Wedge Salad Recipe
This wedge salad recipe offers a satisfying dining experience, perfect for those who love a delicious salad. Its crispy texture, flavorful bacon, and a blend of ingredients create a scrumptious salad that’s sure to please.
I remember my first wedge salad. Several years ago, I did not know wedge salads were a ‘thing.’
I didn’t try to replicate it because, in most salads, you can add whatever you like to them.
I add avocado and feta cheese instead of blue cheese crumbles because I’m dressing the salad with homemade blue cheese dressing. I find too much blue cheese isn’t something I enjoy.
This salad is the perfect side dish with your favorite protein like chicken or steak.
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Helpful tips
- Quality of lettuce: The foundation of a great wedge salad is the lettuce. Use fresh, crisp iceberg lettuce for that perfect crunch. Make sure it’s well-chilled before serving.
- Proper cutting: Cut the lettuce into even wedges to ensure each piece is manageable to eat and visually appealing. A sharp knife is crucial for clean cuts.
- Bacon to perfection: Cook the bacon until it’s perfectly crisp. This adds a wonderful texture and infuses the salad with a smoky flavor. I make it ahead so by the time I need it, it’s cold and easy to crumble. Here’s an air fryer bacon recipe.
- Homemade dressing: Consider making your own dressing. Fresh, homemade dressings can elevate the salad from good to great. A blue cheese or buttermilk ranch dressing works well with the crispiness of the lettuce and the saltiness of the bacon.
- Add a crunch: Include a variety of textures. Croutons or nuts can add an extra layer of crunch that complements the softness of the lettuce.
- Freshness of ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for toppings. When fresh, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and cheese can significantly enhance the overall flavor of the salad.
- Balanced toppings: Distribute toppings evenly. This ensures that each bite is as flavorful as the last.
- Chilled plates: Serve the salad on chilled plates to keep it cool and refreshing, especially if it’s a starter for a meal.
- Seasoning matters: Don’t forget to season your salad. A light sprinkle of salt and pepper can make a big difference in the flavors.
- Serving size: If serving as a main dish, increase the size of the wedge and the portion of toppings. For a side dish, smaller wedges with lighter toppings are more appropriate.
Other great additions
- Hard-boiled eggs.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt instead of the dressing.
- Chives.
- Red onions.
How to make the wedge salad recipe
Pre-step
You can make the bacon ahead. I like to store cooked bacon in the refrigerator for salads like this.
But you can either fry the bacon until it’s crispy, which takes around 8 minutes or bake on a foil-lined pan at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes on one side and 6 minutes on the other.
Step one
Gather the ingredients – tomatoes, iceberg lettuce, bacon, candied pecans, and feta cheese. (A)
Step two
This step depends on how many you are feeding. I’m serving four people as a side salad and chicken cordon bleu.
Cut the head of iceberg lettuce in half. And then cut it in quarters. I cut the quarters each in half.
Step three
Place the wedges on plates. Cut up one of the tomatoes and sprinkle it over the wedges. (B)
Step four
Add as many bacon crumbles as you want, slice the avocado, and add it to the salads. (C)
Step five
Add the pecans and feta cheese. (D)
All that is left is to pour on the dressing on top and eat the salad.
Mmmmm. This wedge salad recipe is super yummy.
Other delicious salads
And as always, may all your dishes be delish!
If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!
Wedge Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 head iceberg lettuce (cut in half and then half again)
- 1 tomato (cut in chunks – or as much as you want)
- 4 slices bacon (fried ahead of time, cooled and crumbled)
- 1 avocado (cut into slices – use as much as you want)
- 1 tablespoon candied pecans (you choose the amount)
- 1 tablespoon Feta cheese
- 4 tablespoons blue cheese dressing (or dressing of choice)
Instructions
- Get salad plates and place a wedge on each plate.1/2 head iceberg lettuce
- Sprinkle on tomatoes, avocado slices, crumbled bacon, pecans, and feta cheese.1 tomato, 4 slices bacon, 1 avocado, 1 tablespoon candied pecans, 1 tablespoon Feta cheese
- Pour the blue cheese dressing over the wedges4 tablespoons blue cheese dressing
- Serve
- Smile
- Enjoy
Notes
Helpful tips
- Quality of lettuce: The foundation of a great wedge salad is the lettuce. Use fresh, crisp iceberg lettuce for that perfect crunch. Make sure it’s well-chilled before serving.
- Proper cutting: Cut the lettuce into even wedges to ensure each piece is manageable to eat and visually appealing. A sharp knife is crucial for clean cuts.
- Bacon to perfection: Cook the bacon until it’s perfectly crisp. This adds a wonderful texture and infuses the salad with a smoky flavor. I make it ahead so by the time I need it, it’s cold and easy to crumble. Here’s an air fryer bacon recipe.
- Homemade dressing: Consider making your own dressing. Fresh, homemade dressings can elevate the salad from good to great. A blue cheese or buttermilk ranch dressing works well with the crispiness of the lettuce and the saltiness of the bacon.
- Add a crunch: Include a variety of textures. Croutons or nuts can add an extra layer of crunch that complements the softness of the lettuce.
- Freshness of ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for toppings. When fresh, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and cheese can significantly enhance the overall flavor of the salad.
- Balanced toppings: Distribute toppings evenly. This ensures that each bite is as flavorful as the last.
- Chilled plates: Serve the salad on chilled plates to keep it cool and refreshing, especially if it’s a starter for a meal.
- Seasoning matters: Don’t forget to season your salad. A light sprinkle of salt and pepper can make a big difference in the flavors.
- Serving size: If serving as a main dish, increase the size of the wedge and the portion of toppings. For a side dish, smaller wedges with lighter toppings are more appropriate.
Nutrition
From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to food journalist, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.
It’s a classic for a reason! Gorgeous photos!
Thank you Eileen!
Why do wedge salads remind me of 1978? I think that was probably when EVERYONE was making them… That said, they’re a classic for a reason and this looks so inviting!
Wow. I can’t believe it’s that old Lisa. I think I came late to the wedge party.
I love wedge salads! The added crunch of the lettuce is really satisfying! Thanks for the fun topping idea 🙂
Luci, Thank you!! I do find the crunch satisfying as well.
I’ve never had a wedge salad before, but I’m a knife and fork type girl and this really appeals to me. I’m a slow eater (much to my husband’s impatience) and I find that foods that I have to cut up slow me down more – allowing me to enjoy the flavor more! I can’t wait to try this!
Thanks Mackenzie! I wish I was a slow eater, but alas, I’m fast!
love a good wedge salad!! Delish!
Hehe. Thanks Kristina!
I love wedge salad because of the ease of preparation! Yours look deliciously good!
Thank you Abigail!
I made this last night for dinner and hubby and I loved it. Thank you!