Loaded Wedge Salad: The Ultimate Guide to a Perfect Salad

Loaded Wedge Salad: Prepare to experience a flavor explosion that will redefine your salad expectations! Forget those boring, wilted greens – we’re talking crisp iceberg lettuce, creamy blue cheese dressing, smoky bacon crumbles, juicy tomatoes, and a sprinkle of fresh chives, all piled high for a truly decadent experience. This isn’t just a salad; it’s a statement.

The wedge salad, while seemingly simple, has a surprisingly rich history. Emerging in the mid-20th century, it quickly became a steakhouse staple, offering a refreshing counterpoint to rich, meaty dishes. Its popularity soared, and it remains a beloved classic to this day. But why? It’s the irresistible combination of textures and flavors! The satisfying crunch of the iceberg lettuce, the tangy bite of the blue cheese, the salty bacon, and the sweet tomatoes create a symphony in your mouth.

What truly elevates this dish is its versatility. While traditionally served with blue cheese, feel free to experiment with ranch or even a vinaigrette. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal. The possibilities are endless! And let’s be honest, who can resist the sheer visual appeal of a perfectly constructed loaded wedge salad? It’s a showstopper that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. So, ditch the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary with this classic recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite.

Ingredients:

• For the Iceberg Wedges:
  • 1 large head of iceberg lettuce, cored and cut into 4 wedges
  • Ice water, for soaking
• For the Blue Cheese Dressing:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled (reserve some for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of salt, or to taste
• For the Bacon:
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon
• For the Tomatoes:
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
• For the Red Onion:
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• For the Everything Bagel Seasoning (Optional):
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 1 tablespoon dried minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes
• For Garnish:
  • Fresh chives, chopped

Preparing the Blue Cheese Dressing:

Okay, let’s start with the blue cheese dressing. This is the heart and soul of a good wedge salad, in my opinion. You can definitely use store-bought, but trust me, homemade is SO much better and it only takes a few minutes.

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth. This will be the base of our creamy, dreamy dressing.
2. Add the crumbled blue cheese, white wine vinegar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Gently stir to combine. Don’t overmix it! We want to keep some of those lovely blue cheese crumbles intact.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a pinch of salt, but be careful, as blue cheese can be quite salty already. If you prefer a tangier dressing, add a little more white wine vinegar.
4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the dressing to thicken slightly. You can even make it a day ahead!

Cooking the Bacon:

Next up, let’s get that crispy, smoky bacon ready. There are a few ways to cook bacon, but I prefer baking it in the oven. It’s less messy and the bacon cooks evenly.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will make cleanup a breeze!
3. Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure the slices aren’t overlapping.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your bacon. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
5. Remove the bacon from the oven and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess grease.
6. Once the bacon is cool enough to handle, crumble it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

Preparing the Iceberg Wedges:

Now, let’s get those iceberg wedges ready. This is a simple step, but it’s important to do it right to ensure a crisp and refreshing salad.

1. Remove the outer leaves of the iceberg lettuce if they are wilted or damaged.
2. Cut the head of lettuce in half through the core. Then, cut each half in half again, creating four wedges.
3. Rinse the wedges under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
4. Fill a large bowl with ice water. Submerge the lettuce wedges in the ice water and let them soak for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes. This will help to crisp them up.
5. Remove the wedges from the ice water and gently pat them dry with paper towels.

Assembling the Loaded Wedge Salad:

Alright, we’ve got all our components ready. Now comes the fun part: assembling the loaded wedge salad! This is where you can really get creative and customize it to your liking.

1. Place each iceberg wedge on a plate.
2. Generously drizzle each wedge with the blue cheese dressing. Don’t be shy!
3. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the dressing.
4. Scatter the halved or quartered cherry tomatoes over the bacon.
5. Add the thinly sliced red onion.
6. If you’re using it, sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning over the salad. This adds a fantastic savory crunch.
7. Garnish with fresh chopped chives.
8. Finally, sprinkle some extra crumbled blue cheese on top for good measure.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few extra tips and variations to make this loaded wedge salad even more amazing:

• For a spicier kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the blue cheese dressing or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the salad.
• Add some avocado: Diced avocado adds a creamy and healthy element to the salad.
• Use different cheeses: If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, try using crumbled feta, gorgonzola, or even a sharp cheddar.
• Grill the bacon: For an extra smoky flavor, grill the bacon instead of baking it.
• Add grilled chicken or steak: Turn this salad into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken or steak.
• Make it vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add some roasted chickpeas or crispy tofu for a protein boost.
• Use different dressings: If you’re not a fan of blue cheese dressing, try using ranch dressing, thousand island dressing, or even a vinaigrette.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the dressing, bacon, tomatoes, and red onion ahead of time. Just store them separately and assemble the salad right before serving.
• Don’t overdress the salad: Too much dressing can make the lettuce soggy. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
• Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the salad will taste. Use fresh, ripe tomatoes, good quality bacon, and flavorful blue cheese.

Making Everything Bagel Seasoning:

If you don’t have everything bagel seasoning on hand, it’s super easy to make your own! Just combine equal parts sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and sea salt flakes in a small bowl. Store it in an airtight container for later use.

Choosing the Right Blue Cheese:

There are many different types of blue cheese available, each with its own unique flavor and texture. For this salad, I recommend using a creamy and flavorful blue cheese, such as Roquefort, Gorgonzola, or Stilton. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use a Danish blue cheese.

Storing Leftovers:

Unfortunately, wedge salads don’t store very well once they’ve been dressed. The lettuce will wilt and the dressing will become soggy. It’s best to assemble the salad right before serving. However, you can store the individual components separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Why Soak the Lettuce in Ice Water?

Soaking the iceberg lettuce wedges in ice water is a crucial step for achieving that crisp and refreshing texture. The cold water helps to hydrate the lettuce leaves and make them more firm. It also helps to remove any bitterness from the lettuce.

Bacon Cooking Tips:

To ensure perfectly crispy bacon, here are a few extra tips:

• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. If necessary, cook the bacon in batches.
• Make sure the bacon slices are not overlapping.
• Use a rimmed baking sheet to prevent the bacon grease from spilling over.
• For extra crispy bacon, try placing a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This will allow the hot air to circulate around the bacon and cook it more evenly.

Dressing Consistency:

The consistency of the blue cheese dressing should be thick and creamy

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another salad; it’s an experience! The Loaded Wedge Salad is a symphony of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. From the crisp, refreshing iceberg lettuce to the creamy, tangy blue cheese dressing, every element works in perfect harmony. The salty bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy red onion add layers of complexity that elevate this simple salad to something truly special.

But why is this a must-try? Because it’s incredibly easy to make, endlessly customizable, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a quick and satisfying lunch, a show-stopping side dish for your next barbecue, or a light yet flavorful dinner, this Loaded Wedge Salad delivers on all fronts. It’s a classic for a reason, and once you try this version, I promise you’ll understand why.

Looking for serving suggestions? This salad pairs perfectly with grilled steak, chicken, or fish. It’s also a fantastic accompaniment to burgers or sandwiches. For a vegetarian option, try adding grilled halloumi cheese or roasted chickpeas for a protein boost.

And speaking of variations, the possibilities are endless! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Crumbled feta or gorgonzola would be delicious alternatives to blue cheese. You could also swap out the bacon for pancetta or prosciutto for a more sophisticated flavor. Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness, or a sprinkle of chopped chives for a fresh, herbaceous note. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some grilled corn or avocado for extra texture and flavor.

For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing or using a spicy bacon. If you’re watching your calorie intake, you can lighten up the dressing by using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or mayonnaise. You can also reduce the amount of bacon and cheese, or use a lower-fat version of each.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this Loaded Wedge Salad your own! The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. It’s a blank canvas just waiting for your personal touch.

I truly believe that everyone should have a go-to wedge salad recipe in their repertoire, and this one is mine. It’s simple, satisfying, and always a hit. I’ve made it countless times for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just a quick weeknight dinner, and it never fails to impress.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I’m confident that you’ll love this Loaded Wedge Salad as much as I do.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did you think? Share your photos and comments on social media using #MyLoadedWedgeSalad. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking!

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