Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe

Iceberg lettuce: A crisp and refreshing base for the salad.

Bacon: Adds a savory and smoky flavor.

Cherry tomatoes: Provides a sweet and juicy contrast.

Red onion: Adds a sharp and tangy bite.

Blue cheese: The star of the dressing, offering a rich and tangy flavor.

Sour cream: Adds creaminess to the dressing.

Mayonnaise: Enhances the texture and flavor of the dressing.

Buttermilk: Thins the dressing and adds a slight tang.

Lemon juice: Provides a fresh and zesty flavor.

Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic element.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.

Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth.

When preparing the iceberg lettuce for the salad, ensure that you remove the core by cutting a small cone-shaped section from the bottom of the head. This will make it easier to cut the lettuce into even wedges. Additionally, to achieve a crisp texture, you can soak the wedges in ice water for about 10 minutes before assembling the salad. This step will enhance the crunchiness of the lettuce and provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy blue cheese dressing.

• iceberg lettuce - Substitute with romaine lettuce: Romaine has a similar crunch and can hold up well to the dressing.

• bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner option and provides a similar smoky flavor.

• cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes are slightly sweeter and have a similar texture.

• red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots are milder and add a subtle onion flavor without overpowering the salad.

• blue cheese - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta is tangy and crumbly, making it a good alternative to blue cheese.

• sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is a healthier option and provides a similar creamy texture.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can also replace mayonnaise for a lighter, tangy dressing.

• buttermilk - Substitute with milk with a splash of vinegar: This mixture mimics the tanginess and consistency of buttermilk.

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and freshness to the dressing.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is not available, though it will be less pungent.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct replacement for regular salt, offering a slightly different mineral flavor.

• pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used if you prefer a less intense pepper taste.

• To keep your wedge salad fresh, store the iceberg lettuce wedges separately from the toppings and blue cheese dressing. Wrap each wedge tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. This will prevent the lettuce from wilting and maintain its crispness.

• Store the crumbled bacon in a separate airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This will keep it crispy and prevent it from becoming soggy.

• Keep the cherry tomatoes and red onion slices in a separate container. You can mix them together or store them individually, depending on your preference. This will help maintain their freshness and prevent the flavors from mingling too much.

• For the blue cheese dressing, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. The dressing can be kept for up to one week. Give it a good stir before using it again to ensure the ingredients are well combined.

• If you need to freeze the blue cheese dressing, pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using, and stir well to restore its creamy consistency.

• Avoid freezing the iceberg lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and red onion slices as they do not freeze well and will lose their texture and flavor upon thawing.

• When ready to serve, assemble the wedge salad by placing the iceberg lettuce wedges on plates, topping with the crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, and red onion slices, and drizzling with the blue cheese dressing. Enjoy your fresh and delicious salad!

• Separate the iceberg lettuce wedges from the toppings and dressing. Reheating the lettuce directly can cause it to wilt and lose its crispness.

• For the bacon, place the crumbled pieces on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel. Microwave on high for 20-30 seconds until they are crispy again.

• If you prefer to reheat the bacon in the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread the crumbled bacon on a baking sheet and bake for about 5-7 minutes until crispy.

• The blue cheese dressing should be served cold. If it has thickened in the fridge, stir in a small amount of buttermilk or lemon juice to reach the desired consistency.

• The cherry tomatoes and red onion slices are best served at room temperature. Remove them from the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to take the chill off.

• To reassemble, place the iceberg lettuce wedges on plates, top with reheated bacon, cherry tomatoes, and red onion slices. Drizzle with the blue cheese dressing and serve immediately.

• Knife: To cut the iceberg lettuce into wedges and to mince the garlic.

• Cutting board: To provide a stable surface for cutting the lettuce and mincing the garlic.

• Mixing bowl: To combine the blue cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, buttermilk, lemon juice, and minced garlic for the dressing.

• Whisk: To mix the dressing ingredients together until well combined.

• Measuring cups: To measure out the sour cream, mayonnaise, and buttermilk accurately.

• Measuring spoons: To measure the lemon juice and any additional seasonings like salt and pepper.

• Plates: To arrange the lettuce wedges and serve the salad.

• Spoon: To drizzle the dressing over the salad wedges.

• Bacon crisper or skillet: To cook the bacon until crispy before crumbling it.

• Paper towels: To drain the cooked bacon and remove excess grease.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Cook and crumble the bacon and slice the red onion ahead of time.

Use pre-made dressing: Purchase a high-quality blue cheese dressing to save mixing time.

Pre-wash lettuce: Wash and dry the iceberg lettuce in advance, then store it in the fridge.

Halve cherry tomatoes: Cut the cherry tomatoes in bulk and store them in an airtight container.

Minimize dishes: Mix the dressing in a jar with a lid for easy shaking and storage.