Classic Wedge Salad

$- Iceberg lettuce - Cherry tomatoes - Red onion - Bacon bits (or crispy chickpeas for vegetarian) - Blue cheese dressing - Crumbled blue cheese - Chives (for garnish) - Salt and pepper The classic wedge salad shines with its simple yet fresh ingredients. Iceberg lettuce is the star here. Its crisp texture gives a great crunch. I love cutting the lettuce into wedges. This makes each bite fun! Cherry tomatoes add a burst of color and sweetness. They balance the crunch of the lettuce. Red onion brings a sharp flavor. It adds a nice contrast. You can slice it thin for a milder taste. Bacon bits bring a savory, crispy touch. If you're vegetarian, use crispy chickpeas instead. They still give that crunch. Blue cheese dressing is a must. It coats the wedges and adds creaminess. Crumbled blue cheese on top gives rich flavor. Chives are perfect for garnishing. Their green color brightens up the plate. Don’t forget salt and pepper! They enhance all the flavors. - Vegetarian options - Gluten-free dressing options - Dietary adaptations For a vegetarian twist, use crispy chickpeas. They work well in place of bacon bits. You can also try other dressings. Ranch or vinaigrette can be tasty swaps. For gluten-free needs, check your dressing. Some brands contain gluten. Look for labeled gluten-free options. Dietary adaptations can be easy. If you're dairy-free, skip the blue cheese. Use a creamy avocado dressing instead. This keeps the salad rich and flavorful. Check out the Full Recipe for more details on how to make this delightful dish! Cut the iceberg lettuce into quarters. Be gentle to keep each wedge whole. Rinse the wedges under cold water to remove dirt. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel. Place the wedges on a serving platter for easy access. In a bowl, mix the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and crispy bacon bits. If you prefer, you can use crispy chickpeas instead of bacon. Season this mix with salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine all the flavors. Spoon the blue cheese dressing over each wedge. Let it flow down the sides for a nice look. Pile the tomato and onion mixture on top of each wedge. Make sure each one looks colorful and full. Finally, sprinkle crumbled blue cheese on top. Garnish with freshly chopped chives for a pop of color. Check the Full Recipe for more details. To cut iceberg lettuce, start with a sharp knife. This helps avoid bruising. Cut the lettuce into quarters. Keep each wedge intact for a better look. To prevent wilting, rinse the wedges in cold water. After rinsing, pat them dry with a towel. This keeps them crisp and fresh. When it comes to blue cheese dressing, less is often more. Use about ¾ cup for four wedges. This amount ensures each wedge gets enough flavor. Spoon the dressing on each wedge. Allow it to flow down the sides for a beautiful effect. For an even spread, use the back of the spoon. This technique helps cover every part of the lettuce. To elevate your wedge salad, think about flavor boosts. A balsamic reduction can add a sweet tang. Drizzle it around the plate for a fancy touch. Colorful garnishes also make a difference. Fresh chives add a pop of green. You can also add cherry tomatoes for bright red spots. These tips will make your salad look and taste amazing. {{image_2}} You can add more crunch and color to your wedge salad. Here are some fun topping ideas: - Additional vegetables: Try adding bell peppers or cucumbers for a fresh taste. These add a nice crunch and color. - Protein options: Grilled chicken or shrimp can make your salad a meal. These proteins add flavor and make it filling. Switching up the dressing can give your salad a new life. Here are some options: - Different dressing options: Instead of blue cheese, you can use ranch or vinaigrette. Each dressing offers a different taste. - Herb and seasoning enhancements: Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill. A sprinkle of garlic powder can also boost flavor. How you serve your salad can change the vibe of your meal. Consider these ideas: - Individual plates vs. serving platter: For a fancy dinner, use a platter. For casual meals, serve on individual plates. - Themed presentation options: You can match your salad to the season. Use fall colors in the fall or bright colors in summer. It makes your dish more inviting. For more details and a complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To store your leftover wedge salad, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the salad fresh and prevents the lettuce from wilting. If you have any toppings left, like bacon or tomatoes, store them separately. This way, they stay crisp. You can add them back when you eat the salad. For bacon, place it in a paper towel-lined container. This helps absorb moisture and keeps it crunchy. For best taste, eat your wedge salad within two days. After that, the lettuce may become soggy. If you see any slimy spots or brown edges, it's time to toss it. Freshness is key for flavor and texture. Remember, good storage practices help keep your salad tasty. To make a classic wedge salad, follow these steps: 1. Cut a large iceberg lettuce into quarters. 2. Rinse the wedges under cold water and pat them dry. 3. Place the wedges on a serving platter. 4. In a bowl, mix cherry tomatoes, red onion, and crispy bacon bits. 5. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. 6. Spoon blue cheese dressing over each wedge. 7. Pile the tomato and onion mix on top. 8. Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese and garnish with chives. This simple method results in a crunchy, flavorful salad. For the full recipe, see above. Yes, you can easily make this salad vegetarian. Just replace the crispy bacon bits with crispy chickpeas. They add a nice crunch and flavor. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra taste. The best toppings for a wedge salad include: - Cherry tomatoes - Red onion - Crispy bacon bits (or chickpeas) - Crumbled blue cheese - Chives Feel free to get creative and add your favorite ingredients. A wedge salad can stay fresh for about 1 to 2 days in the fridge. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain its crunch. However, the lettuce may wilt after a day. To keep it fresh longer, store the toppings separately. You can prepare parts of the salad in advance. Cut the lettuce and store it wrapped in a damp towel. You can also mix the toppings ahead of time. Just wait to dress the salad until you are ready to serve. This keeps the salad crisp and fresh. This blog post covered how to make a classic wedge salad. We explored key ingredients, like iceberg lettuce, bacon, and blue cheese. You learned tips for cutting, topping, and storing the salad. Remember, you can easily adapt this recipe for different diets. Experiment with toppings and dressings to suit your taste. A wedge salad is simple, fun, and tasty. Enjoy crafting your perfect salad!$

Elevate your salad game with this crispy and creamy classic wedge salad recipe! With fresh iceberg lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crispy bacon bits (or chickpeas for a vegetarian twist), this dish is a showstopper. Topped with luscious blue cheese dressing and crumbled blue cheese, it's perfect for any occasion. Click through to explore the full recipe and presentation tips to impress your guests!

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Ingredients

1 large iceberg lettuce, cut into quarters

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

½ cup red onion, thinly sliced

1 cup crispy bacon bits (substitute with crispy chickpeas for a vegetarian option)

¾ cup blue cheese dressing

½ cup crumbled blue cheese

Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Start by carefully cutting the iceberg lettuce into quarters, ensuring each wedge holds together.

Rinse the wedges under cold water and pat dry gently with a kitchen towel. Place them on a serving platter.

In a mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and crispy bacon bits (or chickpeas). Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, toss gently to mix.

Spoon the blue cheese dressing generously over each wedge, allowing it to cascade down the sides.

Pile the tomato and onion mixture on top of the wedges, ensuring each wedge is colorful and plentiful.

Finish off by sprinkling crumbled blue cheese over the top and garnish with freshly chopped chives for an added burst of flavor.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 15 mins | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Arrange the wedges on a beautiful platter and serve extra blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping. For a touch of elegance, drizzle a balsamic reduction around the plate.