Description: This isn’t just any wedge salad; this is the wedge salad. Inspired by years of savoring (and meticulously dissecting) the best steakhouse renditions, this recipe delivers a symphony of textures and flavors that will transport you straight to a white-tablecloth establishment. We’re talking incredibly crisp iceberg lettuce, deeply smoky bacon that shatters with each bite, and a creamy, tangy, decadent blue cheese dressing that ties it all together. Prepare to be amazed at how such simple ingredients can create something so extraordinarily satisfying.
Ingredients:
- For the Killer Blue Cheese Dressing:
- ¾ cup real mayonnaise (absolutely no light or reduced-fat alternatives – the full-fat richness is essential for the right texture and flavor)
- ½ cup full-fat buttermilk (this provides the perfect tang and thins the dressing to a drizzlable consistency)
- ¼ cup sour cream (adds a delightful creaminess and slight tang that complements the blue cheese)
- 1 ½ tablespoons white vinegar (the acidity cuts through the richness and brightens the overall flavor profile)
- Splash of Worcestershire sauce (this is the secret weapon! It adds a savory depth and umami that elevates the dressing to the next level)
- 1 garlic clove, minced super fine (garlic adds a subtle sharpness that enhances the other flavors; ensure it’s minced finely to avoid overwhelming the dressing)
- ½ cup high-quality blue cheese crumbles (use a good quality blue cheese for the best flavor – Roquefort, Gorgonzola, or a creamy domestic blue cheese work beautifully)
- Sea salt & freshly cracked black pepper, to taste (seasoning is key to balancing the flavors; taste and adjust as needed)
- Fresh chives, finely chopped (chives add a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the dressing and provides a beautiful garnish)
- The Star Players:
- 1 crisp iceberg lettuce head, quartered (iceberg lettuce is essential for its crisp, refreshing texture; look for a firm head with tightly packed leaves)
- 1 cup sweet cherry tomatoes, halved (cherry tomatoes provide a burst of sweetness and acidity that complements the richness of the dressing and bacon)
- Extra blue cheese crumbles (because more blue cheese is always a good idea!)
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked extra crispy & chopped (thick-cut bacon provides a satisfyingly meaty texture and a smoky flavor that is crucial to the salad; cook it until it’s perfectly crispy to avoid sogginess)
- Fresh chives, for garnish (adds a final touch of freshness and visual appeal)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Lettuce:
- Remove the core from the iceberg lettuce head. The easiest way to do this is to firmly smack the core-end of the lettuce on a cutting board, then twist and pull the core out. This creates a cavity that helps the dressing seep into the lettuce layers.
- Cut the head into four equal wedges.
- Submerge the wedges in a large bowl of ice water for at least 10 minutes, and up to 20 minutes. This crucial step helps the lettuce become incredibly crisp and refreshing. The cold water shocks the lettuce, making it even more delicious.
- After the ice bath, thoroughly drain the lettuce wedges. Gently pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures that the dressing adheres properly and doesn’t become diluted.
Step 2: Make the Dressing:
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise, buttermilk, sour cream, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Whisk vigorously until everything is smooth and well combined. This creates a creamy, emulsified base for the blue cheese dressing.
- Gently fold in the blue cheese crumbles, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain some of the texture of the blue cheese.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably longer (up to several hours). This allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a more complex and delicious dressing. The longer the dressing sits, the better it tastes.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon:
- Place the bacon strips in a cold skillet over medium heat. This allows the fat to render slowly, resulting in crispier bacon.
- Cook the bacon until it is deeply golden brown and incredibly crispy, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.
- Once the bacon has cooled slightly, chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad:
- Chill your serving plates in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. This will help keep the lettuce crisp and the dressing cool.
- Place the chilled iceberg lettuce wedges on the chilled plates.
- Generously drizzle each wedge with the prepared blue cheese dressing. Don’t be shy – the dressing is the star of the show!
- Scatter the crispy bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and extra blue cheese crumbles over the top of each wedge. The combination of textures and flavors is what makes this salad so irresistible.
- Sprinkle with fresh chives for a pop of color and fresh, herbaceous flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the salad immediately while the lettuce is still crisp and the bacon is still warm. The contrast between the cold lettuce, creamy dressing, and crispy bacon is what makes this salad so special.
