Few dishes capture the charm of classic American dining quite like the Wedge Salad. Crisp, cool, and drenched in a creamy blue cheese dressing, this salad has earned its place as a restaurant staple and a home-cook favorite. What makes it special isn’t just the taste — it’s the simplicity, elegance, and nostalgic flavor that never fails to impress.
Whether you’re planning a light lunch, a dinner starter, or a side dish that complements grilled steak or chicken, this Classic Wedge Salad with Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing will deliver freshness and flavor in every bite. In just 10 minutes, you can transform a humble head of iceberg lettuce into a restaurant-quality salad that feels both luxurious and effortless.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to make the best wedge salad at home, discover chef-approved tips, learn creative variations, and understand why this timeless recipe continues to win hearts across generations.
Let’s dive into the crisp, creamy, and flavorful world of the classic wedge.
🥬 What Is a Classic Wedge Salad?
A wedge salad is exactly what it sounds like — a wedge of iceberg lettuce, typically served cold and topped with creamy blue cheese dressing, crispy bacon bits, and fresh chives. It’s a salad that celebrates simplicity: minimal ingredients, big textures, and bold flavors.
This recipe first became popular in the mid-20th century, often appearing on steakhouse menus as a refreshing contrast to rich main dishes. Over the years, it’s evolved to include modern twists — like avocado, cherry tomatoes, or even plant-based dressings — but the classic version remains unbeatable for its flavor balance and visual appeal.
💚 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why this Classic Wedge Salad will become one of your go-to dishes:
- 🕒 Quick & Easy: Ready in under 10 minutes.
- 🧀 Creamy & Flavorful: The homemade blue cheese dressing is fresh, tangy, and irresistible.
- 🥓 Crispy Perfection: Crumbled bacon adds a smoky crunch that pairs beautifully with the cool lettuce.
- 🥬 Visually Stunning: Its layered presentation looks elegant and restaurant-worthy.
- 🌿 Customizable: Add your favorite toppings, proteins, or make it vegetarian — it’s flexible and forgiving.
- 🧂 Great for Meal Prep: Dressing and toppings can be made ahead, saving you time on busy days.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this salad lies in simple, quality ingredients. You don’t need anything fancy — just fresh produce and a few pantry staples.
🥬 For the Salad Base
- 1 large head of iceberg lettuce – Cold, crisp, and firm.
- 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled – For that smoky, crunchy bite.
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions – Adds a mild, fresh flavor.
- (Optional) Cherry tomatoes or avocado slices – For extra color and freshness.
🧀 For the Blue Cheese Dressing
- 1 cup crumbled blue cheese – The star of the dressing.
- 1 cup buttermilk – Creates tang and creaminess.
- ½ cup mayonnaise – Adds a smooth, rich texture.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice – Brightens the flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Deepens the savory notes.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
🌱 Optional Additions
- Fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or basil) for garnish.
- Croutons for extra crunch.
- Hard-boiled eggs for added protein.
🍶 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
- In a medium bowl, combine blue cheese, buttermilk, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Whisk until smooth but still slightly chunky — you want bits of blue cheese for texture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill the dressing in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to let flavors develop.
Chef’s Tip: The dressing gets even better after a few hours in the fridge. Make it ahead and store in a jar for up to 3 days.
Step 2: Prepare the Lettuce
- Remove any wilted outer leaves from the iceberg lettuce.
- Rinse the head under cold water to refresh it.
- Pat dry completely — excess moisture will water down your dressing.
- Cut the head into four equal wedges from top to bottom, keeping the core intact so the leaves stay together.
Pro Tip: Chill the lettuce wedges before serving — cold lettuce enhances the crispness and gives that restaurant-level freshness.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- Place one wedge of lettuce on each serving plate.
- Generously drizzle your homemade blue cheese dressing over the top.
- Sprinkle with crumbled bacon and fresh chives.
- Add optional toppings like cherry tomatoes or avocado slices for color and balance.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the satisfying crunch!
🧑🍳 Chef’s Tips for the Best Wedge Salad
1. Use Ice-Cold Lettuce
The secret to a perfect wedge salad is temperature. Iceberg lettuce should be refrigerated for at least 1 hour before slicing — this ensures each bite is crisp and refreshing.
2. Make the Dressing Fresh
Homemade dressing beats store-bought every time. It’s creamier, tangier, and free of preservatives. Plus, you can control the salt and consistency.
3. Add Layers of Texture
Balance is everything — the creamy dressing, crunchy bacon, and crisp lettuce create contrast. You can also add toasted nuts or roasted chickpeas for extra crunch.
