5 Best Wedge Salad Recipes

delicious wedge salad variations

Wedge salads are a classic favorite, and there are so many ways to jazz them up! Picture a crisp iceberg wedge drizzled with rich blue cheese dressing, or maybe a fresh twist with creamy avocado and crispy bacon. You've got grilled veggies for a smoky delight, a Mediterranean version bursting with feta, and even a spicy shrimp option for some kick! Which one do you think you'd want to try first?

Classic Iceberg Wedge Salad With Blue Cheese Dressing

The classic iceberg wedge salad is a revitalizing and timeless dish that combines crisp iceberg lettuce with rich blue cheese dressing and toppings like bacon, tomatoes, and chives.

This simple yet elegant salad makes for a perfect appetizer or side dish, and it's incredibly easy to prepare. The crunchy texture of the lettuce pairs beautifully with the creamy dressing, while the toppings add bursts of flavor and color, making it a favorite for any salad lover.

Ingredients:

  • 1 head of iceberg lettuce
  • 1 cup of blue cheese dressing
  • 1/2 cup of crumbled blue cheese
  • 1/4 cup of crispy bacon bits
  • 1/4 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh chives
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Begin by carefully cutting the head of iceberg lettuce into quarters vertically, creating four wedges.

Rinse the wedges under cold water to remove any dirt, then pat them dry with paper towels. Place each wedge on a serving plate and drizzle generously with blue cheese dressing.

Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese, crispy bacon bits, and halved cherry tomatoes over the top of each wedge. Finally, garnish with chopped chives and season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Extra Tips:

For the best flavor, consider making your own blue cheese dressing by combining crumbled blue cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and a splash of buttermilk.

This allows you to control the creaminess and tanginess to suit your taste. You can also customize your wedge salad by adding other toppings like avocado, red onion, or even grilled chicken for a heartier meal.

Remember to serve the salad chilled for the most revitalizing experience!

Bacon and Avocado Wedge Salad

bacon avocado wedge salad

Bacon and Avocado Wedge Salad is a delightful twist on the classic wedge salad, combining the crispness of iceberg lettuce with the creaminess of avocado and the savory crunch of bacon. This invigorating dish is perfect as a starter or a light meal, especially on warm days.

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The balance of flavors and textures, along with a tangy dressing, makes it an irresistible option for salad lovers.

Ingredients:

  • 1 head of iceberg lettuce
  • 4 slices of bacon
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing or your favorite dressing
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Begin by cooking the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and let it drain on paper towels, then crumble it into pieces.

While the bacon cools, cut the iceberg lettuce into quarters and place each wedge on a plate. Drizzle the ranch dressing over the wedges, then layer on the avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled blue cheese.

Finish by sprinkling the crumbled bacon and sliced green onions on top. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Extra Tips:

For added flavor, you can grill the bacon for a smoky taste or use a flavored dressing, such as a balsamic vinaigrette, to improve the entire profile of the salad.

If you prefer a lighter option, consider substituting the blue cheese with feta or goat cheese. Additionally, be sure to choose ripe avocados for the best creamy texture, and you can also add other ingredients like hard-boiled eggs or nuts for extra crunch and nutrition.

Enjoy your delicious Bacon and Avocado Wedge Salad!

Grilled Vegetable Wedge Salad

Grilled Vegetable Wedge Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the freshness of wedge salad with the smoky allure of grilled vegetables. This recipe allows you to utilize your grill to improve the classic iceberg lettuce wedge, topped with a medley of seasonal grilled veggies and a delicious dressing.

Perfect as a side dish for summer barbecues or as a light main course, this salad is sure to please both vegetarians and meat lovers alike.

Ingredients:

  • 1 head of iceberg lettuce, cut into quarters
  • 1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced into strips
  • 1 red onion, cut into wedges
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ¼ cup balsamic vinaigrette
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
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Instructions:

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. In a mixing bowl, toss the zucchini, bell pepper, red onion, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Place the prepared vegetables on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they're nicely charred and tender. While the vegetables are grilling, place the iceberg lettuce quarters on the grill for 2-3 minutes to lightly char them.

Once everything is cooked, arrange the grilled vegetables on top of the lettuce wedges, sprinkle with feta cheese, drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette, and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Extra Tips:

For added flavor, consider marinating the vegetables in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs for about 30 minutes before grilling. This will infuse them with more depth of flavor.

Additionally, feel free to customize your salad with other grilled vegetables like asparagus or mushrooms, or replace feta with goat cheese for a different taste.

Remember to keep an eye on your greens while grilling to prevent them from wilting too much; you want them to retain some crunch. Enjoy your delightful Grilled Vegetable Wedge Salad!

Mediterranean Wedge Salad With Feta and Olives

mediterranean salad with feta

The Mediterranean Wedge Salad with Feta and Olives is a revitalizing twist on the classic wedge salad, bringing vibrant flavors and textures to your plate. The crispness of iceberg lettuce is complemented by the briny goodness of olives, the creamy richness of feta cheese, and a zesty dressing that ties it all together. This salad is perfect for a light lunch, a colorful side dish, or an appetizer that will impress your guests.

Ingredients:

  • 1 head of iceberg lettuce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Start by cutting the head of iceberg lettuce into quarters, creating wedges. Rinse the wedges under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Arrange the wedges on a large serving platter.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create the dressing. Drizzle the dressing over the lettuce wedges, ensuring they're well coated.

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Next, top the wedges with the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and red onion. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Extra Tips:

For added flavor, consider marinating the olives in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before adding them to the salad.

If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can include some toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds. Additionally, feel free to customize the salad by adding other Mediterranean ingredients such as roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts.

This salad is best served immediately after assembling to maintain the crispness of the lettuce.

Spicy Shrimp Wedge Salad

The Spicy Shrimp Wedge Salad is a delightful twist on the classic wedge salad, combining the crispness of iceberg lettuce with succulent, spicy shrimp for a tantalizing flavor experience. This dish is perfect for summer barbecues or as a light yet satisfying meal anytime.

With the invigorating crunch of the lettuce, the creaminess of the dressing, and the heat from the shrimp, this salad is sure to impress your guests and family alike.

Ingredients:

  • 1 head of iceberg lettuce, cut into wedges
  • 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup blue cheese dressing
  • ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
  • ¼ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Fresh chives or parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the shrimp, cooking for about 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through.

While the shrimp are cooking, arrange the iceberg wedges on a serving platter and drizzle with blue cheese dressing.

Once the shrimp are done, place them atop the wedges and sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese and cherry tomatoes.

Garnish with fresh chives or parsley before serving.

Extra Tips:

For an even spicier kick, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or even a dash of hot sauce to the shrimp marinade.

If you prefer a lighter dressing, consider using a yogurt-based blue cheese dressing or even a creamy ranch.

This salad is also versatile; you can add other toppings such as avocado, bacon bits, or sliced radishes for extra flavor and texture.

Enjoy your Spicy Shrimp Wedge Salad as an invigorating main course or a hearty side dish!


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