Ultimate Iceberg Wedge Salad: A Crisp and Creamy Delight

Craving a refreshing yet satisfying meal? Look no further than this classic iceberg wedge salad, packed with crispy bacon, tangy blue cheese, and a medley of toppings that’ll make your taste buds dance!

As temperatures rise, our bodies yearn for light, cooling dishes that don’t skimp on flavor. Enter the iconic wedge salad – a perfect harmony of crisp lettuce, creamy dressing, and crunchy toppings. This isn’t just any salad; it’s a culinary experience that combines refreshing elements with indulgent touches, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and rejuvenating.

What sets this wedge salad apart is its brilliant contrast of textures and flavors. The cool, crisp iceberg lettuce serves as the perfect canvas for a cascade of rich blue cheese dressing, while bacon adds a savory crunch. But we don’t stop there – this recipe elevates the classic with thoughtful touches that make every bite a delight.

Mastering the Art of Toppings

The key to a stellar wedge salad lies in the details. Here’s how we take each component to the next level:

• Tomato Magic
  We start by salt-curing diced tomatoes, concentrating their flavor and reducing excess moisture. This simple step transforms bland tomatoes into flavor-packed gems that complement the salad perfectly.
• Onion Finesse
  Raw onion can be overpowering, so we quick-pickle minced red onion in vinegar. This not only softens its bite but also adds a tangy kick and a beautiful pink hue to the salad.
• Bacon Brilliance
  Crispy bacon is non-negotiable in a wedge salad. We cook it to perfection, ensuring each piece shatters with a satisfying crunch.
• Bread Crumb Bonanza
  For an extra layer of texture, we toast fresh bread crumbs in bacon fat. This clever trick infuses more bacon flavor throughout the salad while adding a light, crispy element.

Crafting the Perfect Blue Cheese Dressing

The crowning glory of any wedge salad is its dressing. Our homemade blue cheese dressing combines creamy mayonnaise, tangy sour cream, and zippy buttermilk for a flavor explosion. A touch of lemon juice brightens the whole mix, creating a dressing that’s leagues above any store-bought version.

The Ultimate Iceberg Wedge Salad

Ingredients

• 2 small tomatoes (about 8 ounces total), diced
• Kosher salt
• 1 small red onion, minced
• White wine vinegar, for soaking onion (see notes)
• 4 ounces bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 ounces (about 1/2 cup) fresh bread crumbs
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 head iceberg lettuce, outer leaves discarded, quartered through core so that each quarter holds together
• Buttermilk blue cheese dressing (you may not need the full recipe)
• Minced chives, for garnish

Directions

1. Prepare the tomatoes and onions: Place diced tomatoes in a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl and sprinkle generously with salt. Toss to combine. In a separate small bowl, cover minced onion with white wine vinegar. Let both stand while you prepare the other ingredients, allowing flavors to develop.
2. Create the crunchy toppings: In a small skillet, cook bacon over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp (about 5 minutes). Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. In the remaining bacon fat (about 2 tablespoons), toast the bread crumbs over medium heat, stirring frequently, until golden and crisp (3-4 minutes). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Assemble the salad: Place iceberg wedges on plates and drizzle generously with blue cheese dressing. Drain the pickled onions and sprinkle them over the salads along with the drained tomatoes (discard any liquid), crispy bacon, toasted bread crumbs, and fresh chives. Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors and textures!