Perfect for a refreshing lunch or a light dinner, this classic iceberg wedge salad recipe brings a burst of freshness to your table.
Crunchy iceberg lettuce topped with crispy bacon, tangy blue cheese, and cherry tomatoes, drizzled with creamy herby ranch dressing for a classic wedge salad. With vibrant colors and a symphony of flavors, it’s a delightful treat for your taste buds. Good food = good mood!
Ingredients for Iceberg Wedge Salad Recipe
Topped with a creamy dressing, the ingredients create a mouthwatering symphony of flavors for the ultimate Iceberg Wedge Salad!
- Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and creaminess to the dressing. Adjusting the amount allows you to control the thickness of the dressing, providing the desired consistency.
- Mayonnaise: Provides a rich and creamy base for the dressing. Imparts a smooth texture and enhances the flavor profile.
- Sour Cream: Adds additional creaminess and a slightly tangy flavor. Enhances the texture and complements the richness of mayonnaise.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Introduces acidity, balancing the richness of the mayonnaise and adding a bright and tangy note to the dressing.
- Freshly Chopped Parsley: Brings a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dressing. Adds a vibrant green color and freshness to the overall presentation.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses a subtle garlic flavor without the raw intensity. Contributes to the savory and well-rounded taste of the dressing.
- Onion Powder: Enhances the savory profile of the dressing without the strong pungency of raw onions. Adds depth of flavor to the overall mixture.
- Salt & Pepper: Seasoning elements that balance and enhance the other flavors in the dressing. Essential for achieving the desired taste and ensuring the overall dish is well-seasoned
- Blue Cheese: Introduces a bold and tangy flavor profile to the dressing. Adds a creamy and crumbly texture, creating a distinctive and savory element to the overall taste. Including blue cheese enhances the dressing with its unique taste and texture, contributing to the classic wedge salad’s rich and flavorful experience. Adjust the quantity based on your preference to achieve the desired level of blue cheese influence in the dressing.
How to Make Iceberg Wedge Salad Recipe
Simply assemble crisp lettuce, bacon, tomatoes, and blue cheese. Drizzle with our creamy herb ranch dressing for a sensational Iceberg Wedge Salad that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy!
- Prepare the dressing.
- Arrange the lettuce wedges on a serving platter.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
- Add desired toppings.
- Serve immediately.
Why this Wedge Salad Recipe Works
This recipe works like a charm due to the carefully balanced combination of textures and flavors. The crispness of iceberg lettuce complements the crunch of bacon, while the juicy burst from cherry tomatoes and the bold tang of blue cheese create a harmonious blend. Topped with a creamy dressing, it’s a foolproof formula for a satisfying and delicious Iceberg Wedge Salad that never fails to impress.
Recipe Tips and Kitchen Tricks
- Chill Ingredients: Refrigerate ingredients beforehand for an extra refreshing salad.
- Bacon Prep: Crisp bacon to perfection for that satisfying crunch in every bite.
- Customize Dressing: Adjust dressing ratios for a personalized creaminess level.
- Serve Chilled: Present on a chilled plate for an added burst of freshness.
- Prep in Advance: Prepare components ahead; assemble just before serving for optimal crunch.
Recipe Variations
- Grilled Chicken Twist: Add grilled chicken strips for a protein-packed variation.
- Vegetarian Delight: Skip the bacon, add roasted nuts or seeds for a veggie-friendly option.
- Avocado Infusion: Introduce creamy avocado slices for a rich and buttery upgrade.
- Citrus Burst: Enhance flavor with citrus segments or a citrus-infused dressing.
- Mediterranean Fusion: Include olives, feta cheese, and a lemon vinaigrette for a Mediterranean twist.
- Buffalo Kick: Toss buffalo chicken bites and drizzle with buffalo sauce for a spicy kick.
- Shrimp Sensation: Pile on succulent shrimp for a seafood-inspired variation.
Serving Suggestions
- Steakhouse Feast: Pair with a perfectly grilled steak for a classic steakhouse experience.
- Soup and Salad Combo: Serve alongside a bowl of soup for a well-balanced meal.
- Al Fresco Dining: Ideal for picnics or outdoor gatherings; pairs well with chilled beverages.
- BBQ Extravaganza: Complement smoked meats at barbecues for a refreshing contrast.
- Holiday Spread: Elevate holiday dinners as a vibrant and flavorful side dish.
- Brunch Brilliance: Serve at brunch with baked eggs for a brunch-worthy twist.
- Party Platter: Arrange mini wedge salads on a platter for a stylish appetizer at gatherings.
Storing, freezing, and reheating instructions
Storing:
- Keep components separate in airtight containers.
- Store lettuce, tomatoes, and bacon in the refrigerator.
- Keep dressing in a separate container to maintain freshness.
Freezing:
- Not recommended, as freezing can affect the texture of lettuce and tomatoes.
Reheating:
- Assemble the salad just before serving for optimal freshness.
- If components are chilled, no reheating is necessary.
- Warm bacon briefly in the oven or microwave if desired, but avoid overheating.
Make-Ahead Tip:
- Prep components in advance and assemble them right before serving to maintain crunch and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dressing in advance and refrigerate. Shake or stir before using.
Can I use a different cheese?
Certainly! Experiment with feta, goat cheese, or your favorite cheese for a personalized touch.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, skip the bacon and consider adding roasted nuts or seeds for a veggie-friendly option.
Can I use a different type of lettuce?
While iceberg lettuce is traditional, you can experiment with romaine or mixed greens for a different flavor and texture.
Can I add protein to make it a complete meal?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu can be excellent protein additions to make it more substantial.
Wine & Cocktail Pairings
Remember, personal preferences play a role, so feel free to explore and discover your favorite pairings!
Wine Pairings:
- Sauvignon Blanc:
- The crisp acidity complements the freshness of the salad, enhancing the overall dining experience.
- Chardonnay:
- A buttery Chardonnay can balance the tanginess of blue cheese, creating a harmonious blend.
- Rosé:
- The light and fruity notes of Rosé provide a refreshing contrast to the savory elements of the salad.
Cocktail Pairings:
- Classic Gin and Tonic:
- The herbal notes of gin and the effervescence of tonic water add a zesty kick to the salad.
- Margarita:
- The citrusy flavors in a Margarita complement the brightness of the salad components.
- Cucumber Mint Cooler:
- Refreshing cucumber and mint in this cocktail pair well with the crispness of the iceberg lettuce.
Iceberg Wedge Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Ranch Dressing
- 0.25 cup Buttermilk more or less to the desired thickness
- 0.5 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Sour Cream
- 1 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
- 2 tbsp Parsley freshly chopped
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp Onion powder
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Salad
- 1 head Iceberg Lettuce
- 8 slices Bacon, cooked extra crispy
- 12 cherry tomatoes quartered
- 4 oz Blue cheese crumbles
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk [paid link] together buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, and herbs and seasonings to make the dressing. Set aside.
- Cut the iceberg lettuce into wedges. Arrange lettuce wedges on a serving platter.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Sprinkle bacon, cherry tomatoes, and blue cheese crumbles over the lettuce.
- Serve immediately.