Introducing the ultimate Wedge Salad with the most amazing homemade blue cheese dressing! This classic, crunchy salad is the perfect combination of crisp iceberg lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, smoky bacon bits, and is topped off with the best homemade blue cheese dressing. This dish is a crowd pleaser and always a hit at dinner parties and special events.
What Is A Wedge Salad?
This is a classic salad made with a whole head of iceberg lettuce that is cut into wedges and topped with various ingredients such as bacon, tomato, onions/chives, and blue cheese dressing.
A Classic Salad
Wedge salad is a classic dish that never goes out of style. Originating in the 1920s, these hefty chunks of crisp iceberg lettuce were a staple in restaurants and were a symbol of luxury and extravagance. Today, this salad has evolved and continues to be a popular dish in restaurants, with creative and unique flavor combinations popping up all across the United States.
As someone who used to work in the restaurant industry, I can attest to the timeless appeal of this dish, especially with its perfect balance of crisp lettuce and tangy blue cheese dressing. In fact, the recipe I’m sharing today is the exact way we made wedge salads at the restaurant where I used to work!
This is the salad that made me fall in love with blue cheese and a good blue cheese dressing. If you’re on the fence about either, you’ve got to give this recipe a try!
What Dressing Goes On A Wedge Salad
The most traditional dressing for this salad is blue cheese dressing, although other options like ranch, thousand island, and balsamic vinaigrette work just fine.
Here’s what’s in this blue cheese dressing:
- Mayonnaise: Use a good mayonnaise; the better the mayo, the better the dressing will taste. I love Hellman’s/Best Foods® (not sponsored).
- Buttermilk: This ingredient adds tanginess to the dressing and helps to balance the flavors. It’s just not the same with regular milk!
- Blue cheese: This is the key ingredient that gives the dressing its signature flavor. Look for high-quality, crumbly blue cheese such as Roquefort, Gorgonzola, or Stilton.
- Garlic: Adds depth of flavor to the dressing. Feel free to use fresh minced garlic in place of garlic powder.
- White wine vinegar: Adds tanginess to the dressing and helps to balance the flavors. Use apple cider vinegar in a pinch.
- Lemon juice: Brings brightness and vibrancy to the dressing. We love juicing the lemon with this citrus juicer.
- Salt and pepper: These ingredients ensure all the flavors are nicely balanced.
Quick Tip
Is it blue cheese or bleu cheese? Blue came first, and the spelling of bleu comes from the French fromage bleu (blue cheese). Unless your cheese comes from France and you speak French, just stick with Blue!
What To Eat With A Wedge Salad
This salad is a classic and substantial dish, often served as an entrée or a side. Pair it with a variety of main dishes or served it as a complete meal! Some popular options to pair with this salad include:
- Grilled steak: A juicy, flavorful steak would be a great addition to the hearty texture of a wedge.
- Chicken: Grilled, roasted, or blackened chicken goes well with this salad.
- Burgers: A classic wedge and a juicy burger (or chicken burger) are a great combination for a hearty meal.
- Seafood: Serve grilled or pan-fried seafood, such as salmon, shrimp, or scallops alongside this salad.
- Sandwiches: Hearty sandwiches, such as a French Dip sandwich, club, or roast beef, can also be served with this salad.
- Hearty dinner: A hearty dinner, such as Short Ribs, Crockpot Roast, or Shepherd’s Pie pairs nicely with this salad.
Wedge Salad FAQs
What is the proper way to eat Wedge Salad?
- To eat Wedge Salad, cut it into bite-sized pieces using a fork and knife, then enjoy each bite with dressing and chosen toppings. Serve it as a side or main course, depending on preference and size.
Can Wedge Salad be made ahead of time?
- Yes, a wedge salad can be made ahead of time, but it’s best to keep all the ingredients separate until ready to serve to prevent the lettuce from getting soggy.
- Dressing can be made in advance and stored in the fridge.
More Salad Recipes To Love:
- Brown Rice Salad with a lemon vinaigrette
- Teriyaki Chicken Salad with pasta
- Sweet Potato Salad with black beans and avocado
- Jennifer Aniston Salad with cucumber and fresh herbs
- Blueberry Corn Salad with a fresh mint dressing
Wedge Salad
Equipment
- Frying pan
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
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