4. Don’t Overdress
Drizzle enough dressing to coat the lettuce but not drown it. The wedge’s structure should remain visible — it’s part of its beauty.
5. Keep Components Separate Until Serving
For meal prep, store the lettuce, dressing, and toppings separately to maintain texture and freshness.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This Classic Wedge Salad is versatile and pairs beautifully with many dishes. Here are some delicious serving ideas:
🥩 With Meats
- Grilled steak or roasted chicken
- Baked salmon for a lighter option
- BBQ ribs or pork chops for a hearty meal
🍝 With Pasta or Soups
- Creamy Alfredo pasta
- Tomato basil soup or potato leek soup
- Mac and cheese for comfort-style dining
🍷 With Beverages
- Crisp white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay)
- Sparkling water with lemon
- Iced tea or homemade lemonade for a refreshing combo
🥑 Creative Variations
Why stop at the classic? Here are some modern twists you can try:
1. Keto Wedge Salad
Use sugar-free bacon, skip the Worcestershire sauce (it contains small sugar traces), and replace buttermilk with heavy cream for a low-carb version.
2. Vegetarian Wedge Salad
Omit the bacon and add roasted chickpeas, smoked almonds, or sunflower seeds for crunch.
3. Buffalo Wedge Salad
Drizzle buffalo sauce over the dressing and top with crumbled blue cheese for a spicy twist.
4. Avocado Ranch Wedge
Swap blue cheese dressing for avocado ranch and top with diced tomatoes and sweet corn — perfect for summer.
5. Vegan Wedge Salad
Use plant-based mayo and vegan blue cheese, and replace buttermilk with unsweetened almond milk + lemon juice.
🧾 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~250 kcal |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
This salad is low in carbohydrates, high in healthy fats, and rich in flavor, making it perfect for keto or low-carb lifestyles.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Dressing: Store in an airtight jar for up to 3–4 days. Shake before using.
- Lettuce: Keep wedges wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a container in the fridge — stays crisp for up to 2 days.
- Bacon: Cook in advance and refrigerate in a sealed bag for up to 3 days.
Avoid freezing — lettuce and creamy dressing lose texture after thawing.
💡 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using warm lettuce – Always serve chilled for crunch.
- Over-mixing dressing – Keep it slightly chunky for authentic flavor.
- Overloading toppings – Simplicity is the charm of a wedge salad.
- Cutting lettuce too early – Slice just before assembling.
- Using low-quality blue cheese – Good cheese makes all the difference.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make the dressing without blue cheese?
Yes! Substitute with feta cheese or goat cheese for a milder flavor.
2. Can I prepare wedge salad in advance?
You can prep the dressing and toppings earlier, but assemble right before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
3. What’s the best lettuce for this recipe?
Iceberg lettuce is traditional, but Romaine or Butterhead can work for a softer bite.
4. Is wedge salad healthy?
Absolutely! It’s low in carbs and packed with vitamins, especially if you use light mayo and lean bacon.
5. How can I make it dairy-free?
Use vegan blue cheese, vegan mayo, and almond milk instead of buttermilk.
🌟 Expert Serving & Styling Tips
- Serve on white plates to make the colors pop.
- Add a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper right before serving.
- For dinner parties, serve smaller wedges as appetizers.
- Drizzle a little balsamic reduction for an elegant, modern twist.
🧂 Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing (Recipe Card)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust seasoning as desired.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
🧠 Interesting Fun Facts About Wedge Salad
- The wedge salad dates back to the 1910s, appearing in early American cookbooks.
- It became a steakhouse classic in the 1950s, symbolizing elegance and comfort.
- Iceberg lettuce was once prized for its long shelf life and refreshing crunch, perfect for salads served chilled.
- Some modern chefs now grill the wedge lightly before dressing it — creating a smoky, caramelized twist!
🥗 Pairing Ideas from Saga Recipes
If you loved this salad, try pairing it with other favorites from our kitchen:
- Scallion Chicken Recipe – Easy & Delicious Dinner Idea
- Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole – Comfort Food Done Right
- Garlic Herb Roasted Pork – Juicy and Flavorful
- Zesty Lemon Blueberry Breakfast – A Perfect Start to Your Day
💬 Final Thoughts
The Classic Wedge Salad with Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing is proof that simplicity can be spectacular. Every crisp bite of iceberg lettuce layered with creamy dressing, smoky bacon, and chives offers pure satisfaction — a dish that’s both retro and refreshingly modern.
It’s quick to make, beautiful to serve, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a summer barbecue, or an elegant dinner party, this salad will always impress.
