Healthier Wedge Salad
A refreshing and lighter take on the classic wedge salad, featuring crisp iceberg lettuce wedges topped with a creamy, tangy Greek yogurt dressing, vibrant cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, and fresh chives.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried dill, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Set aside.
Prepare the Lettuce: Remove any outer damaged leaves from the head of iceberg lettuce. Rinse the lettuce thoroughly under cold water. Pat dry gently with paper towels. Carefully cut the head into four equal wedges, ensuring the core remains intact on each wedge to hold the leaves together.
Prepare Toppings: Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes. Dice the cucumber into small pieces. Thinly slice the red onion. Finely chop the fresh chives. If using, prepare crispy bacon bits (cook bacon until crisp, then crumble).
Assemble the Salads: Place one iceberg lettuce wedge onto each of four individual serving plates.
Dress and Garnish: Evenly spoon or drizzle a generous amount of the prepared Greek yogurt dressing over each lettuce wedge.
Add Toppings: Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion over the dressed wedges.
Finishing Touch: Garnish each salad with a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives and the optional crispy bacon bits. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Chill Your Lettuce: For the crispiest wedge, ensure your iceberg lettuce is well-chilled before cutting and serving. You can even place the cut wedges in an ice bath for 5-10 minutes, then pat very dry.
- 2Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to experiment with other herbs in the dressing, such as fresh parsley, tarragon, or a touch of smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.
- 3Even Distribution: When drizzling the dressing, try to get some into the layers of the lettuce for a more flavorful bite throughout the wedge.
- 4Prep Ahead: The dressing can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Chop vegetables just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Add grilled chicken strips, hard-boiled egg slices, or pan-seared shrimp for a more substantial meal.
Blue Cheese CrumblesBlue Cheese Crumbles
For a nod to the classic, sprinkle a small amount of crumbled blue cheese (e.g., 1-2 tbsp per serving) over the salad for a pungent flavor kick.
Avocado & CornAvocado & Corn
Incorporate diced avocado and fresh or grilled corn kernels for added creaminess and sweetness.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Hydration
Iceberg lettuce is primarily water, contributing to daily hydration needs and helping you feel full without excess calories.
Gut-Friendly Probiotics
The Greek yogurt in the dressing provides beneficial probiotics, which support a healthy digestive system and immune function.
Vitamins & Antioxidants
Loaded with fresh vegetables like tomatoes and cucumber, this salad offers a good source of vitamins (e.g., Vitamin C, K) and antioxidants that protect body cells.
Frequently asked questions
It's best to assemble the salad just before serving to prevent the lettuce from wilting. However, you can prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables a day or two in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator.
