If you’ve been hunting for a salad that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious, look no further than the Classic Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese, Bacon, and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe. This timeless dish brings together crisp iceberg lettuce wedges loaded with creamy blue cheese dressing, smoky bacon bits, and juicy cherry tomatoes that burst with freshness. It’s the perfect blend of bold flavors and satisfying textures, a real crowd-pleaser that never goes out of style. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or want to jazz up a weeknight meal, this salad delivers an irresistible combination that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of the ingredients fool you—each plays a crucial role in building the perfect wedge salad experience. From the crunch of iceberg lettuce to the tang of blue cheese and the pop of cherry tomatoes, every component adds something unique, making this salad a symphony of taste and texture.
- Iceberg lettuce: The foundation of this salad, providing a crisp, refreshing crunch and perfect wedge shape.
- Cooked and crumbled bacon: Adds smoky, savory flavor and a satisfying crispy texture.
- Cherry tomatoes, quartered: Bring a sweet, juicy burst of color and freshness to balance the richness.
- Crumbled blue cheese: Offers creamy tanginess with a bold, salty punch.
- Coarsely chopped pecans: Introduce a subtle nuttiness and extra crunch for contrast.
- Sliced green onions: Provide a mild, zesty bite that brightens the salad.
- Mayonnaise: Forms the luscious creamy base of the dressing.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and smooth texture to mellow out the dressing.
- Worcestershire sauce: Gives savory depth and a hint of umami to the dressing.
- Buttermilk: Lightens the dressing, lending a subtle tang and perfect pourable consistency.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
How to Make Classic Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese, Bacon, and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by combining the dressing ingredients in a bowl or jar: mayonnaise, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, buttermilk, crumbled blue cheese, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake well until smooth and evenly mixed. This creamy dressing is the heart of your salad, balancing bold and mellow flavors perfectly.
Step 2: Arrange the Lettuce Wedges
Carefully slice the head of iceberg lettuce into four even wedges and rinse them well under cold water to remove any grit. Pat dry with paper towels so the dressing clings beautifully. Place each wedge on a serving platter or individual plates—this classic presentation makes the salad as stunning as it tastes.
Step 3: Dress and Garnish
Pour a generous amount of the blue cheese dressing over each lettuce wedge, allowing it to cascade down the crisp leaves. Then sprinkle evenly with crumbled bacon, quartered cherry tomatoes, extra blue cheese, chopped pecans, and sliced green onions. The colors and textures create a feast for your eyes and palate alike.
How to Serve Classic Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese, Bacon, and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
For the perfect finishing touch, consider adding a few extra blue cheese crumbles or a light drizzle of olive oil to enhance richness. Freshly cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can add subtle complexity and visual appeal, turning a classic dish into something uniquely yours.
Side Dishes
This Classic Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese, Bacon, and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled steaks or roasted chicken, making it a favorite at barbecue gatherings. For a lighter approach, enjoy it alongside garlic bread or a bowl of hearty soup to round out your meal effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get playful, serve smaller wedge salad portions as elegant starters on cocktail plates, perfect for entertaining. Alternatively, deconstruct the salad ingredients and offer a build-your-own wedge bar where guests customize their dressings and toppings for interactive dining fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because iceberg lettuce can get soggy, it’s best to store components separately. Keep leftover dressing in an airtight container in the fridge, store the lettuce wedges wrapped tightly in paper towels inside a sealed container, and keep toppings like bacon and tomatoes in separate containers. Assemble the salad freshly when ready to enjoy.
Freezing
This salad doesn’t freeze well due to its fresh, crunchy ingredients and delicate dressing. To maintain its classic texture and flavor, it’s best to prepare fresh each time you want to enjoy it.
Reheating
Since the salad is served cold, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. Instead, simply remix any leftover dressing before reusing it and toss with fresh greens for a quick, delicious salad the next day.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of lettuce?
While iceberg is traditional for its crispness and sturdy shape, romaine or butter lettuce can work as substitutes if you prefer a slightly different texture or taste. Just keep in mind the presentation will change.
How can I make this salad vegetarian?
To keep the spirit of the recipe but skip the bacon, try using smoked tempeh or crispy seasoned chickpeas for a smoky, crunchy alternative that complements the blue cheese beautifully.
What if I don’t like blue cheese?
You can swap blue cheese for feta or goat cheese for a milder, less pungent flavor. The dressing will still be creamy and tangy but with a different character.
Is there a way to make the dressing lighter?
Absolutely! Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayonnaise, and reduce the cheese slightly. This will give you a lighter, tangier dressing while preserving that creamy texture.
Can I prepare this salad for a crowd?
Definitely! Just multiply the ingredients accordingly and prepare the dressing and toppings in larger batches. Arrange wedges on platters and let guests serve themselves or plate individually for a hassle-free party dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully nostalgic and satisfying about the Classic Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese, Bacon, and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe. It’s simple yet indulgent, colorful yet comforting, and a fantastic way to elevate any meal with minimal effort. I hope you’ll whip up this salad soon and share in the joy of its classic flavors and textures—it’s truly one of those dishes that keeps everyone coming back for more.
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Classic Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese, Bacon, and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A Classic Wedge Salad featuring crisp iceberg lettuce wedges topped with a creamy blue cheese dressing, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, pecans, and green onions. This refreshing, easy-to-prepare salad is perfect as a light lunch or an elegant starter.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 large head iceberg lettuce, cut into 4 wedges and rinsed well
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
- 3 tablespoons coarsely chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon sliced green onions
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- ⅓ cup crumbled blue cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a bowl or jar, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, buttermilk, crumbled blue cheese, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake well until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
- Prepare the lettuce: Arrange the lettuce wedges neatly on a large platter or individual serving plates, ensuring they stay intact for presentation.
- Assemble the salad: Drizzle the blue cheese dressing generously over each lettuce wedge. Then sprinkle the crumbled bacon, quartered cherry tomatoes, extra blue cheese, chopped pecans, and sliced green onions on top. Serve immediately for the freshest taste and crisp texture.
Notes
- Use fresh, crisp iceberg lettuce for the best texture and presentation.
- Cook bacon until crispy and drain well to avoid soggy salad.
- For a lighter option, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt in the dressing.
- Chill the dressing before serving for enhanced flavor.
- Add fresh cracked black pepper to the finished salad for extra seasoning.
