The Ultimate Wedge Salad Recipe: Crisp, Creamy, and Totally Delicious
Looking for a show-stopping salad that's both easy to make and incredibly flavorful? Look no further than the classic wedge salad! This recipe elevates the simple iceberg lettuce wedge to new heights with a creamy dressing, crunchy toppings, and a burst of fresh flavor. It's perfect as a light lunch, a side dish, or even a satisfying appetizer. Let's dive in!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe makes two generous servings. Adjust quantities as needed for more guests.
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For the Salad:
- 1 large head of iceberg lettuce, cut into two wedges
- 1/2 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup crumbled bacon (cooked until crispy)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (or your preferred cheese)
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For the Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk (or milk)
- 2 tablespoons blue cheese crumbles
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
Get started:
- Prepare the Lettuce: Wash and thoroughly dry the iceberg lettuce. Cut it in half lengthwise, then cut each half in half again to create two large wedges. Patting the lettuce dry is crucial for preventing a soggy salad.
Make the Dressing:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, blue cheese crumbles, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed – you might want more lemon juice for tang or more blue cheese for a bolder flavor.
Assemble the Salad:
- Arrange the lettuce wedges on two plates.
- Top each wedge with halved cherry tomatoes, crispy bacon, red onion slices, and blue cheese crumbles.
- Generously drizzle the creamy blue cheese dressing over the salad.
Tips and Variations for the Perfect Wedge Salad:
- Get creative with toppings: Consider adding other elements like avocado slices, chopped hard-boiled eggs, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- Experiment with cheeses: While blue cheese is traditional, feel free to substitute with your favorite cheese, such as feta, goat cheese, or even a sharp cheddar.
- Make it ahead: The dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad just before serving to prevent soggy lettuce.
- Crispy Bacon is Key: Don't skimp on the bacon! Crispy bacon adds a crucial salty crunch to the salad.
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This comprehensive recipe, complete with tips and variations, will help you create a truly unforgettable wedge salad. Enjoy!
