There’s something undeniably satisfying about a classic wedge salad—especially when it’s crafted steakhouse style. With its crisp iceberg lettuce, creamy blue cheese dressing, and salty-sweet bacon, this recipe brings the nostalgic charm of old-school steakhouse dining right to your table. Whether you’re planning an elegant dinner party or simply craving a comforting lunch, this salad delivers bold flavor, creamy richness, and plenty of crunch. So let’s dive deep into why this timeless dish is making a massive comeback and how you can recreate it perfectly in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Classic Wedge Salad Recipe
Firstly, this salad is more than just a side dish—it’s an experience. With each bite, the cold crunch of iceberg meets the creamy tang of buttermilk blue cheese dressing, the smokiness of crispy bacon, and the brightness of cherry tomatoes. Additionally, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, yet feels luxuriously indulgent. Because it’s so customizable, you can easily make it your own without compromising on flavor.
Moreover, wedge salads offer a delightful contrast of textures and temperatures that elevate any meal. As a result, this dish is often the unsung hero of steakhouse menus, and it certainly deserves a spotlight in your home cooking repertoire.
Ingredients
To make this classic wedge salad truly shine, use the freshest and highest-quality ingredients you can find. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 1 cup real mayonnaise
- 1 cup full-fat buttermilk
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- Splash of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 cup high-quality blue cheese crumbles
- Sea salt & freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 crisp iceberg lettuce head, quartered
- 1 cup sweet cherry tomatoes, halved
- Extra blue cheese crumbles for topping
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked extra crispy and chopped
- Fresh chives, for garnish
These ingredients work in harmony to deliver that iconic steakhouse flavor while still being achievable for home cooks of any skill level.
Necessary Tools
Before you start, make sure you have the following kitchen tools ready:
- Large chef’s knife for cutting the lettuce
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Whisk or fork for blending the dressing
- Garlic press (optional, for mincing garlic)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving plates or chilled salad dishes
- Paper towels
- Tongs (for assembling and serving the wedges)
With these tools, you’ll breeze through the prep and be plating your masterpiece in no time.
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
In case you’re looking to tailor the salad to your dietary needs or preferences, consider these popular swaps and additions:
- Blue Cheese Alternatives: Swap blue cheese with feta, goat cheese, or gorgonzola for a twist on the classic flavor.
- Lettuce Variations: Although iceberg is traditional, you could use little gem, romaine hearts, or even radicchio for added bitterness and color.
- Add Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even steak slices to make this salad a full meal.
- Dairy-Free Dressing: Use dairy-free mayo and sour cream alternatives, and choose a plant-based blue cheese-style crumble.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the bacon or replace it with crispy tempeh or coconut bacon.
- Extra Crunch: Add toasted pecans, crispy shallots, or croutons.
Ultimately, the beauty of this salad lies in its flexibility—you can easily make it your own without sacrificing taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Lettuce: Start by coring the iceberg lettuce. Remove any wilted outer leaves, then place the head in an ice water bath for about 10 minutes. This helps crisp up the leaves. After soaking, drain thoroughly and pat dry using paper towels. Next, slice the head into quarters, creating four sturdy wedges.
- Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, sour cream, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic until smooth. Stir in the blue cheese crumbles and season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dressing for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Bacon: While the dressing chills, cook your thick-cut bacon until it’s extra crispy. Chop it into bite-sized pieces once cooled.
- Assemble the Salad: Arrange each iceberg wedge on a chilled plate. Generously drizzle with your homemade blue cheese dressing. Scatter halved cherry tomatoes, chopped crispy bacon, and extra blue cheese crumbles over the top.
- Garnish & Serve: Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chives and serve immediately. The contrast of cold lettuce and creamy dressing with warm, crisp bacon creates an irresistible balance.
Pro Tips for Success
- Chill your lettuce and serving plates for an ultra-refreshing experience.
- Don’t skip the ice bath—it makes a noticeable difference in the crunch.
- Let the dressing chill for at least an hour, but overnight is even better.
- Use thick-cut, high-quality bacon and cook it until crispy for maximum texture.
- Taste the dressing before serving and adjust salt or vinegar if needed.
- Serve immediately after assembly to preserve the wedge’s crispness.
Serving Suggestions
Because this wedge salad is rich and flavorful, it pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes. Serve it alongside:
- Grilled ribeye or filet mignon for a steakhouse vibe.
- Seared salmon for a lighter contrast.
- A bowl of creamy tomato soup or baked potato soup.
- As a standalone lunch with grilled sourdough bread on the side.
For entertaining, serve the wedges on a large platter as a shareable appetizer—drizzle the dressing just before serving and let guests dig in.
Storing and Reheating
Although this salad is best served fresh, you can prepare components in advance:
- Dressing: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Bacon: Cook and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or a skillet to re-crisp.
- Lettuce: Soaked and quartered lettuce can be wrapped in paper towels and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Assembled Salad: Not recommended for storage; the dressing will wilt the lettuce.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~480
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 780mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time? You can prep the ingredients (dressing, bacon, lettuce), but assemble the salad just before serving for the best texture.
2. What’s the best blue cheese for this recipe? Look for creamy varieties like Danish blue, Maytag, or Roquefort for bold flavor.
3. Is iceberg lettuce necessary? It’s traditional, but romaine hearts or little gem lettuce also work wonderfully.
4. How do I keep the lettuce crisp? The ice bath and refrigeration are key—don’t skip those steps.
5. Can I use store-bought dressing? Yes, but homemade dressing delivers the freshest, boldest taste.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Classic Wedge Salad is more than a retro dish—it’s a culinary icon that deserves a regular spot on your table. Whether you’re crafting a lavish steakhouse meal or simply looking for a refreshing, flavorful salad, this recipe offers everything you love: creamy dressing, crisp lettuce, and savory toppings in every bite. Try it once, and it’s bound to become a favorite!
