The Loaded Wedge Salad is not just a salad; it’s a delicious mountain of crispy, crunchy goodness topped with all your favorite flavors. Imagine biting into a fresh wedge of iceberg lettuce drizzled with creamy dressing, bacon bits, and vibrant tomatoes. It’s like a party for your taste buds!
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Loaded Wedge Salad</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What is the best lettuce for a Loaded Wedge Salad?
- Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
- How do I keep my salad fresh longer?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Whenever I whip up this Loaded Wedge Salad, I’m reminded of summer barbecues with friends, where laughter fills the air and everyone fights over the last crispy bite. Ideal for picnics or dinner parties, it guarantees an explosion of flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Loaded Wedge Salad is super easy to prepare, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and festive gatherings
- The combination of fresh ingredients creates a delightful flavor profile that pops
- Visually stunning with its vibrant colors, it’s sure to impress your guests
- Plus, you can easily customize toppings based on personal preferences or dietary needs
Sharing this dish at parties always sparks joy among family and friends as they scramble to grab their share at the table.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Iceberg Lettuce: Choose a crisp head; it adds that satisfying crunch we all love in a wedge salad.
Bacon: Cook until crispy for the best texture; I prefer thick-cut bacon for extra flavor.
Cherry Tomatoes: Opt for ripe ones; their sweetness complements the savory elements perfectly.
Blue Cheese Crumbles: Use high-quality blue cheese; it adds a robust bite that elevates the dish.
Green Onions: Freshly sliced green onions bring brightness and color to your salad presentation.
Ranch Dressing: You can use store-bought or homemade; this creamy dressing binds all the flavors together beautifully.
For the Toppings:
Avocado: Creamy avocado slices add richness and a lovely contrast to the crispy lettuce.
Pine Nuts (optional): Toasted pine nuts provide an unexpected crunch and nutty flavor if you’re feeling fancy.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Loaded Wedge Salad
Prepare Your Lettuce Wedges: Start by rinsing the iceberg lettuce under cold water and shaking off excess moisture. Cut the head into four wedges, ensuring they hold together well.
Cook Your Bacon Crispy: In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon strips until golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the pan and drain on paper towels for extra crunch.
Add Tasty Toppings: Sprinkle chopped cherry tomatoes over each lettuce wedge alongside crumbled blue cheese and sliced green onions. Don’t be shy; pile them on!
Create Your Flavorful Drizzle: Drizzle ranch dressing generously over each wedge. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing in some hot sauce for a kick.
Add Additional Layers of Flavor (Optional): Top each salad with avocado slices or toasted pine nuts if desired. This step adds delightful creaminess or crunch depending on your choice.
Serving these wedges is pure joy! Arrange them on a platter so everyone can dive in or serve individually for an elegant twist.
This Loaded Wedge Salad is not just any side dish; it’s an experience filled with flavors and textures that will leave you craving more! Enjoy every bite as you celebrate good food and great company!
You Must Know
- The Loaded Wedge Salad is more than just a salad; it’s a party on a plate!
- Crisp lettuce, creamy dressing, and crunchy toppings create a delicious medley of flavors and textures
- This dish is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a solo treat
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing all your toppings while the bacon crisps up. This way, your ingredients are ready when the lettuce is cut and dressed, ensuring everything stays fresh and delicious.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out traditional toppings with your favorites, like cherry tomatoes or avocado. You can even add grilled chicken for a protein boost to make it more of a meal!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge. