Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe

Iceberg lettuce: A crisp and refreshing lettuce that forms the base of the salad.

Cherry tomatoes: Small, sweet tomatoes that add a burst of flavor and color.

Red onion: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor and a bit of crunch.

Blue cheese: Crumbled cheese that provides a rich, tangy taste.

Bacon: Cooked and crumbled, it adds a savory, smoky flavor.

Blue cheese dressing: A creamy, tangy dressing that ties all the flavors together.

When preparing the iceberg lettuce, make sure to remove any wilted or damaged outer leaves. To achieve a crisp texture, you can soak the wedges in ice water for about 10 minutes before assembling the salad. This will enhance the crunchiness and make the salad more refreshing.

• iceberg lettuce - Substitute with romaine lettuce: Romaine lettuce has a similar crisp texture but offers a slightly different flavor profile that can add more depth to the salad.

• cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes are similar in size and sweetness, making them an excellent alternative.

• red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor compared to red onions, which can be less overpowering in a salad.

• blue cheese - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta cheese has a tangy flavor and crumbly texture that can mimic the characteristics of blue cheese without being as strong.

• cooked bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner option that still provides a similar smoky flavor and crispy texture.

• blue cheese dressing - Substitute with ranch dressing: Ranch dressing offers a creamy texture and tangy flavor that can complement the other ingredients well, making it a suitable alternative.

• To keep your wedge salad fresh, store the iceberg lettuce wedges separately in an airtight container. Wrap each wedge in a damp paper towel to maintain crispness.
• Store the cherry tomatoes and red onion slices in separate containers. This prevents the lettuce from becoming soggy.
• Keep the crumbled blue cheese and cooked bacon in individual airtight containers. This ensures they stay fresh and flavorful.
• For the blue cheese dressing, use a small jar or a sealed container. Shake well before using to maintain its creamy consistency.
• When ready to serve, assemble the salad by placing the lettuce wedges on plates and topping with the stored ingredients. Drizzle with the dressing just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.
• If you need to freeze the bacon, do so in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. This prevents clumping and makes it easy to grab just what you need.
• Avoid freezing the lettuce, tomatoes, and onions as they do not thaw well and will lose their texture and flavor.
• For meal prep, consider storing all components separately and assembling the salad just before eating. This ensures maximum freshness and crunch.

• Separate the iceberg lettuce from the other ingredients to prevent it from wilting or becoming soggy.
• Place the bacon and blue cheese dressing in separate microwave-safe containers.
• Microwave the bacon on high for 20-30 seconds until it is warm and crispy.
• Warm the blue cheese dressing in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, just enough to take the chill off without making it too runny.
• For the cherry tomatoes and red onion, you can leave them at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to take the chill off.
• Reassemble the wedge salad by placing the iceberg lettuce wedge on a plate, topping it with the cherry tomatoes, red onion, blue cheese, and bacon.
• Drizzle the slightly warmed blue cheese dressing over the top and enjoy your refreshed wedge salad.

• Knife: For cutting the iceberg lettuce into wedges and slicing the red onion thinly.

• Cutting board: A surface to safely cut the lettuce and onion.

• Measuring cups: To measure out the halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled blue cheese, and crumbled cooked bacon.

• Mixing bowl: To hold and mix the halved cherry tomatoes, if needed.

• Plate: To place each lettuce wedge on for serving.

• Spoon: For drizzling the blue cheese dressing over the salad.

• Tongs: Optional, for arranging the lettuce wedges and toppings neatly on the plate.

Prep ingredients in advance: Wash and cut the lettuce, slice the red onion, and halve the cherry tomatoes the night before.

Use pre-cooked bacon: Save time by using store-bought crumbled bacon instead of cooking it yourself.

Ready-made dressing: Opt for a high-quality blue cheese dressing from the store to skip making it from scratch.

Assemble quickly: Lay out all ingredients in an assembly line to quickly top the lettuce wedges.

Serve immediately: Prepare just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp and fresh.