Name: Savor Classic Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese and Bacon Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 head Iceberg Lettuce (well-chilled for the best texture); 1/4 cup Chopped Red Onion (adjust to taste); 1 cup Blue Cheese Dressing (homemade or store-bought); 4 slices Crumpled Bacon (baked until crispy); 1/2 cup Crumbled Blue Cheese (increase for added richness); 1/2 cup Cherry Tomatoes (halve for presentation); 2 tablespoons Snipped Chives (substitute with green onions if necessary)

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There’s something undeniably satisfying about cracking into a fresh wedge of iceberg lettuce, especially when it’s transformed into a Classic Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese and Bacon. The crisp crunch of the lettuce instantly awakens the senses, while the rich, tangy blue cheese dressing caresses the leaves, creating a dance of flavors that transports you straight to your favorite steakhouse.

One evening, while preparing a simple dinner, I found myself yearning for that nostalgic touch of indulgence without all the fuss of a complicated recipe. This salad not only delivers a hearty dose of flavor but also brings a charming presentation to the table, making it perfect for both casual lunches or impressing guests. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—feel free to play with an array of toppings to suit your taste. Dive into this easy, yet elegant dish, and experience a bit of gourmet flair in your own kitchen!

Why is the Classic Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese and Bacon so special?

Irresistible Flavors: This salad masterfully marries the salty crunch of bacon with the creamy tang of blue cheese dressing, appealing to all taste buds.

Quick Preparation: In just under 15 minutes, you can whip up this indulgent dish, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

Beautiful Presentation: The towering wedges are not only delightful to eat but also create a stunning visual on your table, impressing friends and family alike.

Customizable Toppings: With suggestions like diced avocado or hard-boiled eggs, you can easily play with flavors and textures to cater to your preferences.

Perfect Pairing: This Classic Wedge Salad shines as a side for grilled steaks or as a star appetizer, making it versatile for any occasion.

Satisfying Crunch: Each bite delivers a refreshing crunch, perfect for those who crave something beyond fast food.

Classic Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese and Bacon Ingredients

For the Salad Base
• Iceberg Lettuce – A crisp and refreshing base that adds a satisfying crunch; ensure it’s well-chilled for the best texture.
• Chopped Red Onion – Adds a touch of mild sweetness; adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences.

For the Dressing
• Blue Cheese Dressing – Creamy and tangy, this dressing elevates the salad; you can opt for homemade or store-bought for convenience.

For the Toppings
• Crumpled Bacon – Provides a smoky and savory flavor; baking until crispy will give you the best texture and ease of preparation.
• Crumbled Blue Cheese – Enhances the blue cheese flavor and adds creaminess; feel free to increase the amount for added richness.
• Cherry Tomatoes – These add a pop of color and sweetness; halve them to create an easy and attractive presentation.
• Snipped Chives – For a delicate onion flavor that garnishes beautifully; you can substitute with green onions if necessary.

Feel free to get creative with additional toppings like diced avocado or hard-boiled eggs for your Classic Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese and Bacon!

How to Make Classic Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese and Bacon

Prepare the Lettuce: Start by removing any wilted leaves and cutting out the core of the iceberg lettuce. Slice it into four wedges, then wash and dry them thoroughly to retain crispness.
Arrange on Plates: Place each cooled wedge on a chilled plate, cut side facing up. This creates an attractive presentation, making the salad visually appealing.
Dress the Wedges: Generously pour blue cheese dressing over each wedge, ensuring it seeps down into the layers for that rich, creamy experience everyone loves.
Add the Toppings: Sprinkle crispy crumbled bacon, chopped red onion, and additional crumbled blue cheese atop each wedge. Let those flavors come together in harmony!
Garnish and Finish: Arrange halved cherry tomatoes around each wedge, then crown it all off with snipped chives and a dash of freshly cracked black pepper for that added zing.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy this delightful salad right away, while it’s cold and crunchy. The combination of flavors and textures will have everyone coming back for more!

Optional: Add diced avocados for a creamy consistency that pairs beautifully with the other toppings.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Classic Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese and Bacon Variations

Embrace the joy of customizing this salad to suit your cravings and occasion.

Dairy-Free: Substitute blue cheese dressing with a creamy vegan dressing or tahini mix for delicious non-dairy flavors.
Seafood Delight: Add baby shrimp or crab meat for a delightful seafood twist that enhances the flavor profile beautifully.
Avocado Creaminess: Diced avocado not only adds creaminess but also brings a rich, buttery texture that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
Sweet and Spicy: Incorporate jalapeños or a drizzle of chili oil for a touch of heat that contrasts with the cooling crunch of iceberg lettuce.
Herb Infusion: Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an extra layer of freshness and a vibrant color contrast that makes for a stunning presentation.
Crispy Panko Crunch: Toasted Panko breadcrumbs can be scattered on top for a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy dressing.
Fruit Twist: Thinly sliced apples or pears can add a subtle sweetness that complements the savory elements perfectly.
Alternate Dressings: Experiment with other dressings like ranch or honey mustard for a completely different flavor experience that still complements the salad.

