The Loaded Wedge Salad is a culinary adventure that transforms the humble iceberg lettuce into a gourmet delight. Imagine crisp, crunchy lettuce drizzled with creamy dressing, topped with crispy bacon, and sprinkled with tangy blue cheese. Each bite is a burst of flavors and textures that dance on your palate, invoking joy and nostalgia.
Growing up, my family was all about the backyard BBQs where loaded wedge salads made a frequent appearance. They were the star of the show, often overshadowing the main dishes. Now, I whip them up for any occasion—game nights, potlucks, or just because it’s Tuesday and I need some excitement in my life!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Loaded Wedge Salad is incredibly easy to prepare; it takes less than 15 minutes to assemble.
- Its flavor profile combines crunchy, creamy, and savory elements that are irresistible.
- The visual appeal of vibrant toppings over crisp lettuce makes it a showstopper on any table.
- This salad is versatile enough to be served as a side dish or a main course!
I still remember the look on my friends’ faces when I first served this at a dinner party—pure bliss mixed with disbelief at how good lettuce could taste!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Iceberg Lettuce: Choose one large head for perfect wedges; its crunchiness provides an excellent base for toppings.
Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for extra crunch; cooking it until crispy adds wonderful flavor.
Blue Cheese Crumbles: Opt for a quality blue cheese; its sharpness complements the creaminess of the dressing beautifully.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy tomatoes add color and freshness; slice them in half for great presentation.
Green Onions: Chopped green onions provide a mild onion flavor; use both white and green parts for visual appeal.
Ranch Dressing: Use your favorite brand or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous; it brings everything together deliciously.
Peppercorns: Freshly cracked pepper adds spice; adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Loaded Wedge Salad
Prepare the Lettuce Wedges: Start by cutting your iceberg lettuce into quarters. Rinse each wedge under cold water and pat dry gently with paper towels to keep them crisp.
Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook thick-cut bacon until crispy—about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess fat before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
Assemble Your Base: Place each lettuce wedge on a serving plate as if they were little boats ready to set sail on a sea of toppings!
Add Your Toppings: Generously sprinkle blue cheese crumbles over each wedge. Add chopped bacon bits, cherry tomatoes halves, and green onions for color and texture.
Drizzle with Dressing: Pour ranch dressing over each wedge generously—don’t be shy! Finish with freshly cracked pepper to elevate those flavors even more.
This Loaded Wedge Salad not only looks beautiful but also brings an explosion of flavors with every bite. You’ll have guests begging you for seconds—and maybe even the recipe! Enjoy crafting this delightful dish while laughing at how something so simple can bring so much joy!
This amazing loaded wedge salad will transform your average dinner into a culinary adventure. The combination of crispy bacon, creamy dressing, and fresh veggies creates an explosion of flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself dreaming about this salad!
Content:
Fresh ingredients make a huge difference in flavor and texture. Use crisp iceberg lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and quality bacon for the best results. I learned this the hard way when I tried a sad grocery store tomato—it just didn’t cut it!
The dressing can be customized to suit your taste. Try adding garlic or herbs for an extra kick. Last time, I threw in some dill, and it was a game-changer!
Presentation is key; arrange toppings artfully for visual appeal. A well-presented salad can turn even the simplest meal into something special. My friend once told me that we eat with our eyes first, and she was absolutely right!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the bacon until crispy, then chop the veggies while it cools. Assemble your salad right before serving to keep everything fresh.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ingredients; use grilled chicken instead of bacon or add avocado slices for creaminess. Personal touches make every dish unique.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness. Reheat bacon briefly in the oven to regain its crispness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- This amazing loaded wedge salad is not just about taste but also texture—crunchy toppings balance creamy elements beautifully.
- Always serve immediately after assembling for maximum freshness and flavor impact!
- You can easily personalize this recipe based on what you enjoy most.
It was during a summer barbecue when I first served this loaded wedge salad. Everyone loved it so much that I was asked for the recipe several times throughout the evening!
FAQ
What type of lettuce works best for a loaded wedge salad?
Iceberg lettuce is ideal due to its crunchiness and ability to hold toppings well.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
It’s best assembled just before serving to maintain freshness and crispness.
What are some good topping alternatives?
Try using grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, or different cheeses for variety!
Loaded Wedge Salad
Elevate your dining experience with the Loaded Wedge Salad, where crunchy iceberg lettuce meets crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and tangy blue cheese. This vibrant dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a burst of flavors that will impress your guests or bring joy to your weeknight dinners. Ready in just 15 minutes, this versatile salad can be served as a side or a main course.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 large head iceberg lettuce
- 4 strips thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 green onions, chopped (white and green parts)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- Freshly cracked pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut the iceberg lettuce into quarters and rinse under cold water; pat dry gently.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy (about 6-8 minutes). Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Place each lettuce wedge on a serving plate as your base.
- Generously sprinkle blue cheese crumbles, chopped bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and green onions over each wedge.
- Drizzle ranch dressing generously on top and finish with freshly cracked pepper.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wedge (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, incorporate herbs like dill into your dressing. - Customize toppings by adding grilled chicken or avocado slices for extra creaminess.
