If you’re craving a salad that’s as refreshing as it is satisfying, the Classic Iceberg Wedge Salad with Homemade Ranch Dressing and Bacon Recipe is an absolute must-try. This legendary dish pairs crisp iceberg lettuce with a rich, creamy ranch dressing made from scratch, topped off with crispy, savory bacon that brings the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Simple, nostalgic, and utterly delicious, it’s a salad that delivers a timeless charm and a burst of freshness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this salad is straightforward but plays an essential role in creating that perfect harmony of crunch, creaminess, and smoky goodness. From the crisp iceberg to the crispy bacon and the zingy ranch dressing, each element helps build layers of flavor and texture.
- Iceberg lettuce: Provides a cool, crunchy foundation that’s refreshing and sturdy enough to hold all the toppings.
- Bacon strips (4-6): Adds a smoky, crisp contrast that elevates the entire salad experience.
- Ranch dressing: The creamy, tangy dressing that ties everything together; homemade for extra freshness and flavor.
- Lemon slices (optional): A bright, citrusy garnish that can add a subtle zing and visually enhance the presentation.
How to Make Classic Iceberg Wedge Salad with Homemade Ranch Dressing and Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ranch Dressing
Start by making your ranch dressing. Although it tastes even better if it chills in the refrigerator for a few hours, you can absolutely use it right away if you’re short on time. The creamy and tangy flavors of the homemade dressing really make the salad shine, so don’t rush this step if you can help it.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Grab your kitchen shears to cut the bacon into small pieces — it’s a quick and mess-free method. Fry those pieces until they’re perfectly crispy, then transfer them onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease. The crispy bacon pieces will add an irresistible crunch and smoky depth once sprinkled over the salad.
Step 3: Cut the Iceberg Lettuce
Next, cut your head of iceberg lettuce into four quarters. This classic wedge shape allows every forkful to deliver a satisfying crunch wrapped in that luscious dressing and bacon topping.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Place the iceberg wedges on your serving plates, generously drizzle the homemade ranch dressing over each wedge, and scatter the crispy bacon pieces on top. If you want to add a pop of color and a hint of citrus, garnish each wedge with a fresh lemon slice. This simple presentation makes the dish look as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Classic Iceberg Wedge Salad with Homemade Ranch Dressing and Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
Besides the optional lemon slice, you can sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper or a little chopped chives or scallions for an extra layer of flavor and a splash of color. These small touches help elevate the salad from classic to exceptional.
Side Dishes
This wedge salad pairs wonderfully with grilled steaks, roasted chicken, or even a grilled fish dinner. Its crisp and refreshing nature complements hearty mains and adds a vibrant balance to any plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elevated approach, serve each iceberg wedge on a bed of mixed greens or cut the wedges into bite-sized chunks for a fun salad skewer or salad bowl. You can even add cherry tomatoes or crumbled blue cheese to switch it up while keeping the spirit of the Classic Iceberg Wedge Salad with Homemade Ranch Dressing and Bacon Recipe alive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the components separately. Keep the iceberg lettuce in an airtight container with a paper towel to maintain crispness, and store the ranch dressing and bacon in separate containers in the fridge.
Freezing
This salad isn’t ideal for freezing because iceberg lettuce and bacon’s crisp textures will be lost. However, you can freeze leftover cooked bacon separately if you want to save it for future use.
Reheating
Reheat bacon in a microwave or on the stovetop until crispy again before adding back to your salad. Always add fresh lettuce and dressing when ready to serve to preserve the salad’s vibrant, crisp qualities.
FAQs
Can I use other types of lettuce for this salad?
While iceberg lettuce is traditional due to its crisp texture and shape, you can experiment with romaine or butter lettuce for a softer bite, though it will change the classic feel of the salad.
Is there a shortcut for homemade ranch dressing?
If time is tight, you can use store-bought ranch dressing; however, making it from scratch really amps up the flavor and freshness in this recipe.
How crispy should the bacon be?
Cook the bacon until it’s very crispy so it contrasts nicely with the cool lettuce and creamy dressing. Soft bacon won’t give you the satisfying snap that’s signature to this salad.
Can this salad be made vegan or vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use a vegan ranch dressing and swap the bacon for smoked tempeh or crispy seasoned nuts to keep the smoky, crunchy element.
How long can I prepare the ranch dressing in advance?
You can make the homemade ranch dressing up to 2 days ahead and keep it refrigerated to let the flavors deepen and develop beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and exciting about sharing the Classic Iceberg Wedge Salad with Homemade Ranch Dressing and Bacon Recipe with friends and family. It’s simple, elegant, and packs heaps of flavor in each bite. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this salad is sure to impress and become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Print
Classic Iceberg Wedge Salad with Homemade Ranch Dressing and Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A classic and refreshing Iceberg Wedge Salad featuring crisp iceberg lettuce quarters topped with homemade creamy ranch dressing and crispy bacon bits, perfect for a simple yet satisfying appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 head iceberg lettuce
- 4–6 strips bacon
- 1–2 lemon slices (optional)
Homemade Ranch Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare Ranch Dressing: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk. Stir in chopped chives, parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth. For best flavor, refrigerate for a few hours before serving, though it can be used immediately.
- Cook Bacon: Using kitchen shears or a knife, cut the bacon strips into small pieces. Fry the bacon pieces in a skillet over medium heat until they become crispy. Once cooked, transfer them onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Prepare Lettuce: Rinse the iceberg lettuce under cold water and pat dry. Cut the head into four equal wedges, keeping each wedge intact and maintaining the core to hold leaves together.
- Assemble Salad: Place each iceberg wedge on a serving plate. Generously drizzle the homemade ranch dressing over the wedges, ensuring good coverage. Sprinkle crispy bacon pieces on top. Garnish with a lemon slice if desired for a bright citrus touch.
Notes
- Allowing ranch dressing to chill enhances the flavors significantly.
- Use kitchen shears to cut bacon easily and safely.
- Draining bacon on paper towels prevents soggy salad.
- Lemon garnish adds a refreshing flavor that complements the creamy dressing and salty bacon.
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon or replace with crispy fried mushrooms.
