How to Make the Classic Wedge Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide
Discover > Texas Recipes > How to Make the Classic Wedge Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide
Discover the Lone Star State's culinary delight - the Classic Wedge Salad! If you've ever had the pleasure of living in Texas or savoring the state's delectable cuisine, you're likely familiar with this beloved dish. A timeless recipe that boasts big flavors and a hearty crunch, these family style wedge salads (What wine goes well with salads?) has graced tables in Texas and beyond for generations. Today, we invite you to embark on a culinary journey with us as we present a step-by-step guide to crafting this iconic wedge salad recipe, in the comfort of your own kitchen.
With the perfect salad and its foundation in a quartered head of crisp iceberg lettuce, this salad with blue cheese (how long does cheese last?) offers a refreshing respite from the scorching Texas sun while providing a delightful contrast of textures and tastes. Topped with a velvety blue cheese dressing, savory bacon (how long does bacon last?) crumbles, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tangy blue cheese crumble - each bite promises an explosion of flavors that dance harmoniously on your palate.
Whether you have fond memories of Texas or simply seek to savor the essence of Texan cuisine, this great salad is a delightful journey into the heart of robust flavors. So, don your aprons, gather your ingredients, and let's get started on creating this simple yet delectable wedge salad recipe, that's bound to become a family favorite in no time. Join us as we dive into our step-by-step guide and discover the magic of the Classic Wedge Salad together!
Ingredients Needed to Make a Classic Wedge Salad
To make a Classic Wedge Salad, you'll need the following ingredients:
Iceberg Lettuce
The crisp texture and refreshing taste of iceberg lettuce serves as the foundation for this simple yet sophisticated dish.
To create the signature wedge shape, the lettuce is carefully cut into quarters, providing an individual portion for each diner. Its bright green color, topped with homemade blue cheese dressing, provides a pop of vibrancy that is sure to catch the eye and the flavor is the perfect complement to any meal.
Try sprinkling on chopped bacon, blue cheese crumbles, and a tangy dressing for a delicious and memorable twist on this timeless salad.
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Bacon
Bacon is a fantastic addition to this salad as it provides a savory and smoky flavor to grilled chicken that elevates the taste.
To cook bacon for the salad, you will need four slices of crispy bacon. Cook the bacon until it's crispy and then crumble it into small pieces before adding it to spoon dressing on the salad.
This ingredient will add a perfect crunch to every bite of the salad and make it a favorite among bacon lovers.
Cherry Tomatoes
One ingredient that adds a pop of color and flavor are cherry tomatoes. These petite tomatoes are known for being sweet and juicy, which makes them the perfect addition to a salad.
To make them easier to eat, dice them into small pieces before tossing them in small bowl. Not only will they add a burst of freshness to your salad, but they'll also provide a subtle sweetness that complements the other ingredients.
Chives
When it comes to crafting the perfect classic, wedge salad with blue on, the right ingredients make all the difference. One herb that can't be overlooked is chives (how long do chives last?).
These slender, green herbs have a mild-flavored, onion-like taste that can really bring out the freshness of the salad.
Simply dice them up finely and sprinkle them on top before serving for a flavor-packed finish. Not only will they add a subtle kick to ranch dressing, they'll also ensure that your salad looks perfectly presented, too.
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Blue Cheese Dressing
A Classic Wedge Salad is a great recipe for a timeless and delicious dish that has become a staple in many kitchens. But what exactly makes this salad so delicious? It's all about the creamy blue cheese dressing here. Creamy and tangy, this signature component adds just the right amount of flavor and richness to the crisp iceberg lettuce.
The blue cheese crumbles in the blue cheese dressing also give it a unique texture that perfectly complements the crunch of the lettuce. Whether as a side dish or a light meal, a Classic Wedge Salad with its delectable homemade blue cheese dressing, is sure to hit the spot.
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Blue Cheese Crumbles
A wedge salad is a classic dish that never fails to impress. The crisp iceberg lettuce combined with crispy bacon, juicy tomato, and tangy red onion make for a refreshing and tasty meal. However, to truly make it a standout dish, the extra blue cheese and crumbles are a must.
These crumbles add a level of creamy, pungent flavor that brings the wedge salad topped with blue cheese and salty bacon to a new level. It's the perfect balance of savory and refreshing, making it an ideal dish for any occasion. Everyone will be asking for the secret ingredient in this delicious classic wedge salad recipe.
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Once you have all the ingredients ready, assembling the Classic Wedge Salad is simple. Cut the iceberg lettuce into quarters and place each wedge on individual serving plates. Drizzle the blue cheese dressing over the lettuce, making sure to coat each wedge evenly. Sprinkle the bacon, diced cherry tomatoes, chives, and the remaining blue cheese and crumbles on top. Serve immediately, and enjoy this timeless and delicious salad!
