How to Make Classic Wedge Salad

The classic blue cheese wedge salad is a super simple and easy-to-make salad. Made with refreshingly crisp iceberg lettuce and topped with crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and the BEST blue cheese dressing. There's a reason this salad has been around since at least the 1930s.

What is a wedge salad?

First of what the heck is a wedge salad any way and why is it so popular?

The classic wedge salad starts with a fresh head of iceberg lettuce. Iceberg lettuce is crisp and refreshing and is easily cut into quarters.

The blue cheese wedge is a staple at most houses. It's delicious as a side salad but also make a delicious lunch all on it's own.

How to pick a head of iceberg lettuce.

When I select a head of iceberg lettuce for wedge salad I look for a head that looks symmetrical and compact. It should feel firm and not floppy when you squeeze it.

How do you wash iceberg lettuce?

Remove the outer leaves and cut the iceberg lettuce into quarters.

Rinse the wedges under cool running water and them pat them dry. Let them sit cut side down on a paper towel or a lint free towel to let any excess water run out of them.

How to remove the core of iceberg lettuce.

I learned this trick a long time ago and it's a handy hack.

To remove the core of iceberg lettuce easily simply hold the lettuce core down and wack it firmly and swiftly on the counter. If you do it correctly you'll be able to pull the core out with a gentle tug.

How to cut a wedge salad?

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Start by removing the outer leaves that may look wilted or dirty. You want the freshest inner part of the lettuce.

Cut the head of lettuce in half and then cut each half in half again. If you haven't already removed the core of the lettuce you can remove it by slicing the core off the end.

What goes on a wedge salad?

• Iceberg lettuce. Look for a small compact head of iceberg lettuce.
• Crispy bacon. I like thick-cut applewood smoked bacon for this recipe. I always buy my bacon from the butcher's counter. Plastic wrapped bacon is less beuno.
• Fresh tomatoes. You can use any kind of tomato here. I like a grape tomato because they are usually sweet and easy to prep by just slicing them in half.
• Blue cheese dressing. Make a batch of extra creamy homemade blue cheese dressing.
• Red onions. Use red onions that are sliced thin. I also love to use pickled red onions for this recipe.
• Fresh chives. Fresh chives give this salad a nice burst of green and a mild onion flavor.
• Fresh cracked black pepper. Ummm, of course!

How to Make a Wedge Salad

1. Start by frying up about 6 slices of bacon. I usually dice the bacon before I fry it. Just remember to cook it slow and low.
2. Make a blue cheese dressing. You can make one from scratch or buy your favorite. I recommend having extra blue cheese either way.
3. Slice the veggies. Slice the grape tomatoes in half. Cut thin slices of red onion. And chop up the chives.
4. Slice the iceberg lettuce in quarters and place each wedge on a salad plate.
5. Add the blue cheese dressing. Top each wedge with about a quarter cup of blue cheese dressing.
6. Add the toppings for the wedge salad. Sprinkle with bacon. Add the tomatoes, onions, and chives.
7. Finish everything off with an extra sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese and fresh cracked black pepper.

How to eat a wedge salad.

Wedge salad's presentation is impressive. But how the heck so you even eat it.

With a steak knife, of course. There is a reason why the wedge salad is a steak house staple. You already have a steak knife on the table, so why not just carve up that tasty salad.

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What to serve with a wedge salad?

Steak is the obvious choice here. However, wedge salad is great with grilled chicken or even crispy baked chicken thighs. And don't forget about parmesan garlic chicken wings.

Hungry for more salad recipes?

If you need more than just a wedge salad recipe, check out a few of our family favorites.