Classic Wedge Salad

This Classic Wedge Salad is a timeless favorite crisp iceberg lettuce wedges topped with smoky bacon, juicy tomatoes, red onion, toasted nuts, and a creamy homemade blue cheese dressing. It’s simple yet elegant, making it perfect for both everyday meals and dinner parties.

---

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 1 head iceberg lettuce
• 8 slices bacon, cooked, cooled, and crumbled
• 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup red onion, chopped
• Pecans or walnuts, toasted (optional)

For the Easy Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing

• 1 cup light sour cream
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 3 Tbsp. buttermilk
• 3 tsp. red wine vinegar
• ½ tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ tsp. garlic salt
• ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
• 4 oz. blue cheese, reserve a few spoonfuls for garnish

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dressing

In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, buttermilk, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, and black pepper.
Fold in the blue cheese, reserving a few crumbles for garnish.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. (You can make it several days in advance.)

2. Cook the Bacon

Cut the bacon into small pieces and cook in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain and cool.

3. Prepare the Lettuce

Remove any wilted outer leaves from the iceberg lettuce.
Cut the head in half, then cut each half into quarters or sixths, depending on the size of the lettuce.
Place each wedge on individual plates or a large serving platter.

4. Assemble the Salad

Generously spoon the blue cheese dressing over each lettuce wedge.
Top with bacon crumbles, cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, toasted nuts (if using), and the reserved blue cheese crumbles.
Finish with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Serve immediately and enjoy this crisp, creamy, and savory classic!

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crisp and refreshing: Iceberg lettuce offers the perfect crunch with every bite.
• Restaurant-quality at home: Impress guests with minimal effort and ingredients.
• Flavor-packed: Creamy dressing, salty bacon, and tangy blue cheese come together beautifully.
• Customizable: Easily adjust toppings and dressing to your taste.
• Quick to prepare: Ready in less than 20 minutes!

---

Tips

• Chill the lettuce before serving for maximum crunch.
• Dry the lettuce wedges thoroughly after rinsing — excess water will thin the dressing.
• Make the dressing ahead: It tastes even better after resting in the fridge overnight.
• Use thick-cut bacon for extra crunch and flavor.
• To toast nuts: Heat in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant.

---

Variations and Substitutions

• Different dressing: Swap blue cheese for ranch, Caesar, or creamy feta.
• Make it lighter: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier twist.
• Add protein: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak for a full meal.
• Vegetarian option: Omit the bacon and add chickpeas or avocado for texture.
• Cheese swap: Use gorgonzola, feta, or goat cheese instead of blue cheese.

---

FAQs

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours or overnight. Keep it refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Can I use romaine or another lettuce?
You can, but iceberg gives that signature crisp texture and wedge shape.

How do I store leftovers?
Store components separately — the dressing in an airtight container and the lettuce wrapped in paper towels inside a zip-top bag. Assemble right before serving.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?
Mix 3 tablespoons milk with ½ teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes, and use as a substitute.

---

Serving and Suggestions

• Serve as a starter salad for steak, roast chicken, or seafood.
• Pair with grilled meats or barbecue dishes for contrast in texture.
• Add a slice of garlic bread or baguette for a complete meal.
• For a crowd-pleasing presentation, arrange wedges on a platter and drizzle dressing just before serving.
• Sprinkle with fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.