Crisp & Tangy Loaded Iceberg Wedge Salad Recipe

Crisp lettuce and bold flavors make this loaded iceberg wedge salad a delightful culinary adventure waiting to happen.

Chunks of bacon add smoky depth while creamy blue cheese dressing cascades over chilled wedges.

Sharp ingredients create a symphony of textures that dance across your plate.

Imagine a classic steakhouse favorite reimagined with fresh, vibrant components.

Salty, tangy elements combine in ways that surprise and satisfy your taste buds.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of cool crunch and rich, indulgent toppings.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this simple yet spectacular salad that brings restaurant-quality elegance to your home kitchen.

Flavor Twists For Wedge Salad

• Vegan Wedge Wonder: Replace ranch dressing with cashew-based creamy sauce, swap bacon for crispy tempeh strips, and use plant-based breadcrumbs for a fully vegan alternative.
• Herb Garden Explosion: Incorporate fresh herbs like dill, tarragon, and parsley into the ranch dressing for an intense herbal flavor profile.
• Protein Power Salad: Add grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, or crumbled blue cheese to transform the wedge salad into a more substantial meal option.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Substitute ranch with tzatziki sauce, top with kalamata olives, cucumber, and feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version of the classic wedge salad.

Suggested Pairings For Wedge Salad

• Salad Plating Perfection: Arrange wedges on a chilled ceramic plate for maximum visual appeal.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with grilled chicken, crispy bacon bits, or seared salmon to transform into a complete meal.
• Sidekick Sensation: Pair with crusty garlic bread or buttery croutons to add extra crunch and texture.
• Wine Companion: Serve alongside a crisp sauvignon blanc or light chardonnay that complements the tangy ranch dressing.

Storing Iceberg Wedge Salad Properly

• Wrap lettuce wedges in paper towels and place in an airtight container. Keep ranch dressing separately in a sealed jar. Store both items up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Crispy breadcrumbs and fresh lettuce will lose texture and become soggy when frozen. Dressing might separate, so avoid freezing this recipe's components.
• Transfer ranch dressing to a glass jar with tight lid. Will stay fresh for 5-7 days when kept refrigerated. Stir before each use to restore consistency.
• Spread leftover crispy breadcrumbs on a baking sheet. Warm in oven at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crunchiness. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

FAQs

• How do I make the ranch dressing taste better?

Refrigerate the dressing for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to blend and develop a more complex taste profile.

• Why should I soak the onions in water and vinegar?

Soaking diced onions helps reduce their sharp, raw flavor and makes them milder and more palatable in the salad.

• Can I prepare the crispy breadcrumbs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the breadcrumbs in advance and store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days before using.

• What's the best way to keep the lettuce crisp?

Rinse the lettuce wedges under cold water, pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels, and store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve the salad.

Why Loaded Iceberg Wedge Salad Shines

• Craft Homemade Flavor: Create a restaurant-quality salad right in your kitchen with fresh ingredients and a zesty homemade ranch dressing that develops rich, tangy flavors when chilled.
• Master Quick Prep: Transform simple iceberg lettuce into an impressive dish with minimal cooking steps, requiring just basic kitchen skills and a few smart techniques like soaking onions and toasting breadcrumbs.
• Customize Your Salad: Enjoy ultimate flexibility by adjusting portion sizes, adding favorite toppings, and personalizing the dressing to suit individual taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Elevate Simple Ingredients: Turn ordinary iceberg lettuce into a stunning, restaurant-worthy salad that looks gourmet but comes together with surprisingly straightforward cooking methods and fresh components.

Key Ingredients For Wedge Salad

• Iceberg Lettuce: A crisp and refreshing base that provides a cool, crunchy foundation for the salad.
• Ranch Dressing: A creamy and tangy sauce that adds rich flavor and moisture to the wedge salad.

• Bacon: A salty and crispy ingredient that adds smoky depth and textural contrast to the salad.
• Blue Cheese Crumbles: A sharp and pungent cheese that brings bold flavor and creamy texture.

• Fresh Chives, Lemon Zest: Bright herbs and citrus notes that provide a fresh and aromatic finish to the salad.
• Breadcrumbs, Butter: Crispy and golden topping that adds a crunchy element and rich buttery flavor.

• White Onion, Champagne Vinegar, Cold Water: Ingredients used to mellow and soften the raw onion's sharp taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the salad.

Step-By-Step Wedge Salad Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Zesty Ranch Dressing

Blend together ranch dressing ingredients, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors.

