Wedge Salad

A wedge salad is a crisp, refreshing way to enjoy fresh greens with a creamy dressing and simple toppings. People love it for its crunchy texture, light flavor, and effortless presentation. It’s perfect for busy evenings, family meals, or cold nights when you want something fresh and satisfying. I usually slice the lettuce wedges first, which makes assembling smooth and stress-free. This salad is easy to pull together with minimal prep but still feels special enough for any casual gathering or weeknight dinner.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This wedge salad is flavorful, simple, and flexible. The combination of crisp lettuce, creamy dressing, and savory toppings creates a satisfying texture and taste. Wedge salad is easy to prepare for small or large meals, budget-friendly, and perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead and add toppings just before serving to keep everything fresh. It’s cozy, Pinterest-friendly, and works for family meals, casual lunches, or light dinners. The ingredients are straightforward, and the salad can be customized to your taste, making it a crowd-pleasing option that always looks inviting.

Ingredients

Tip: Choose firm iceberg lettuce for the classic crunch.

Iceberg lettuce – 1 large head, quartered
Cherry tomatoes – 1 cup, halved
Red onion – ¼ cup, thinly sliced
Cooked bacon – 3 slices, crumbled
Blue cheese – ½ cup, crumbled
Ranch or blue cheese dressing – ½ cup
Fresh chives – 2 tablespoons, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Wash the lettuce and pat dry. Cut into quarters to create wedges. Prepare tomatoes, onion, bacon, and chives. Prepping ingredients first ensures quick assembly and maintains freshness.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This salad is quick to prepare with minimal chopping. Lettuce wedges can be prepped in advance, and toppings can be stored separately. Perfect for Pinterest users who want an easy, fresh option that feels special without taking extra time.

Tips & Tricks

Dry lettuce well
Excess water makes dressing slide off. Pat leaves dry to keep salad crisp.
Cook bacon evenly
Avoid burnt edges by monitoring bacon closely. Crispy, evenly cooked bacon adds perfect texture.
Add dressing last
Drizzle just before serving to prevent soggy leaves and maintain visual appeal.
Use fresh cheese
Freshly crumbled blue cheese keeps flavor bright. Pre-packaged crumbles can sometimes be dry or powdered.

Variations

Meaty version
Add grilled chicken slices or shrimp to make it a hearty main dish without changing the base salad.
Vegetarian option
Skip bacon and use roasted nuts for crunch, keeping it flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredient swap
Use romaine or butter lettuce for a slightly different texture while keeping the wedge style intact.
Flavor or herb boost
Add fresh dill or parsley for herbal brightness, enhancing the creamy and savory flavors naturally.

Serving Suggestions

Weeknight dinner
Pair with roasted chicken or baked fish for a light, refreshing complement.
Family meal
Serve multiple wedges with extra dressing on the side for casual, shareable plates.
Lunch option
Add boiled eggs or avocado slices for a satisfying, balanced midday meal.
Entertaining
Plate individually with elegant drizzles of dressing and garnishes for a Pinterest-worthy presentation.

Storage Instructions

Fridge storage
Store prepped lettuce separately from toppings and dressing. Use within 24 hours for freshness.
Reheating
Salad is best served cold; avoid heating.
Freezing
Not recommended due to high water content in lettuce.
Make-ahead tips
Prep wedges, chop vegetables, and cook bacon in advance. Assemble just before serving for maximum freshness.

Recipe Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Rest Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 180–250 per serving
Protein: 6–10 grams
Contains vitamin K and calcium from blue cheese. Values may vary depending on portion sizes and dressing.

FAQs

Yes, prep lettuce and toppings separately; add dressing just before serving.

Adding dressing too early makes lettuce soggy.

Yes, roasted nuts or tempeh bacon work well.

Leaves weren’t dried properly.

Store toppings separately; lettuce in a sealed container in the fridge.

Conclusion

This wedge salad is simple, fresh, and versatile for any meal. You can adjust toppings, dressings, or herbs to make it your own. Perfect for busy days, casual family meals, or light entertaining, it’s a crisp and satisfying option that feels effortless yet special. Enjoy it fresh and colorful anytime.