If you’re craving a salad that’s as visually striking as it is delicious, you’re in for a treat with this Iceberg Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe. This classic salad brings together the crisp crunch of iceberg lettuce, the creamy tang of blue cheese dressing, and the savory pop of bacon and eggs for a dish that feels indulgent but fresh. It’s a timeless favorite that’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both a light lunch or an impressive side at your next dinner party. Once you try it, you’ll see why this recipe holds a special place in many hearts and on countless tables.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this salad requires only a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a vital role in balancing texture, flavor, and color. From the crunchy iceberg lettuce to the salty bacon and creamy blue cheese, every component matters—and none are complicated to find or prepare.
- Iceberg lettuce: The star of the show, offering a refreshing crunch and a mild flavor that lets other ingredients shine.
- Cherry tomatoes: They add a vibrant pop of color and juicy sweetness that complements the blue cheese.
- Bacon slices: Crisply cooked, they provide a salty and smoky contrast to the creamy elements.
- Hard boiled eggs: These add protein and a smooth texture, rounding out the salad nicely.
- Croutons: For that extra bit of crunch and a satisfying toastiness.
- Crumbled blue cheese: This brings the signature sharp, tangy flavor that blue cheese lovers adore.
- Blue cheese dressing: Creamy and rich, it ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a gentle kick to brighten the overall flavor.
How to Make Iceberg Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Iceberg Lettuce
Start by rinsing your iceberg lettuce thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Trim off any wilted or damaged leaves, then cut the head into four equal wedges. Be sure to cut off the fibrous core at the base of each wedge so that every bite is tender and easy to enjoy. Gently pat the wedges dry with a towel to avoid watering down your salad once dressed.
Step 2: Dress the Wedges
Place one wedge of iceberg lettuce on each serving plate. Generously drizzle each wedge with blue cheese dressing, letting the creamy dressing cascade over the edges. This step ensures every bite is infused with that signature tangy richness that makes this salad special.
Step 3: Add the Toppings
Next, scatter the quartered cherry tomatoes, chopped crispy bacon, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and croutons over the dressed lettuce wedge. These toppings add bursts of flavor and texture, from juicy sweetness to smoky crunch. Finish with a liberal sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese for an extra creamy tang and top with freshly cracked black pepper to wake up your taste buds.
How to Serve Iceberg Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this salad even further, consider adding a few additional garnishes like thinly sliced red onions for a sharp bite, or freshly chopped chives for a subtle oniony aroma. A sprinkle of paprika or smoked sea salt can enhance the smoky bacon flavor and add visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This iceberg wedge salad pairs beautifully with grilled steaks, roasted chicken, or even a hearty soup for a balanced meal. Its freshness and bold flavors make it a classic accompaniment that livens up any plate without overpowering the main course.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the wedges in individual mini lettuce heads or on a wooden board for a rustic presentation. You can also place the toppings in small bowls alongside the wedges to allow guests to customize their salad experience. No matter how you present it, its striking appearance is sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad is best served fresh, but if you find yourself with leftovers, wrap the wedges tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to avoid soggy lettuce. Stored properly, the salad components will stay fresh for up to one day.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and dressing, freezing an iceberg wedge salad with blue cheese dressing is not recommended. The texture of the lettuce and tomatoes will degrade, and the dressing can separate upon thawing, making it less appetizing.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be eaten cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary or advised. Instead, enjoy any leftovers as a fresh cold dish the next day.
FAQs
Can I use another type of lettuce?
While iceberg lettuce offers the classic crunch and mild taste essential to this salad’s character, you can experiment with romaine or butter lettuce in a pinch—but the texture and presentation will differ markedly.
Is there a homemade version of blue cheese dressing?
Absolutely! Mixing mayonnaise, sour cream, a good-quality blue cheese, lemon juice, garlic powder, and a touch of vinegar makes a delicious homemade blue cheese dressing that tastes even fresher than store-bought.
Can I omit the bacon for a vegetarian version?
Yes, simply leave out the bacon. For a bit of savory crunch, try toasted nuts or roasted chickpeas as a substitute to keep that satisfying texture contrast.
How spicy is this salad?
It’s generally mild, with the only spice coming from freshly cracked black pepper. If you love a little heat, you can add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
Does this salad work as a main dish?
While traditionally served as a side, you can easily turn the wedge salad into a main by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
Final Thoughts
This Iceberg Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe is a timeless blend of textures and flavors that is as visually delightful as it is tasty. Whether you’re looking for a quick, satisfying lunch or a standout side for your next dinner, this salad hits the spot every time. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it your own favorite go-to salad!
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Iceberg Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (mostly for cooking bacon and boiling eggs)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Iceberg Wedge Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish featuring crisp iceberg lettuce quarters topped with juicy cherry tomatoes, crispy bacon, chopped hard-boiled eggs, crunchy croutons, and crumbly blue cheese. Draped in creamy blue cheese or ranch dressing and finished with freshly cracked black pepper, this salad is perfect as a starter or light meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 1 medium iceberg lettuce
Toppings
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (quartered)
- 4 slices cooked bacon (chopped)
- 2 hard boiled eggs (chopped)
- 1 cup croutons
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
Dressing & Seasoning
- 1 cup blue cheese dressing (or Ranch Dressing, added to taste)
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper (or added to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Lettuce: Rinse the iceberg lettuce thoroughly and remove any wilted leaves. Cut the lettuce in half, then cut each half in half again, creating four wedges. Trim off the fibrous stems at the base. Gently rinse each wedge and pat dry to ensure no dirt remains.
- Assemble the Salad: Place one lettuce wedge on a serving plate. Drizzle a generous amount of blue cheese or ranch dressing over the lettuce wedge. Top with quartered cherry tomatoes, chopped bacon, chopped hard-boiled eggs, croutons, and crumbled blue cheese evenly distributed over the wedge.
- Repeat and Garnish: Repeat the assembly process with the remaining wedges and ingredients. Finally, sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper over each wedge to enhance the flavor. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, omit bacon and substitute the dressing with a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Make sure the iceberg lettuce is crisp and fresh for the best texture.
- Use homemade croutons or store-bought for convenience.
- If preferred, swap blue cheese dressing with ranch dressing.
- The salad is best served immediately to keep the lettuce crisp.
