Classic Wedge Salad

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This Classic Wedge Salad is a crisp, colorful salad with a little twist. It starts with iceberg lettuce and then is topped with blue cheese dressing and blue cheese crumbles, cherry tomatoes, bacon, and green onions.

A wedge salad looks “fancy,” but it takes little effort and is a great start to a healthy family meal.

My homemade blue cheese dressing is perfect for creating a delicious classic wedge.

Originally Published February 2022 | Updated March 2024

I don’t know about you, but I find it nearly impossible to resist a wedge salad when I’m out at a restaurant. It’s amazing how such a simple salad can be so incredibly delicious. I made this classic version for my husband, and now he requests it repeatedly.

If you want more side dish inspiration, try this chicken and bacon Caesar salad, brussels sprouts with bacon, and my favorite broccoli and cauliflower salad with bacon.

Why you will love this classic wedge salad

• Easy recipe: This is one of my favorite salads because it requires few ingredients and is quick and easy to assemble. Plus, it’s super impressive to serve.
• Make-ahead: You can prep the salad in advance by cutting the lettuce, washing the quarters, and storing them in a bag with a paper towel until they are ready to use.
• Perfect side dish: Air Fryer Loaded Baked Potatoes and this simple salad go perfectly together!

Simple ingredients

• Crisp Iceberg Lettuce – You’ll want to start with a whole head of iceberg lettuce.
• Crumbled Crispy Bacon – It’s best to use thick-cut bacon, not imitation bacon bits.
• Cherry Tomatoes – Juicy tomatoes are not traditional on a wedge salad, but I love the color and flavor they bring.
• Green Onions – Red onion is a good substitution.
• Blue Cheese Crumbles—If you are unsure if your guests like blue cheese, add the crumbles to a small bowl and serve on the side. Do the same with blue cheese dressing and offer an alternative dressing like a creamy ranch.
• Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing – Use your favorite brand or try my homemade dressing without sour cream.

How to cut lettuce for wedge salad

Let’s start by giving the lettuce a good rinse under cold water. Shake off any extra water and peel away the outer leaves.

Now, slice the lettuce in half, right through the stem. From there, remove the stem and halve each piece again, creating four quarters. If you’re feeding a crowd, slice it one more time for six portions.

How to make a wedge salad

Step 1: Cut iceberg lettuce into wedges. Place the wedges on individual salad plates.

Step 2: Spoon creamy dressing over the lettuce.

Step 3: Garnish iceberg wedges with bacon crumbles, halved cherry tomatoes, green onion, and blue cheese crumbles.

Kitchen utensils for making a good wedge salad

Knife Set

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Salad variations for the best wedge salad

Crisp bacon, blue cheese crumbles, and blue cheese dressing are the classic toppings for a wedge salad. However, you can certainly customize the iceberg wedges.

Vegetables: Add cucumber, julienne carrots, or chopped red bell peppers. 

Crunchy Croutons: This homemade crouton recipe is a delicious addition to a traditional wedge salad. 

Dressing: If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, you can substitute just about any type of dressing, including my lemon vinaigrette or this homemade honey mustard dressing.

Proteins: Make the salad the main course by adding protein such as steak, chicken, salmon, or hard-boiled eggs.

Black Pepper – Fresh cracked black pepper is a great addition to these lettuce wedges.

What to serve with this easy wedge salad

The famous wedge salad became popular in steakhouse chain restaurants in the early 1970s. This classic salad is often served on restaurant menus to accompany red meat, chicken, pork, and seafood.

A restaurant wedge salad goes perfectly with potato stroganoff, parmesan chicken tenders, Swedish meatballs, and chicken bolognese spaghetti.

Use a big platter or a baking sheet if you are serving a large group.

Storage and tips for making an easy wedge salad recipe

• Fresh ingredients: The key to this salad is to use fresh lettuce. You’ll want crunchy iceberg lettuce.
• Clean and dry lettuce: Be sure the lettuce is clean and has drained thoroughly before assembling the side salad.
• Serve chilled: Present the wedge salad on chilled plates to keep the lettuce crisp.
• Storage: Store leftover wedge salads in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge.

More salad recipes

Caesar Pasta Salad

Curried Egg Salad

Tuna Salad

Pecan Salad with Feta

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