Classic Wedge Salad
A crisp, refreshing iceberg lettuce wedge drizzled with a creamy, tangy blue cheese dressing, topped with smoky crumbled bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of chives. This steakhouse classic takes less than 15 minutes to assemble and delivers the perfect balance of cold crunch and rich, savory toppings.
For 4 servings
- fry · ~8 min
Cook the bacon until crispy.
Place bacon slices in a cold skillet. Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crisp and browned, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain and cool, then crumble into pieces.
TIPStarting in a cold pan helps render the fat slowly for extra-crispy bacon. - prep · ~5 min
Prep the lettuce and toppings.
1.Remove any wilted outer leaves from the iceberg lettuce head.2.Cut the head in half, then cut each half into 2 even wedges for 4 total wedges.3.Halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and finely chop the chives.TIPChill the wedges in the fridge for 10 minutes before dressing for maximum crunch. - assemble · ~2 min
Assemble the wedge salads.
1.Place each lettuce wedge cut-side up on a chilled salad plate.2.Drizzle generously with blue cheese dressing over the top and sides.3.Scatter crumbled bacon evenly over each wedge.4.Top with cherry tomato halves, red onion slices, and chopped chives.5.Finish with a pinch of salt and a crack of black pepper.TIPLet the dressing pool slightly on the plate so every bite has flavor. - serve
Serve immediately.
Serve each wedge with a fork and a sharp knife. The lettuce should stay cold and crisp — this salad waits for no one.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For maximum crunch, chill the lettuce wedges for 10 minutes before dressing.
- 2Cook bacon starting from a cold pan to render fat slowly for extra crispiness.
- 3Halve cherry tomatoes just before assembling to keep them from getting watery.
- 4Use a thick, chunky blue cheese dressing so it clings well to the wedge.
- 5Cut through the lettuce core with a sharp knife to keep each wedge intact.
- 6Let the dressing pool slightly on the plate so every bite has flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-fat
Swap the blue cheese dressing for a Greek yogurt-based dressing and use turkey bacon to cut calories while keeping a similar tangy, savory profile.
vegetarianVegetarian
Omit the bacon and replace it with crispy roasted chickpeas or smoked paprika-dusted croutons for a meatless version that still delivers crunch and smoky flavor.
gluten freeGluten-free
This salad is naturally gluten-free; just ensure the blue cheese dressing and any added bacon are certified gluten-free if needed.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add a handful of grilled chicken strips or sliced hard-boiled egg on top to turn this side salad into a satiating main course.
extra crunchExtra-crunch
Top with a sprinkle of crispy fried shallots or toasted pumpkin seeds for an extra layer of texture alongside the bacon and tomatoes.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin K
Iceberg lettuce provides a source of vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and bone health.
Good Source of Lycopene
Cherry tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health and reduced inflammation.
Moderate Protein from Bacon
The bacon adds a modest amount of high-quality protein, though it should be enjoyed in moderation due to its sodium content.
Frequently asked questions
It's best to assemble just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp. You can prep the bacon, chop tomatoes, and slice onions up to a day in advance.
