Prep Time: 15 minutes
What Makes the Perfect Wedge Salad?
The classic wedge salad has been a beloved steakhouse staple since the late 1950s, and for good reason. This iconic dish transforms humble iceberg lettuce into a luxurious dining experience that perfectly balances crisp textures with rich, creamy flavors. Unlike other salads that can feel light or virtuous, a classic wedge salad is unabashedly indulgent – and that’s exactly what makes it so irresistible.
The beauty of a classic wedge salad lies in its simplicity and the quality of each component. When you bite into that perfect wedge, you experience the satisfying crunch of fresh iceberg lettuce, the tangy richness of homemade blue cheese dressing, the smoky saltiness of crispy bacon, and the bright burst of fresh tomatoes all in one magnificent forkful.
Essential Ingredients for Your Classic Wedge Salad
For the Salad Base:
- 1 large head of iceberg lettuce (firm and heavy, about 2 pounds)
- 8-10 strips of thick-cut bacon
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
For the Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Classic Wedge Salad
Preparing Your Blue Cheese Dressing
The secret to an exceptional classic wedge salad starts with creating a dressing that’s rich enough to complement the crisp lettuce while maintaining the perfect balance of tangy and creamy flavors. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise and sour cream, whisking until completely smooth. This creates your creamy foundation.
Gradually add the buttermilk and fresh lemon juice, whisking constantly to prevent any separation. The buttermilk adds that characteristic tang that makes blue cheese dressing so distinctive in a classic wedge salad. Stir in the lemon zest and minced garlic, which brighten the overall flavor profile.
Using a fork, gently mash half of the blue cheese crumbles directly into the dressing mixture, leaving some chunks for texture. Fold in the remaining blue cheese pieces, season with black pepper, and add salt to taste. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving – this resting time allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Preparing the Perfect Lettuce Wedges
Selecting the right iceberg lettuce is crucial for your classic wedge salad success. Choose a head that feels heavy for its size and has tightly packed, crisp outer leaves. Remove any wilted or damaged outer leaves, but keep the core intact – this is what holds your wedge together.
Using a large, sharp knife, cut the lettuce head in half from top to bottom, right through the core. Then cut each half into 2-3 wedges, depending on the size of your lettuce head and desired portion sizes. Each wedge should be substantial enough to stand proudly on the plate while being manageable to eat.
Rinse each wedge under cold running water, gently separating the leaves slightly to allow water to flow between them. This removes any dirt or grit while keeping the wedge structure intact. Shake gently and place on paper towels to drain thoroughly – excess water will dilute your beautiful dressing.
Creating Irresistible Bacon Perfection
The bacon in your classic wedge salad should be perfectly crispy and full of smoky flavor. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the bacon strips in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap.
Bake for 14-18 minutes for regular bacon or 18-22 minutes for thick-cut bacon, rotating the pan halfway through cooking for even browning. The bacon should be golden brown and crispy when done. Transfer immediately to paper towels to drain excess fat, then crumble into bite-sized pieces once cooled.
Assembly and Presentation
Place each lettuce wedge on individual chilled plates, cut-side up to create a stable base. Generously drizzle the homemade blue cheese dressing over each wedge, allowing it to cascade down the leaves and pool slightly around the base.
Sprinkle the crispy bacon crumbles evenly over each wedge, followed by the halved cherry tomatoes and diced red onion. Finish with additional blue cheese crumbles and fresh chives for a beautiful pop of color and flavor.
Pro Tips for Classic Wedge Salad Excellence
Advance Preparation: You can prepare the blue cheese dressing up to 3 days ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. The bacon can also be cooked 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator – just reheat briefly in the oven to restore crispness before serving.
Temperature Matters: Serve your classic wedge salad immediately after assembly on chilled plates. The contrast between the cold, crisp lettuce and the rich, room-temperature dressing creates the perfect eating experience.
Cutting Technique: Provide steak knives alongside regular forks for easier eating. The traditional way to enjoy a classic wedge salad is to cut bite-sized pieces, ensuring each forkful includes lettuce, dressing, and toppings.
Delicious Variations and Serving Suggestions
While the traditional classic wedge salad is perfection itself, you can customize it to suit different tastes and occasions. Try substituting ranch dressing for blue cheese if you have family members who prefer milder flavors, or add sliced avocado for extra richness.
For a more substantial meal, top your classic wedge salad with grilled chicken or shrimp. During summer months, consider adding grilled corn kernels or diced cucumber for extra freshness and crunch.
Perfect Pairings for Your Classic Wedge Salad
This iconic salad pairs beautifully with grilled steaks, roasted chicken, or pan-seared salmon. The rich, cooling properties of the classic wedge salad provide the perfect counterbalance to hot, seasoned proteins.
Explore More Delicious Options:
- For more refreshing accompaniments, check out our Fresh & Vibrant Salads collection
- Pair with our Hearty Main Dishes for a complete meal
- Complement your dinner with our Perfect Sides
- Start with our Tasty Snacks for appetizers
- End the meal with our Irresistible Desserts
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Store leftover components separately in the refrigerator. The dressed lettuce wedges should be consumed immediately, but undressed wedges can be stored wrapped in damp paper towels for up to 2 days. The blue cheese dressing keeps well for up to one week when stored in an airtight container.
Why This Classic Wedge Salad Recipe Works
This classic wedge salad recipe succeeds because it respects the fundamental principles that have made this dish a steakhouse favorite for decades. The homemade blue cheese dressing provides superior flavor compared to store-bought versions, while the careful preparation techniques ensure each component maintains its ideal texture and taste.
The generous proportions and quality ingredients create a classic wedge salad that rivals any restaurant version, allowing you to enjoy this timeless favorite in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to something special, this classic wedge salad delivers satisfaction in every single bite.
Nutritional Benefits: While indulgent, this classic wedge salad provides calcium from the blue cheese, protein from the bacon, lycopene from the tomatoes, and hydration from the crisp iceberg lettuce.
Perfect for Entertaining: The dramatic presentation of a properly assembled classic wedge salad never fails to impress guests, making it an ideal choice for special occasions or when you want to elevate an ordinary weeknight dinner.
Create lasting memories around your dinner table with this timeless classic wedge salad recipe that brings restaurant-quality elegance to your home dining experience. The combination of crisp textures, rich flavors, and beautiful presentation makes this classic wedge salad a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every single time.