Make Ahead Options

These Classic Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese and Bacon components are ideal for meal prep, making dinner time a breeze! You can wash, dry, and store the iceberg lettuce wedges up to 24 hours ahead in the refrigerator to maintain their crispness. Additionally, you can prepare the blue cheese dressing and crumbled bacon in advance—both can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply plate the chilled wedges, drizzle with the dressing, and top with bacon, red onion, and any additional ingredients like tomatoes or chives. This way, you’ll enjoy a delightful and fresh salad with minimal effort on a busy weeknight!

Storage Tips for Classic Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese and Bacon

Fridge: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, ideally enjoyed within 1 day to retain crispness.

Separate Components: Keep the dressing and toppings separate from the wedge salad to prevent wilting. This ensures that your next serving remains deliciously fresh.

Reheating Bacon: If reheating bacon, use a microwave or oven until crispy again. Adding it to a previously chilled salad is best avoided for optimal texture.

Not Recommended for Long-Term Storage: The Classic Wedge Salad is best served fresh and is not recommended for freezing due to the degradation of texture and taste.

What to Serve with Classic Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese and Bacon?

To elevate your meal experience, consider pairing your salad with dishes that complement its rich flavors and textures.

Grilled Steak: Juicy, savory steak harmonizes beautifully with the creamy components of the salad, making for a satisfying, indulgent dining experience.
Roasted Veggies: Colorful roasted vegetables bring warmth and a variety of flavors, balancing the crispness of the salad with their tender texture.

Grilled veggies delightfully connect those charred edges with the creamy blue cheese, enhancing both dishes.

Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes with toppings offer a comforting contrast to the salad’s crunch, creating a hearty texture combination.
Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread adds a delectable crunch while its savory goodness complements the salad without overpowering it.

The satisfying texture of garlic bread will make every bite of wedge salad feel even more indulgent!

Fresh Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad introduces a hint of sweetness, which beautifully contrasts the saltiness of the bacon and blue cheese.
Chilled White Wine: A crisp, chilled white wine enhances the salad’s flavors, providing a refreshing note with every sip to accompany your meal.
Decadent Chocolate Cake: End on a sweet note with rich chocolate cake, delivering a luscious contrast to the savory salad while satisfying your sweet tooth.

Pairing these options with your Classic Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese and Bacon will create a memorable meal full of delight!

Tips for the Best Classic Wedge Salad

Chill the Lettuce: Make sure your iceberg lettuce is well-chilled before assembly. This enhances its crunchiness and overall freshness.
Control Dressing Flow: Pour the blue cheese dressing gently over the wedges to prevent overcrowding and ensure a balanced flavor in every bite.
Perfectly Crispy Bacon: For the best texture, bake your bacon in the oven until crispy. This method is easier and prevents the mess of frying!
Layering Counts: Layer toppings like red onions and bacon thoughtfully; this way, all flavors are beautifully distributed and accessible with each bite of your Classic Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese and Bacon.
Create a Colorful Presentation: Halve cherry tomatoes and arrange them artfully around the wedge. This not only adds a burst of color but also makes for a beautiful plate that tempts the eye!

Classic Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese and Bacon Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right iceberg lettuce for my Classic Wedge Salad?
Absolutely! When selecting iceberg lettuce, look for heads that are tightly packed and heavy for their size. Avoid any heads with dark spots or wilting leaves. Ideally, the outer leaves should be a vibrant green, and the inner leaves crisp and fresh. A well-chilled lettuce enhances the salad’s crunch and flavor, so feel free to pop it in the fridge ahead of time.

How should I store leftovers from my Classic Wedge Salad?
Very well! If you have any leftovers, I recommend storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. For the best quality, aim to enjoy them within 1 day. To maintain texture, it’s best to keep the dressing and toppings separate from the lettuce until you’re ready to serve again.

Can I freeze my Classic Wedge Salad?
Not recommended! While you can freeze ingredients separately like crumbled bacon or blue cheese, the assembled salad doesn’t freeze well due to the change in the texture of the lettuce. For the best experience, this salad is best served fresh and enjoyed immediately.

What should I do if my bacon isn’t crispy enough?
If your bacon isn’t crispy after cooking, you can always return it to the oven for a few extra minutes, checking regularly to ensure it doesn’t burn. Alternatively, you could place it in a hot skillet for a quick sizzle. The goal is to achieve that satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy lettuce and dressing.

Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of with this salad?
Definitely! This Classic Wedge Salad is not only delicious but also customizable. If you’re serving guests with dietary restrictions, consider using a non-dairy blue cheese dressing for lactose-free needs or swapping out the bacon for a plant-based alternative. Always check for allergies to blue cheese or any other inclusions to ensure everyone enjoys this delightful salad!