or lunch. Crisp iceberg lettuce topped with salad dressing, tomatoes, croutons, crispy bacon, eggs, and crumbled blue cheese.
Pair the salad with Pan-Seared Steak or our best Chicken Breast Recipes for a complete dinner.
This salad is such an easy recipe yet packed with so many flavors. The cold iceberg lettuce combined with the toppings and the blue cheese dressing is so satisfying. It’s a classic salad that comes together quickly and is so appealing to serve.
wedge salad recipe
Ingredients:
- Lettuce – Whole iceberg lettuce works best, cold and crisp, straight out of the refrigerator.
- Tomatoes – Cherry tomatoes halved or any chopped heirloom tomatoes will work.
- Bacon – Use Air Fryer Bacon or Oven-Baked Bacon to get perfectly crispy bacon.
- Eggs – This recipe calls for chopped, boiled eggs.
- Croutons – Homemade or store-bought croutons work great.
- Blue Cheese – The classic ingredient for this salad.
- Dressing – You can use homemade blue cheese dressing or store-bought. Ranch dressing is also a great alternative if you’re not a fan of blue cheese.
how to make a wedge salad
- Rinse and remove any wilted leaves from the iceberg lettuce. Cut the lettuce in half and then in half again, resulting in four quarters. Cut off fibrous stems. Gently rinse and pat dry the quarters to remove any hidden dirt.
- Add a wedge to a plate and drizzle the salad dressing over the lettuce, then top with the tomatoes, bacon, eggs, croutons, and crumbled blue cheese.
- Repeat with the remaining wedges and the rest of the ingredients. Garnish with freshly cracked black pepper.
how to cut a wedge salad
To cut a wedge salad, follow these simple steps:
- Start with a head of iceberg lettuce. Rinse it under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels to remove any dirt or debris.
- Place the lettuce on a cutting board with the stem end facing up.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the lettuce in half lengthwise, from the stem end to the top.
- Place each half of the lettuce cut-side down on the cutting board.
- Make another lengthwise cut, dividing each half into two wedges. You should now have four wedges of iceberg lettuce.
- To serve, place one wedge on a plate and drizzle your desired dressing over the top. Then, add your favorite toppings, such as tomatoes, bacon, eggs, croutons, and blue cheese.
- Repeat with the remaining wedges and toppings.
- Serve the wedge salad immediately and enjoy!
wedge salad calories
The calorie content of a wedge salad can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. Here’s an approximate breakdown of the calorie content of a typical wedge salad:
- Iceberg lettuce (1/4 head): Approximately 10-20 calories
- Blue cheese dressing (2 tablespoons): Approximately 150-200 calories
- Bacon (2 slices, cooked and crumbled): Approximately 80-100 calories
- Cherry tomatoes (4-6 tomatoes): Approximately 15-25 calories
- Hard-boiled eggs (1 egg, chopped): Approximately 70-80 calories
- Croutons (1/4 cup): Approximately 30-40 calories
Keep in mind that these calorie estimates are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the specific brands of ingredients used and any additional toppings or dressings added to the salad. Additionally, homemade dressings and croutons may have different calorie counts compared to store-bought varieties.
wedge salad toppings
Variations for wedge salad toppings:
- Lettuce: You can substitute with romaine lettuce or butter lettuce.
- Veggies: Cucumbers, bell peppers, avocado, radishes, or beets.
- Protein: Chicken, steak, ham, or shrimp.
- Garnish: Chopped chives, jalapeno, or red onion.
- Cheese: Parmesan, feta cheese, goat cheese, fresh mozzarella, or shredded mozzarella.
- Dressing: Ranch dressing or Caesar dressing.
Enjoy your delicious wedge salad as a side dish or starter paired with your favorite main course!
what goes with wedge salad
These are just a few ideas to inspire your meal planning. Feel free to mix and match to create a well-rounded and delicious dining experience. A wedge salad pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some options to consider:
- Steak: A juicy steak, such as ribeye or filet mignon, complements the crispness of the iceberg lettuce and the richness of the blue cheese dressing.
- Grilled Chicken: Tender grilled chicken breast or thighs add protein to the meal and can be seasoned with herbs or spices to enhance the flavor.
