How to Make the Perfect American Classic Wedge Salad
American · Easy · 25 min · 4 servings
The classic American wedge salad is a timeless steakhouse staple featuring crisp iceberg lettuce drenched in creamy blue cheese dressing with smoky bacon and fresh tomatoes. It is a boldly satisfying salad that delivers maximum flavor with very little preparation time.
Why this recipe works
This American Classic Wedge Salad recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 380 calories with 14g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 whole head of iceberg lettuce quartered
- 6 strips bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 0.75 cup blue cheese dressing
- 0.5 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 2 whole green onions thinly sliced
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Cook the bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat for about 8 to 10 minutes until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain then crumble into pieces.
Step 2: Prepare the Lettuce
Remove the outer leaves of the iceberg lettuce, cut the head into four equal wedges through the core, and place each wedge cut-side up on individual serving plates.
Step 3: Add the Toppings
Spoon the blue cheese dressing generously over each lettuce wedge, then scatter the crumbled bacon and halved cherry tomatoes over the top.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Top each wedge with crumbled blue cheese and sliced green onions. Serve immediately with extra dressing on the side for those who want more.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- blue cheese dressing → ranch dressing for a milder creamy option
- bacon → turkey bacon or smoked tofu for a lighter version
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Cutting the lettuce too thin which causes the wedge to fall apart and lose its impressive presentation
- Dressing the salad too far in advance which makes the iceberg lettuce wilt and become unappealingly wet
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 380 calories, 14g protein, 10g carbs, 32g fat, 2g fiber.
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