Looking for a fresh, satisfying lunch idea or a quick-and-easy dish to share at your next dinner with family or friends? The classic wedge salad needs to be your go-to dish.
In the realm of salads, there’s something timeless about the wedge salad. Its simplicity, elegance, and refreshing crunch make it a beloved classic that has stood the test of time. With just a few key ingredients, you can create a dish that’s not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor.
A quarter head of iceberg lettuce, creamy blue cheese dressing, plus crispy bacon, onion, and tomatoes… how could you wish for any more? Simple, satisfying, and seasonally perfect.
How to Make a Wedge Salad
Here’s our favorite take on how to make the classic wedge salad at home.
- Prepare the lettuce: Start by rinsing the head of iceberg lettuce under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels, then remove any outer leaves that are wilted or damaged. Place the lettuce on a cutting board and carefully cut it into four wedges, making sure to keep the core intact.
- Cook the bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble the salad: Place each wedge of lettuce on a serving plate. Drizzle the blue cheese dressing over the top of each wedge, making sure to cover the surface evenly. Next, sprinkle the cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, and blue cheese crumbles over the dressed lettuce wedges.
- Garnish and season: To finish off the salad, sprinkle chopped chives and crumbled bacon over each wedge. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adding an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
- Serve and enjoy: Your classic wedge salad is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it as a refreshing appetizer or side dish alongside your favorite main course. The combination of crisp lettuce, savory bacon, tangy blue cheese, and fresh vegetables is sure to delight your taste buds with every bite.
Classic Wedge Salad
Ingredients
- 1 head of iceberg lettuce
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 4 ounces bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- Blue Cheese Dressing
Instructions
- Cut lettuce into four wedges.
- Dice onion and tomato into small pieces (Tip: to keep tomatoes from being too watery, place them in a strainer tossed with a little salt and let them drain while you pull the rest of your ingredients together.)
- Cook bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5 minutes. Place on a paper-towel-lined plate to drain grease.
- Arrange iceberg wedges on plates and pour blue cheese dressing over each.
- Sprinkle with onion, tomato, and bacon crumbles.
The History of the Wedge Salad
The wedge salad is said to have originated in the 1950s and 60s, during the height of the steakhouse era. The salad was a popular side dish that was served alongside steaks and other hearty meat dishes. The simplicity of the salad made it easy to prepare and the ingredients were readily available. This made it a popular choice for restaurants.
Over the years, the recipe has evolved. Some restaurants add blue cheese crumbles, cherry tomatoes, and other ingredients to give the salad a modern twist. However, the classic wedge salad remains a favorite among many.
Try Making a Wedge Salad at Home
The classic wedge salad is a delicious and easy-to-make salad that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a simple side dish or a light lunch, this salad is sure to hit the spot. So next time you’re in the mood for something fresh and tasty, give this classic recipe a try.
