The Classic Wedge Salad is a timeless dish that transcends trends, satisfying taste buds for generations. But what makes this seemingly simple salad so enduringly popular? Dive into a world of crisp textures, bold flavors, and perfect balance as we explore the essence of this culinary classic.
Transport yourself back to a time of checkered tablecloths and juicy steaks, where the Classic Wedge Salad reigned supreme. This quintessential starter, often enjoyed before a hearty main course, offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors. The cool, refreshing crunch of iceberg lettuce pairs perfectly with the rich, tangy blue cheese dressing, while crispy bacon bits add a satisfying salty counterpoint. And don't forget the juicy bursts of tomato, adding a touch of sweetness and acidity.
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Why You'll Want to Make The Classic Wedge Salad
- Satisfying contrast: The combination of crisp iceberg lettuce, creamy blue cheese dressing, and savory toppings like bacon creates a delicious play of textures and flavors. It's refreshing, decadent, and incredibly satisfying.
- Effortless elegance: Despite its impressive presentation, the wedge salad is surprisingly easy to make. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can whip up a restaurant-worthy dish in minutes.
- Perfect for various occasions: The wedge salad works as a light lunch, a side dish for a steak dinner, or even an impressive appetizer for a party. It's adaptable and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Year-round appeal: Craving a refreshing summer salad? The wedge salad delivers with its crisp lettuce and cool dressing. Want something comforting for colder months? The creamy dressing and savory toppings offer warmth and richness. It's a dish you can enjoy anytime.
Ingredients - Here's What You'll Need
- Iceberg Lettuce: Unlike softer lettuces that wilt under heavy dressings, iceberg holds its firm, crisp structure, creating a sturdy base for the creamy blue cheese dressing and toppings.
- Red Onion: Its sharpness counters the creaminess of the dressing, creating a refreshing and balanced taste.
- Cherry Tomatoes: They pack a concentrated sweetness that explodes in your mouth, adding a refreshing burst to the richness of the salad.
- Blue Cheese Crumbles: Their distinctive, pungent aroma adds intrigue, while their sharp, tangy flavor cuts through the richness of the dressing and the coolness of the lettuce.
- Balsamic Vinegar: This unexpected element can surprise and delight your taste buds, adding a unique twist to a familiar dish.
- Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing: While store-bought dressings save time, homemade blue cheese dressing unlocks a whole new level of flavor and customization for your classic wedge salad.
- Bacon: This ingredient truly ties it all together, adding a smoky, savory punch that elevates the experience to a whole new level.
- Chives: These delicate green spears might seem like mere garnish, but they play a crucial role in elevating the salad to its full potential.
Steps to Make The Classic Wedge Salad
- Remove any brown or wilted leaves from the outside of the head of iceberg lettuce. Next, to remove the core, hold the head upright with the core facing downward and slam the core down hard on a solid surface. Then the core should easily come right out.
- Next, using a large kitchen knife, cut the head of lettuce into four quarters. Then gently wash each quarter, making sure to get water in-between the layers. Then pat the washed quarters dry with paper towels. Place them on a layer of paper towels to drain the excess water while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
- Next, cut the cherry tomatoes in half length-wise.
- Then cut the red onion into one-inch pieces, making sure to separate the layers.
- Place an iceberg lettuce quarter on a large plate or in a shallow bowl.
- Then pour homemade blue cheese dressing over the top of the lettuce.
- Next, sprinkle cooked and crumbled bacon on top of the dressing.
- Then add blue cheese crumbles.
- After that, add the red onion pieces.
- Next, add the cut cherry tomatoes.
- Then pour some balsamic vinegar over everything.
- And finally sprinkle with some freshly cut chives and enjoy.
But the journey doesn't end here! This recipe is your canvas. Experiment with different toppings, dressings, and variations to find your perfect wedge. Whether you're a blue cheese aficionado or a health-conscious salad lover, there's a wedge salad waiting to delight your taste buds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Iceberg lettuce is the traditional choice, although romaine and even hearts of palm can be used.
Sure! Chopped cucumber, avocado, or grilled asparagus can be delicious additions.
Steak, grilled chicken, or a hearty soup are great options.
You can prepare the lettuce, dressing, and toppings ahead of time, but assemble the salad just before serving for the best results.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Chill it out: Wash and dry the wedges thoroughly, then wrap them loosely in a paper towel and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This ensures maximum crispness.
- Homemade magic: Ditch the store-bought stuff and whip up a homemade blue cheese dressing. It's surprisingly easy and infinitely customizable to your taste.
- Bacon bliss: Choose thick-cut bacon and cook it until crisp, then crumble it before adding to the salad. Consider alternatives like turkey bacon or even smoked tempeh for different flavor and texture variations.
- Plate it cold: Use chilled plates to keep the salad crisp and refreshing.
Other Great Salads
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Classic Wedge Salad
Ingredients
- 1 head Iceberg Lettuce
- 1 c Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing
- 4 oz Bacon cooked, drained, crumbled
- ¼ c Blue Cheese Crumbles
- ¼ c Red Onion cut into one-inch pieces
- 16 Cherry Tomatoes cut in half lengthwise
- 4 teaspoon Fresh Chives finely chopped
- ¼ c Balsamic Vinegar
Instructions
- Remove any brown or wilted leaves from the outside of the head of iceberg lettuce. Then remove the core by holding the head upright with the core facing downward and slam the core down hard on a solid surface. The core should then easily come right out.
- Next, using a large kitchen knife, cut the head of lettuce into four quarters. Then gently wash each quarter, making sure to get water in-between the layers. Then pat the washed quarters dry with paper towels and place them on a layer of paper towels to drain the excess water.
- Place one iceberg lettuce quarter on a large plate or in a shallow bowl.
- Pour ¼ cup homemade blue cheese dressing over the top of the lettuce wedge.
- Sprinkle 1 oz crumbled bacon, 1 tbs blue cheese crumbles, 1 tbs of the red onion pieces and 8 cherry tomatoes halves on top of the dressing covered lettuce wedge.
- Then top with 1 tbs balsamic vinegar and 1 teaspoon of freshly cut chives.
- Repeat numbers 3 through 6 with the remaining wedges.
- Serve immediately.
- Yield 4 servings
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