Whisk thoroughly and season with salt and pepper.

Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours, allowing ingredients to harmonize and develop a rich, creamy taste.

Step 2: Mellow The Onions

• Diced onions
• Cold water
• Champagne or white wine vinegar

Submerge onions in water and vinegar mixture.

Let them soak for a minimum of 30 minutes to reduce sharp intensity.

Drain completely before using.

Step 3: Transform Iceberg Lettuce

Inspect lettuce head, removing any wilted or discolored outer leaves.

Slice lettuce into elegant wedges, carefully removing the tough central stem.

Create 4-6 wedges depending on desired portion size.

Step 4: Cleanse Lettuce Wedges

Rinse lettuce wedges under cool running water to eliminate any hidden dirt or debris.

Gently pat dry using paper towels.

Refrigerate until ready to serve to maintain crisp texture.

Step 5: Create Crispy Breadcrumb Topping

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.

Add breadcrumbs and cook, stirring occasionally, until they transform into a golden brown, crunchy delight.

Season with salt and pepper.

Remove from heat and fold in fresh lemon zest.

Allow to cool to room temperature.

Step 6: Assemble Spectacular Salad

Arrange lettuce wedges on a serving plate.

Generously drizzle with prepared ranch dressing.

Sprinkle with crispy breadcrumbs and garnish with freshly chopped chives.

Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors and textures.

Tips For Perfect Iceberg Wedge Salad

• Make ranch dressing at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to blend perfectly and develop a richer taste profile.
• Soak diced onions in cold water and vinegar for 30 minutes to reduce sharp bite and create a milder, sweeter flavor that complements the salad.
• Gently rinse iceberg wedges under cold water, removing dirt while preserving crisp texture, then pat dry with paper towels to prevent sogginess.
• Cook breadcrumbs in butter until golden brown, stirring occasionally, and season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest for a crunchy, zesty topping.

Loaded Iceberg Wedge Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cool summer days call for loaded iceberg wedge salad, a crisp classic bringing zesty blue cheese dressing, crispy bacon, and fresh tomatoes together in one irresistible plate. Refreshing lettuce meets tangy flavors, creating a perfect balance you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Salad Base:

• 1 head iceberg lettuce (cut into wedges)
• 6 strips crispy cooked bacon (crumbled)
• 2 hard boiled eggs (diced or grated)
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (chopped)
• 1/2 red onion (diced)
• 3 tablespoons sliced fresh chives

Dressing:

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 3 tablespoons champagne or white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (like Crystal)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Herbs and Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon dried chives
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
• 1 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko or fresh)
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest

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Instructions

1. Craft the ranch dressing by whisking ingredients together, seasoning with salt and pepper, and refrigerating for minimum 2 hours to allow flavors to harmonize.
2. Tame raw onion’s sharpness by submerging diced onions in cold water and vinegar for 30 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
3. Prepare iceberg lettuce by removing wilted outer leaves, then slice into symmetrical wedges, choosing 4-6 portions depending on desired serving size.
4. Cleanse lettuce wedges under cool running water, eliminating any grit or debris, then gently pat dry with clean towels and chill until serving.
5. Transform breadcrumbs into golden garnish by melting butter in skillet, toasting crumbs until crisp and amber-hued, seasoning with salt and pepper, then incorporating lemon zest and cooling to ambient temperature.
6. Assemble salad by placing chilled lettuce wedges on serving platter, generously drizzling with prepared ranch dressing, then adorning with desired toppings and sprinkling with zesty breadcrumbs.
7. Finish by garnishing with delicate fresh chives and serve immediately to preserve crisp textures and vibrant flavors.

Notes

• Prepare dressing ahead by whisking ingredients and letting flavors develop in the refrigerator for optimal taste complexity.
• Soften raw onion’s sharp bite by soaking in cold water and vinegar, which reduces pungency and creates a milder flavor profile.
• Choose fresh, crisp iceberg lettuce with tight, compact leaves to ensure maximum crunch and visual appeal in the salad.
• Toast breadcrumbs carefully, stirring frequently to prevent burning and achieve a golden, even color for textural contrast.
• Customize salad by adding protein like grilled chicken, crispy bacon, or hard-boiled eggs for a more substantial meal option.
• Keep lettuce wedges chilled before serving to maintain crispness and prevent wilting during plating.
• Consider dietary modifications by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or dairy-free ranch alternative for specific nutritional needs.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 384 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg