Wedge Salad is a classic dish with crisp iceberg lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, smoky bacon bits, and the best homemade blue cheese dressing. Always a hit!

Image of the Wedge Salad ready to be enjoyed

A Classic Salad

Wedge salad is a classic that never goes out of style. The crisp lettuce, smoky bacon, and tangy blue cheese dressing make it irresistible.

During college, I worked at a restaurant known for its wedge salads, crème brûlée, and fresh wheat bread.

This recipe is exactly how we made it there, and it’s what made me fall in love with blue cheese. If you’re on the fence, this might just change your mind!

Process shots-- images of the blue cheese dressing being mixed together

What Dressing Goes On A Wedge Salad

Blue cheese dressing is the go-to for wedge salad, but ranch, thousand island, or balsamic vinaigrette work too.

Here’s what’s in this blue cheese dressing:

  • Mayo: A good-quality mayo makes all the difference. I like Hellman’s/Best Foods® (not sponsored).
  • Buttermilk: Adds a tangy kick and makes the flavors pop—regular milk won’t do the trick!
  • Blue cheese: Go for a good, crumbly kind like Roquefort, Gorgonzola, or Stilton.
  • Garlic: Brings extra flavor. Fresh minced garlic works instead of garlic powder.
  • White wine vinegar: Apple cider vinegar works if that’s what you have.
  • Lemon juice: Brightens everything up.
Process shots of Wedge Salad-- images of the dressing being mixed together and put in a container to drizzle on the salad

What To Eat With A Wedge Salad

This salad is hearty enough to be a meal or a side. Try it with:

Image of the dressed side dish ready to be enjoyed

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Wedge Salad

Get ready for the ultimate Wedge Salad! Crisp iceberg lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, smoky bacon, and the most incredible homemade blue cheese dressing. It’s a classic favorite that’ll steal the show at any dinner party!
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 salads

Equipment

Ingredients

Salad
  • 4 slices bacon
  • 1 head iceberg lettuce
  • 1-1/4 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • Fresh chives optional
Blue Cheese Dressing
  • 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese plus more for topping the salad, see note 1
  • 1/3 cup buttermilk
  • 1/3 cup mayo like Best Foods, see note 2
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives optional

Instructions 

  • To make the dressing, measure blue cheese, packing it tightly in a 1/3 measuring cup. Then put in a medium bowl.
    Mash blue cheese and buttermilk together with a fork until the mixture resembles large-curd cottage cheese. (If you’d rather a smooth dressing, blend everything except the chives together. Stir through chives after blending.) Add in remaining dressing ingredients. Season to taste (I add 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper). If desired, add fresh chives. Stir until well combined. Taste and adjust to personal preference. Cover dressing and place in fridge until ready to use. Stir again before using.
  • Cook bacon, let cool, and finely chop.
  • Cut the head of lettuce into quarters, remove cores, and discard any bad outer leaves. Set cut wedges on individual plates. Spoon dressing (adding to taste) over individual wedges. (You may have leftover dressing.) Divide bacon, tomatoes, and extra blue cheese evenly among the wedges. If desired, sprinkle chives on top. Enjoy!

Video

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Blue cheese is the key ingredient that gives the dressing its signature flavor, so use a good brand. Look for high-quality, crumbly blue cheese such as Roquefort, Gorgonzola, or Stilton.
Note 2: The better the mayo, the better the dressing will taste. I love Hellman’s/Best Foods®.
Storage: The dressing will keep up to a week in the fridge. If you have leftovers or are making in advance, store all ingredients separately; this salad does not store well when combined.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 360kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 535mg | Potassium: 437mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1197IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 174mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Meet Chelsea


Hello, and welcome to Chelseaโ€™s Messy Apron! Iโ€™m Chelsea, the recipe developer, food photographer, and writer behind the site. Iโ€™m passionate about creating simple, reliable, and delicious recipes that anyone can make.

Thanks for stopping byโ€”I hope you find something delicious to make!

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