The Wedge Salad: A Classic, Crunchy, and Customizable Favourite

If there’s one salad that’s always guaranteed to steal the show, it’s the wedge salad. It’s a dish that doesn’t try too hard, but still manages to be the star of the table. With its refreshing crunch, creamy dressings, and vibrant toppings, the wedge salad is both satisfying and simple. Plus, it’s the kind of salad that’s endlessly customizable based on your tastes, making it a perfect addition to any meal—whether you’re serving it as a side or as the main event!

The concept of the wedge salad is straightforward: a wedge of crisp iceberg lettuce, topped with creamy dressing, crispy bacon, crumbled cheese, and whatever other fresh, savoury toppings you can dream up. But as we all know, the beauty of a classic recipe lies in how you can personalize it to make it your own.

In this post, I’m sharing my take on the classic wedge salad, along with some fun variations and dressing options that’ll keep your taste buds coming back for more. Ready to dig into the crunch? Let’s go!

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What Makes a Wedge Salad So Great? 

• Simple & Fresh: The main ingredient, iceberg lettuce, is crunchy, cool, and a great base for rich toppings. It's a light, refreshing start to a meal, but still satisfying with all those hearty toppings.

• Perfect for Customization: You can easily modify this salad to suit your dietary preferences, whether you’re looking for something vegetarian, gluten-free, or even paleo-friendly.

• Great for Entertaining: It looks impressive when served, and it’s easy to prep ahead of time. Plus, it's perfect for sharing at family gatherings, BBQs, or dinner parties.

• Addictive Toppings: Bacon, cheese, tomatoes, avocados—what’s not to love? The wedge salad is a blank canvas for you to layer on your favourite flavours.

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Wedge Salad

Yield: 2

Author: Jennifer Cartier

Prep time: 15 MinTotal time: 15 Min

This is the basic recipe that you can use as your foundation, and then feel free to get creative with the toppings and dressings!

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Ingredients

• 1 small head of iceberg lettuce, cut into 4 wedges
• 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (or your preferred cheese)
• 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• Chopped fresh chives (optional, for garnish)
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Start by carefully cutting the iceberg lettuce into wedges. Cut through the core of the lettuce to create 4 thick wedges, keeping the base intact so they hold together.
2. Arrange the lettuce wedges on a plate or platter.
3. Top each wedge with crumbled bacon, blue cheese, cherry tomatoes, and a few slices of red onion.
4. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped chives and a few cracks of black pepper.
5. Drizzle your choice of dressing over the wedges just before serving. Serve immediately, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Calories

231

Fat

16 g

Sat. Fat

8 g

Carbs

9 g

Fiber

3 g

Net carbs

6 g

Sugar

5 g

Protein

15 g

Sodium

676 mg

Cholesterol

41 mg

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Delicious Variations on the Classic Wedge Salad 

While the classic wedge salad is delicious in its own right, don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavours! Here are some creative variations to switch things up:

1. Southwest Wedge Salad 

Spice things up with a southwest twist! This version adds a bit of heat and smokiness, perfect for a BBQ or Tex-Mex meal.

Additions:

• Grilled chicken or steak for extra protein

• Avocado slices

• Roasted corn kernels

• Cilantro for garnish

• Sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick

• Tortilla strips for crunch

Dressing: Try a creamy chipotle ranch dressing or cilantro-lime dressing for that zesty, southwestern flavour.

2. Greek Wedge Salad 

Take your wedge salad on a Mediterranean journey with a Greek-inspired twist.

Additions:

• Cucumber slices

• Kalamata olives

• Sliced red onion

• Feta cheese

• Cherry tomatoes

Dressing: Pair it with a tangy, herby tzatziki sauce or a simple Greek vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, and dried oregano.

3. Caesar Wedge Salad 

The Caesar wedge is perfect for fans of this iconic salad. All the classic Caesar flavours with a crispy crunch!

Additions:

• Shaved parmesan cheese

• Croutons (for crunch)

• Grilled chicken (optional)

• Hard-boiled eggs (optional)

Dressing: Use a rich Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade) for that creamy, garlicky flavour that complements the crunch of the lettuce and croutons.

4. Vegan Wedge Salad 

Want a lighter, plant-based version? No problem! A vegan wedge salad can be just as flavorful and satisfying.

Additions:

• Chopped roasted chickpeas (crispy and crunchy!)

• Avocado slices

• Tomatoes

• Red onion

Dressing: Use a creamy cashew-based dressing, a simple olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette, or vegan ranch dressing.

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Dressings to Elevate Your Wedge Salad 

The dressing is what really brings everything together! Here are some dressing options that will perfectly complement your wedge salad:

Conclusion: Wedge Salad – A Canvas for Creativity! 

The wedge salad is a timeless favorite, and it’s also one of the most customizable salads out there. From the classic toppings to bold, adventurous variations, there’s a wedge salad for every taste and occasion. Plus, with a variety of dressings to choose from, you can really take your salad to the next level. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, looking for a healthy side dish, or just craving something crunchy and fresh, the wedge salad is your go-to.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy a wedge salad? Let me know in the comments and share your favorite dressing or topping combo!