Classic Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese and Bacon

1. Introduction

Wedge Salad is a timeless classic that combines simplicity with bold flavor. Instead of tossing greens together, this salad celebrates the crispness and structure of iceberg lettuce by serving it as a wedge. Topped with creamy blue cheese dressing, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and sharp red onions, every bite is a satisfying mix of textures and flavors.

The beauty of a wedge salad lies in its presentation. It’s visually impressive yet simple to prepare, making it perfect for dinner parties, casual meals, or even a special restaurant-style salad at home. Despite its simplicity, it offers a perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and savory richness.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to prep the perfect wedge, make a creamy blue cheese dressing, and assemble a wedge salad that’s crisp, flavorful, and restaurant-quality.

2. Ingredients Breakdown

Iceberg Lettuce

The star of the wedge salad. Choose a firm head with tightly packed leaves. Its crisp texture is key for holding toppings and dressing.

Blue Cheese

Provides creamy, tangy, and bold flavor. Crumble it finely for even distribution.

Bacon

Crispy bacon bits add savory crunch and smoky depth.

Tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes add sweetness and juiciness.

Red Onion

Thinly sliced for sharpness and subtle color contrast.

Blue Cheese Dressing

Creamy dressing ties all flavors together. Homemade is best, but store-bought works well too.

Substitutions

Blue cheese → Feta or goat cheese for milder flavor
Bacon → Turkey bacon or smoked almonds for a lighter option
Iceberg → Romaine for a less crisp wedge
Dressing → Ranch or creamy Caesar

Optional Add-Ins

Hard-boiled egg slices
Avocado
Chives or fresh parsley for garnish
Toasted walnuts or pecans for extra crunch

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Lettuce

Remove outer leaves and cut a firm head of iceberg into 4 wedges. Rinse and pat dry thoroughly.

2. Cook the Bacon

Cook bacon until crispy, then drain on paper towels and crumble.

3. Prepare the Dressing

Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, blue cheese crumbles, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper for a creamy homemade dressing. Thin with milk or buttermilk if needed.

4. Chop Vegetables

Dice tomatoes and thinly slice red onions.

5. Assemble the Wedges

Place lettuce wedges on individual plates or a serving platter.

6. Top the Wedges

Drizzle blue cheese dressing over the wedge. Sprinkle diced tomatoes, crumbled bacon, and red onion slices evenly.

7. Garnish

Optional: add chopped chives or parsley for extra color and freshness.

4. Tips and Variations

Tips

Use cold, crisp lettuce for maximum crunch.
Serve immediately after assembly to maintain texture.
Adjust blue cheese amount to taste—more for bold flavor, less for subtle.
Drizzle dressing in a zigzag pattern for an attractive presentation.

Variations

Low-Fat Version: Use light blue cheese and turkey bacon.
Mediterranean Twist: Add olives, cucumbers, and feta.
Protein-Packed: Add grilled chicken or shrimp.
Vegetarian: Skip bacon and add nuts or roasted chickpeas.

5. Serving Suggestions

Serve With

Grilled steak or chicken
Garlic bread or croutons on the side
Light soups (tomato or chicken broth-based)

Presentation Ideas

Place wedge on a large plate with toppings evenly distributed
Drizzle dressing just before serving for a polished look
Garnish with fresh herbs or microgreens

Drink Pairings

Crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc
Iced tea with lemon
Sparkling water or a light citrus cocktail

6. Storage and Reheating Instructions

Wedge salad is best served fresh.
Store lettuce, bacon, and dressing separately in airtight containers for up to 1 day.
Assemble just before serving to maintain crispness.
Do not freeze.

7. Recipe Notes

Choose firm, cold iceberg for the best wedge shape.
Make dressing a day ahead for enhanced flavor.
Bacon can be cooked in advance and stored in the fridge.
Wedge salad works well as a starter or main course for lunch.

8. Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320
Fat	28g
Saturated Fat	10g
Carbohydrates	8g
Sugar	3g
Fiber	2g
Protein	10g
Sodium	640mg
Cholesterol	65mg
Calcium	120mg
Iron	1mg

Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

9. Recipe Card Summary

Course: Salad / Appetizer / Side
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

1 head iceberg lettuce, cut into 4 wedges
½ cup crumbled blue cheese
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or diced
¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
½ cup blue cheese dressing

Instructions

Cut iceberg lettuce into wedges.
Cook bacon until crispy and crumble.
Prepare blue cheese dressing.
Chop tomatoes and slice onions.
Place lettuce wedges on plates.
Drizzle dressing and top with tomatoes, bacon, and onions.
Garnish with chives or parsley.

Diet Tags

Gluten-free (without croutons)
High-fat / Keto-friendly (rich in protein and fat)
Quick & easy

Health Benefits

High in protein from bacon and cheese
Provides calcium and vitamins from lettuce and blue cheese
Low in carbs if croutons are omitted
Supports satiety and energy

FAQs

1. Can I use romaine instead of iceberg?
Yes, but the wedge shape won’t be as firm or crisp.

2. Can I make the dressing ahead?
Yes, store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

3. Can I make it vegetarian?
Omit bacon and add nuts or roasted chickpeas.

4. Can I serve this as a main course?
Yes, add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak.

5. Should the lettuce be washed before cutting?
Yes, rinse thoroughly and pat dry to keep it crisp.

11. Final Thoughts

Wedge Salad is a simple yet elegant salad that offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Its crisp iceberg, creamy dressing, tangy blue cheese, and savory bacon make it a crowd-pleaser at any table. Quick to prepare yet visually stunning, it’s ideal as a starter, side, or even a light meal. Try this classic wedge salad for your next gathering and enjoy the crisp, creamy, and savory perfection in every bite.