Name: Wedge Salad with Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large head iceberg lettuce, cut into 4 wedges; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled; ¼ cup sliced red onion; 2 tbsp chopped chives; ½ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup sour cream; ¼ cup buttermilk; ½ cup crumbled blue cheese; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 garlic clove, minced; Salt and black pepper, to taste

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If you’ve ever wanted to impress friends or treat yourself to a timeless salad bursting with fresh crunch, smoky bacon, and that creamy tang you can’t get enough of, this Wedge Salad with Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe is your new best friend. It’s not just any salad—it’s a crisp iceberg wedge dripping with luscious, rich blue cheese dressing made from scratch, dotted with juicy cherry tomatoes, sharp red onion, and savory bacon crumbles. Whether for a dinner party starter or a refreshing side, this classic American delight brings all the flavor and texture magic, making ordinary meals suddenly feel so much more special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several ingredients neatly placed on a white marbled surface. On the left, there are three pieces of green lettuce. In the center, a large clear glass bowl contains crumbled white cheese. Around it, smaller clear bowls hold chopped red tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, minced garlic, small red pepper, white salt, a small amount of honey in a glass container, and a creamy white dressing in another bowl. The arrangement is simple and clean, with all ingredients easy to see. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to making this salad sing. Each component adds its own unique flair, from the cool crispness of iceberg lettuce to the smoky bite of bacon, and of course, that creamy, tangy blue cheese dressing that ties it all together.

Iceberg Lettuce (1 large head, cut into 4 wedges): Offers a satisfyingly crunchy and refreshing base for the salad.

Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Add juicy bursts of sweetness and vibrant color.
Cooked Bacon (4 slices, crumbled): Brings a smoky, salty crunch that complements every bite.
Red Onion (¼ cup, sliced): Delivers a sharp, zesty edge to balance the creaminess.

Chives (2 tbsp, chopped): Fresh herbs that brighten up the overall flavor.
Mayonnaise (½ cup): A smooth, rich base essential for the blue cheese dressing’s creaminess.
Sour Cream (¼ cup): Adds tang and lush texture to the dressing; can be swapped for Greek yogurt for a lighter touch.

Buttermilk (¼ cup): Provides a slightly tart, silky element to lighten the dressing.
Crumbled Blue Cheese (½ cup): The star ingredient for that bold and distinctive flavor.
Lemon Juice (1 tbsp): Brightens the dressing perfectly, cutting through the richness.

Garlic (1 clove, minced): Adds a gentle pungency and depth of flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Season to bring all the flavors into harmony.

How to Make Wedge Salad with Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Whisk the Dressing

Begin by combining mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, crumbled blue cheese, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy, making sure to break up the cheese chunks slightly so you get that irresistible speckled texture. This homemade blue cheese dressing is what truly sets this wedge salad apart from any store-bought version.

Step 2: Prepare the Lettuce Wedges

Take your head of iceberg lettuce and slice it into four large wedges. It’s best to keep the core intact to hold it all together. Keeping the lettuce chilled until assembly ensures each bite will stay crisp and refreshing—trust me, nobody wants wilted iceberg here!

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Place each iceberg wedge on a serving plate. Generously scatter halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled bacon, sliced red onions, and chopped chives over the top. Every layer adds a different texture and flavor, making the salad an exciting mix rather than just a simple green.

Step 4: Dress and Serve

Spoon the blue cheese dressing over each wedge bit by bit, letting it drape down the sides like creamy velvet. Don’t be shy—this dressing is the heart and soul, so the more the merrier! Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect contrast of cold crisp lettuce and rich dressing.

How to Serve Wedge Salad with Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe

A white plate holds three wedge slices of pale green iceberg lettuce, each topped with a thick layer of creamy white dressing dotted with small pieces of crispy dark brown bacon. Scattered over the wedges are bright red cherry tomato halves, light green sliced scallions, and small chunks of blue cheese with a crumbly texture. The white marbled surface beneath the plate adds softness to the presentation, while scattered bits of red onion add small touches of purple. The whole dish looks fresh and colorful with a mix of soft, creamy, and crunchy textures photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes is an easy way to elevate your wedge salad visually and flavor-wise. Extra crumbles of blue cheese or bacon on top can create a restaurant-quality impression. For a pop of color and texture contrast, try toasted pecans or a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. Each addition personalizes the salad to your taste.

Side Dishes

This wedge salad pairs beautifully with hearty mains like grilled steak, roasted chicken, or even a juicy burger. The crisp freshness and tangy dressing act as the perfect counterbalance to rich, savory dishes. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside a bowl of soup or a simple grilled fish.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests? Serve each wedge salad on individual plates with an artful drizzle of dressing and carefully arranged toppings. For a playful twist, try cutting the wedges into smaller bite-sized sections stacked in a glass or bowl—perfect for buffet-style dining or casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover salad, keep the components separate for best results. Store the lettuce wedges wrapped in a damp paper towel inside an airtight container in the fridge, and keep the dressing in a sealed jar. Assemble just before serving to maintain crunch and freshness.

Freezing

Because the salad relies on fresh lettuce and creamy dressing, freezing is not recommended. Iceberg lettuce loses its texture, and the dressing can separate, so it’s best enjoyed fresh to capture the full flavor and crispness.

Reheating

This salad is designed to be served cold and fresh, so reheating is unnecessary and would compromise the crunch and flavors. Instead, make sure you prepare the dressing and lettuce right before mealtime for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use other types of lettuce instead of iceberg?

While iceberg lettuce offers the signature crispness and shape perfect for a wedge salad, you can try romaine or butter lettuce for a softer texture, but it won’t have the exact crunch or traditional wedge look.

Is there a way to make the dressing less rich?

Yes! Swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt to lighten the dressing without sacrificing creaminess. You can also reduce the amount of mayonnaise slightly for a milder version.

How far in advance can I make the blue cheese dressing?

You can prepare the dressing up to 2 days ahead. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container and give it a good stir before serving, as it may thicken or separate slightly.

What can I substitute for buttermilk in the dressing?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. This homemade substitute works great to add that tangy flavor and texture.

Can I add other toppings to this wedge salad?

Absolutely! Avocado slices, hard-boiled eggs, or even crispy fried onions can add more dimension to your salad. Feel free to customize based on what you love or have available in your kitchen.

Final Thoughts

This Wedge Salad with Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe is a delightful way to bring that classic steakhouse vibe right into your home kitchen. It’s fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to put together, making it a go-to when you want a salad that feels special without fuss. Give it a try, and watch this easy recipe become a favorite at your table, loved by family and friends alike.

Wedge Salad with Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need