Preparing the Lettuce - Cleaning, Cutting & Dressing
The Classic Wedge Salad is a timeless and indulgent dish that's perfect for any occasion. However, while many may focus on the toppings of this salad, it's important to remember that the base of favorite salad is just as important. And that's where preparing the lettuce comes in.
To create the perfect base for your iceberg wedge salad, you'll need to make sure the lettuce is not only washed and dried, but also cut and dressed to perfection.
This may seem like a daunting task, but following more recipes and a step-by-step guide will ensure that each leaf is presented in the best possible way. Trust us, taking the time to prepare the lettuce will make all the difference when it comes to serving up a visually stunning and delicious Classic Wedge Salad.
Cleaning the Lettuce:
Rinse the lettuce head under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.
Gently shake the lettuce to remove excess water.
Pat the lettuce dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Ensuring the lettuce is dry will prevent the dressing from becoming watery.
Cutting the Lettuce:
Place the head of lettuce on a cutting board.
Using a sharp knife, cut the lettuce into quarters by slicing from the top of the lettuce to the core.
Make sure to cut through the core to create four equal wedges.
Dressing the Lettuce:
Arrange each lettuce wedge on individual serving plates or a large platter.
Drizzle the blue cheese dressing over each of the iceberg wedges, ensuring that the dressing covers the surface of the lettuce evenly.
For an extra touch, you can also spread the dressing between the lettuce leaves for better flavor distribution.
At this point, your iceberg lettuce is now cleaned, cut into wedges, and dressed with the delectable blue cheese dressing. Now it's time to add the finishing touches by sprinkling the crumbled bacon, diced cherry tomatoes, chives, and more blue cheese crumbles on top of each wedge. The Classic Wedge Salad with homemade crumbled blue cheese and dressing on top is now ready to be served and savored! Enjoy this delightful and satisfying salad as an appetizer or side dish to complement your main course.
Creating the Toppings - Bacon Bits, Tomatoes & Cheese
A well-presented salad can make all the difference in terms of taste and appeal. That's why it's essential to pay attention to the toppings when you're putting a salad together.
Simple touches like arranging the bacon and tomatoes romaine lettuce in an eye-catching way or spreading the cheese evenly over the salad can elevate the entire dish and make it feel more special.
Taking the time to make sure your salad looks as good as it tastes will make your guests feel appreciated and add an extra level of enjoyment to the meal.
Here's how to make each topping:
Bacon Bits
Cook 4 slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until they become crispy and golden brown.
Once the bacon is cooked, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.
Allow the cooked bacon to cool slightly before crumbling it into small pieces using your hands or a knife.
The crumbled bacon bits will add a savory and smoky flavor to the salad.
Tomatoes
Wash and dry 1 cup of cherry tomatoes.
Using a sharp knife, carefully dice the cherry tomatoes into small pieces.
You can cut them in half or quarters, depending on your preference.
The diced cherry tomatoes provide a juicy and refreshing burst of flavor to the salad.
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Blue Cheese Crumble
Measure out 1/4 cup of blue cheese crumbles.
If you have a block of blue cheese, crumble it into small pieces using your hands or a fork.
Blue cheese crumbles add a tangy and creamy element to the salad, enhancing its overall taste.
Once you have prepared all the toppings, it's time to assemble the Classic Wedge Salad. Place each quarter of iceberg and lettuce wedges on individual serving plates, drizzle the blue cheese dressing over each head of iceberg lettuce wedge, and then sprinkle the prepared bacon bits, diced cherry tomatoes, and blue cheese crumbles on top head of lettuce.
Your Classic Wedge Salad is now complete and ready to be enjoyed! The combination of the crunchy lettuce, creamy dressing, and flavorful toppings will make this salad a true crowd-pleaser.
Final Touches – Garnishing with Croutons & Herbs
For a delightful garnish on your Classic Wedge Salad, I suggest using a combination of croutons (how long do croutons last?) and fresh herbs (how long do fresh herbs last?). Here's how to add these finishing touches:
Croutons
You can opt for store-bought croutons, but making your own homemade croutons will elevate the salad's taste and texture.
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Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs add a burst of color, aroma, and flavor to the salad. Consider using herbs like chives, parsley, or dill, which complement the other ingredients and dressing.
Classic Wedge Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 head iceberg lettuce
- 4 slices bacon cooked & crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes diced
- 1 tbsp chives diced
- 1 cup blue cheese dressing
- ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles
Instructions
- Prepare the lettuce by removing the outer leaves, chop the head of lettuce in half and then half again, making 4 wedges. Cut the end to remove the stem.
- Plate the wedges and top with the blue cheese dressing, bacon crumbles, tomato, chives, and additional blue cheese crumbles.
- Serve cold and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories
153.66Fat
9.87 gSat. Fat
4.15 gCarbs
7.63 gFiber
1.9 gNet carbs
5.74 gSugar
5.37 gProtein
9.23 gSodium
824.16 mgCholesterol
14.86 mgPercentages are based on a diet of 2000 calories a day.
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