Irresistible Wedge Salad Recipe with Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing

Posted on October 25, 2025

Introduction

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a wedge salad. The crisp crunch of iceberg lettuce paired with the creamy, tangy blue cheese dressing, smoky bacon crumbles, and the bright pop of fresh tomatoes—it’s a symphony of flavors and textures. I first fell in love with wedge salads at a small steakhouse where they served them on chilled plates, making every bite refreshingly cool. It was simple yet indulgent, and I knew I had to recreate it at home.

This irresistible wedge salad with creamy blue cheese dressing is my go-to recipe for entertaining. It’s visually stunning, easy to make, and never fails to impress. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself, this salad is the perfect choice. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can tweak it to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s the perfect starter or side dish for any meal.
Minimal Ingredients: Only a handful of fresh, pantry-friendly ingredients needed.
Showstopper Presentation: The wedge shape and colorful toppings make this salad a feast for the eyes.
Customizable: From toppings to dressings, you can make this salad your own.
Incredible Flavor: The creamy blue cheese dressing paired with crunchy lettuce and salty bacon is a match made in heaven.

Unlike other salads, the wedge salad is all about big, bold textures. It’s not just a side dish—it’s the star of the table. Plus, the homemade blue cheese dressing is far superior to any store-bought version, making this recipe a standout.

Whether you’re serving it at a casual barbecue or a fancy dinner, this wedge salad will steal the show and leave your guests raving.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses fresh, flavorful ingredients that come together in the perfect bite. Here’s what you’ll need:

Iceberg lettuce: Look for a large, crisp head of iceberg lettuce. It’s the classic base for any wedge salad.
Cherry tomatoes: Halved for bursts of sweetness and color.
Bacon: Cooked until crispy and crumbled for that smoky, salty goodness.
Blue cheese crumbles: Adds a creamy, tangy flavor that complements the dressing.
Red onion: Thinly sliced for a mild sharpness and crunch.
Chives: Freshly chopped to add a pop of green and a mild onion flavor.
For the dressing:

Sour cream: Creates the creamy base of the dressing.
Mayonnaise: Adds richness and smooth texture.
Blue cheese: Crumbled for bold flavor.
Lemon juice: Brightens up the dressing with a touch of acidity.
Garlic powder: Adds subtle depth to the flavor.
Salt & pepper: Enhances the overall taste.

Most of these ingredients are easy to find and keep on hand, making this recipe a breeze to whip up anytime.

Equipment Needed

wedge salad preparation steps

You don’t need much to make this recipe, but here’s what you’ll want to have ready:

Sharp knife: Essential for cutting the lettuce into clean wedges.
Cutting board: For prepping vegetables and bacon.
Mixing bowl: To whisk together the creamy blue cheese dressing.
Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth, lump-free dressing.
Skillet: For cooking bacon to crispy perfection.
Tongs: Useful for handling the lettuce wedges and arranging them on the plate.

If you don’t have a whisk, a fork works just fine for mixing the dressing. And you can cook bacon in the oven if you prefer less mess.

Preparation Method

Prepare the lettuce: Remove any bruised outer leaves from the iceberg lettuce. Cut the head into quarters, ensuring each wedge holds together. Rinse the wedges under cold water and pat dry with a clean towel.
Cook the bacon: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble when cool.
Make the dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Prep the toppings: Halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the chives.
Assemble the salad: Place each lettuce wedge on a plate. Drizzle generously with blue cheese dressing. Sprinkle with bacon crumbles, cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, blue cheese crumbles, and fresh chives.
Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious combination of creamy, crunchy, and smoky flavors.

Tip: If the blue cheese crumbles in the dressing are too chunky, mash them with a fork before mixing for a smoother texture.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Chill the plates: Serving the salad on chilled plates keeps the lettuce crisp and refreshing.
Cook bacon in the oven: For less mess, bake the bacon at 400°F (200°C) on a foil-lined baking sheet until crispy.
Make the dressing ahead: Prepare the blue cheese dressing up to 3 days ahead and store it in the fridge to save time.
Cut lettuce carefully: Use a sharp knife to avoid crushing the lettuce and ensure clean wedges.
Adjust seasoning: Blue cheese can be strong, so taste the dressing and adjust the salt and pepper to match your preferences.

These small tips can make a big difference in achieving a perfect wedge salad every time.

Variations & Adaptations

Vegetarian version: Skip the bacon and add roasted chickpeas or sunflower seeds for crunch.
Low-carb option: Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream and mayonnaise in the dressing.
Seasonal twist: Add diced avocado or fresh corn kernels in summer for extra flavor.
Spicy kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce over the salad for a spicy twist.
Allergen-friendly: Swap the blue cheese with goat cheese or feta if you’re sensitive to mold cheeses.

I’ve tried adding roasted nuts for a nutty crunch, and it was a hit with my guests. Feel free to experiment and make this salad uniquely yours!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This wedge salad is best served cold and fresh. Here’s how to get the most out of it:

Serving: Serve on chilled plates and pair with a juicy steak, grilled chicken, or a hearty soup for a complete meal.
Storage: Store leftover lettuce wedges and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Avoid adding toppings until you’re ready to serve.
Reheating bacon: If storing cooked bacon, reheat it in the oven for a few minutes to restore its crispness.
Flavors over time: The dressing may thicken slightly when refrigerated, so add a splash of milk to loosen it before serving.

For gatherings, you can prep everything ahead of time and assemble the salad right before serving.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This wedge salad provides a great balance of flavors and nutrients:

Calories: Approximately 250 per serving (without additional protein).
Protein: Blue cheese and bacon offer a good protein boost.
Vitamins: Iceberg lettuce and tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
Dietary considerations: Gluten-free and keto-friendly with easy adaptations for other diets.

While indulgent, this salad can fit into most meal plans and is a delicious way to enjoy fresh veggies!

Conclusion

This irresistible wedge salad with creamy blue cheese dressing is a game-changer. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself, this recipe is bound to impress. I love how the flavors come together in every bite—it’s truly one of my favorite salads to make and eat.

Have you tried making a wedge salad before? I’d love to hear how it turned out and any creative twists you added! Drop a comment below, share your photos, or let me know how your family enjoyed it. Happy cooking!

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! Prep the lettuce, toppings, and dressing ahead, then assemble right before serving for the freshest taste.

Can I use a different type of lettuce?

While iceberg is traditional, Romaine or baby gem lettuce can be used for a similar crisp texture.

How long does the blue cheese dressing last?

The dressing lasts up to 3 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.

Can I make this dressing without blue cheese?

Sure! Swap blue cheese with goat cheese or feta for a milder flavor.

What protein pairs well with this salad?

Grilled chicken, steak, or even hard-boiled eggs make excellent additions to turn this salad into a full meal.

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wedge salad recipe