- Seafood: Grilled shrimp or salmon are delicious options that add a light and refreshing element to the meal.
- Pasta: A side of pasta, such as garlic butter noodles or creamy Alfredo, provides a hearty accompaniment to the salad.
- Soup: A warm bowl of soup, such as tomato bisque or butternut squash soup, contrasts nicely with the coolness of the wedge salad.
- Bread: Serve crusty bread or garlic breadsticks on the side for dipping into soups or soaking up dressing from the salad.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts, offer a flavorful and nutritious addition to the meal.
- Potatoes: Whether roasted, mashed, or baked, potatoes are a satisfying side dish that pairs well with the freshness of the salad.
- Rice: Steamed white or brown rice can be served alongside the salad for a simple and filling meal.
- Wine or Cocktails: Complete the meal with a glass of wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, or a refreshing cocktail like a gin and tonic or a vodka soda with lime.
wedge salad benefits
Here are some benefits of a wedge salad:
- Nutrient-Rich: Despite its simplicity, a wedge salad offers a variety of nutrients. Iceberg lettuce is low in calories and high in water content, making it hydrating and filling. Additionally, toppings like tomatoes, eggs, and bacon provide vitamins, minerals, and protein.
- Versatility: A wedge salad can be easily customized to suit different dietary preferences and flavor preferences. You can add various toppings such as avocado, grilled chicken, or shrimp to enhance its nutritional profile and taste.
- Texture and Flavor: The combination of crisp iceberg lettuce, creamy dressing, savory bacon, tangy blue cheese, and other toppings creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors in every bite, making it a satisfying and enjoyable salad option.
- Simplicity: Wedge salads are quick and easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. With minimal chopping and assembly required, you can enjoy a fresh and delicious salad without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
- Eye-Catching Presentation: The presentation of a wedge salad, with its distinctive wedge-shaped lettuce and colorful toppings, adds visual appeal to any meal or table setting. It can elevate the dining experience and impress guests at parties or special occasions.
Overall, a wedge salad offers a delightful combination of taste, texture, and nutrition, making it a popular choice for salad lovers everywhere.
FAQ’S
What is a wedge salad made of? A wedge salad typically consists of a wedge of iceberg lettuce topped with dressing, tomatoes, bacon, eggs, croutons, and crumbled blue cheese.
How do you cut a head of lettuce for a wedge salad? To cut a head of lettuce for a wedge salad, start by removing any wilted or damaged outer leaves. Then, cut the head of lettuce in half vertically, and cut each half into quarters to create wedges.
Why are wedge salads so good? Wedge salads are beloved for their simplicity, crispness, and versatility. The combination of cool, crunchy iceberg lettuce with flavorful toppings and dressing creates a satisfying and refreshing salad experience.
How do you make iceberg wedge blue cheese salad? To make an iceberg wedge blue cheese salad, start by cutting a head of iceberg lettuce into quarters to create wedges. Place each wedge on a plate and drizzle with blue cheese dressing. Top with chopped tomatoes, crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and croutons. Finish with crumbled blue cheese.
What kind of lettuce is a wedge salad made from? A wedge salad is typically made from iceberg lettuce. Its crisp texture and mild flavor make it well-suited for serving as a wedge.
Why are wedge salads so expensive? Wedge salads may be perceived as more expensive compared to other salads due to the use of premium ingredients such as blue cheese, bacon, and eggs, as well as the labor involved in preparing and presenting the salad.
Do you need to wash iceberg lettuce for wedge salad? It is recommended to rinse iceberg lettuce under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels before using it in a wedge salad to remove any dirt or debris.
What is the proper way to eat a wedge salad? To eat a wedge salad, use a knife and fork to cut off bite-sized pieces of the lettuce wedge, making sure to include toppings with each bite. Alternatively, you can pick up the wedge with your hands and take a bite, although this may be messier.
How do you cut tomatoes for wedge salad? To cut tomatoes for a wedge salad, slice cherry tomatoes in half or chop larger tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Distribute the tomatoes evenly over the wedge of lettuce before serving.