- Dig in and enjoy the ultimate steakhouse wedge salad experience!
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Classic Wedge Salad is more than just a salad; it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll be making it again and again:
- Unbeatable Flavor Combination: The creamy, tangy blue cheese dressing perfectly complements the crisp, refreshing iceberg lettuce and the smoky, salty bacon. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: This recipe delivers the same high-end steakhouse experience without the high-end price tag. You can impress your guests with a restaurant-worthy salad made in your own kitchen.
- Effortless Elegance: Despite its sophisticated flavor profile, this salad is incredibly easy to make. It requires minimal effort but delivers maximum impact.
- Customizable: While the classic combination is unbeatable, you can easily customize this salad to your liking. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal, or substitute different types of cheese or toppings.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This salad is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. It’s a perfect appetizer or side dish for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to elegant dinner parties.
Serving Suggestions:
- As an Appetizer: Serve as a refreshing starter to a hearty meal, especially alongside grilled steak, roasted chicken, or barbecued ribs.
- As a Side Dish: Pair it with your favorite protein for a complete and satisfying meal.
- As a Light Lunch: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or hard-boiled eggs for a more substantial lunch option.
- With Steak: The classic pairing! The richness of the steak is perfectly balanced by the crisp, tangy salad.
- For Parties: A great make-ahead option for gatherings, as you can prepare the dressing and bacon in advance and assemble the salad just before serving.
Tips:
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of the ingredients will greatly impact the final result. Opt for real mayonnaise, full-fat buttermilk, and high-quality blue cheese for the best flavor.
- Don’t Skimp on the Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for a satisfyingly meaty texture and smoky flavor.
- Chill Everything: Make sure the lettuce and serving plates are well-chilled to keep the salad crisp and refreshing.
- Make the Dressing Ahead: The blue cheese dressing tastes even better when it has had time to sit and the flavors have melded together. Prepare it at least an hour in advance, or even the day before.
- Adjust the Dressing to Your Taste: If you prefer a tangier dressing, add a bit more vinegar. If you like it creamier, add a bit more mayonnaise.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings, such as crumbled hard-boiled eggs, avocado, pickled onions, or toasted nuts.
- Don’t Overdress: Be careful not to overdress the salad, as this can make the lettuce soggy. Start with a small amount of dressing and add more as needed.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time for the dressing)
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 450-550
- Protein: 15-20g
- Sodium: 500-700mg
Conclusion:
This Classic Wedge Salad – Steakhouse Style is a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make. With its layers of crisp textures, bold flavors, and creamy dressing, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will elevate any meal. It’s the perfect way to bring the steakhouse experience home and enjoy a taste of luxury without breaking the bank. So, gather your ingredients, chill your plates, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate wedge salad! Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use a different type of lettuce instead of iceberg?
- While iceberg lettuce is traditional and provides the signature crispness, you can experiment with other lettuce varieties. Romaine lettuce could work, but it won’t have the same refreshing crunch as iceberg. Butter lettuce would be too delicate. The key is to find a lettuce that can stand up to the creamy dressing and other toppings without becoming soggy. Ultimately, iceberg is highly recommended.
- Can I make the blue cheese dressing ahead of time?
- Absolutely! In fact, it’s highly recommended. The flavors in the blue cheese dressing meld and deepen over time, making it even more delicious. You can prepare the dressing up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving.
- I don’t like blue cheese. Can I substitute it with something else?
- While blue cheese is a key ingredient in the classic wedge salad dressing, you can certainly substitute it if you’re not a fan. A good alternative would be crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese. Alternatively, you could try making a ranch dressing or a creamy herb dressing instead. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will be different from the classic wedge salad.
- How can I make this salad vegetarian?
- To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the bacon. You can add other vegetarian toppings to compensate for the lack of meat, such as toasted walnuts, sunflower seeds, or croutons. You could also add grilled halloumi cheese for a salty, savory element.
- Can I freeze the leftover blue cheese dressing?
- Freezing the blue cheese dressing is not recommended. Mayonnaise-based dressings tend to separate and become watery when frozen and thawed. The texture will change significantly, and the dressing may not be as palatable. It’s best to store any leftover dressing in the refrigerator and use it within 3-4 days.
