Wedge Salad
Wedge Salad Recipe
Introduction
A wedge salad is a classic dish that showcases fresh, crunchy iceberg lettuce and a variety of delicious toppings. This simple yet satisfying salad is perfect for a light meal, a side dish, or even a starter for a larger gathering. The crispness of the lettuce, combined with creamy dressing and savory toppings, makes a wedge salad a fan favorite.
Why Make This Recipe
Making a wedge salad is a great way to enjoy a refreshing dish that is easy to prepare. This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal cooking. You can customize the toppings to suit your taste preferences, making it a versatile option for any meal. Plus, it’s an excellent way to add more vegetables to your diet without sacrificing flavor!
How to Make Wedge Salad
Creating a wedge salad is simple and quick. Just follow these easy steps and you’ll have a delicious salad ready to serve!
Ingredients:
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, quartered ($1.84)
- ½ cup blue cheese dressing (2-3 Tbsp of dressing per wedge) ($0.59)
- 1 cup halved grape tomatoes ($1.76)
- ¼ cup walnuts, chopped ($0.84)
- 8 strips cooked bacon, crumbled* ($2.12)
- ¼ cup red onion, diced ($0.26)
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley ($0.08)
- Salt and pepper, to taste ($0.08)
Directions:
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Prep: Start by removing any wilted leaves from the outer layer of the iceberg lettuce. Carefully trim the brown end of the stem, being sure not to cut too much so your wedge holds together. Once prepared, quarter the head of lettuce.
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Serve: Take your lettuce wedges and top each one with blue cheese dressing first. Then, add the remaining toppings evenly across the wedges: halved grape tomatoes, chopped walnuts, crumbled bacon, diced red onion, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and your salad is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Wedge Salad
Wedge salad is best served immediately. You can place each wedge on a plate and let your guests add their own toppings if you like. It pairs well with grilled meats or as a side dish for hearty dishes like steak or roasted chicken. Enjoy it as a refreshing appetizer or as part of a larger meal.
How to Store Wedge Salad
If you have leftovers, store the components separately. Place any leftover lettuce in an airtight container in the fridge. Store the toppings, such as bacon and tomatoes, in separate containers to keep them fresh. It’s best to add the dressing just before serving to maintain the crispness of the lettuce.
Tips to Make Wedge Salad
- For extra flavor, you can add other toppings like crumbled feta or fresh herbs.
- If you prefer a lighter touch, try using a yogurt-based dressing instead of blue cheese.
- Make sure the lettuce is cold and crisp for the best texture and taste.
Variation
You can easily modify the wedge salad to your liking. Try using different types of lettuce, such as romaine or butter lettuce, for a change in flavor. You can also switch out toppings – consider adding sliced avocados, pickled jalapeños, or even grilled shrimp for a twist!
FAQs
1. Can I make wedge salad in advance?
You can prepare the lettuce and toppings in advance, but it’s best to assemble and dress the salad just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh.
2. Is the dressing customizable?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite dressing. Ranch, Caesar, or vinaigrette would work wonderfully as alternatives to blue cheese dressing.
3. How do I make it vegetarian?
To make a wedge salad vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and consider adding extra vegetables or nuts for added flavor and texture.
Wedge Salad
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 head iceberg lettuce quartered
- ½ cup blue cheese dressing (2-3 Tbsp of dressing per wedge)
- 1 cup grape tomatoes halved
- ¼ cup walnuts chopped
- 8 strips cooked bacon crumbled
- ¼ cup red onion diced
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Remove any wilted leaves from the outer layer of the iceberg lettuce.
- Trim the brown end of the stem being careful not to cut too much so the wedge holds together.
- Quarter the head of lettuce.
Serving
- Top each lettuce wedge with blue cheese dressing first.
- Evenly distribute halved grape tomatoes, chopped walnuts, crumbled bacon, diced red onion, and fresh parsley atop the wedges.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.
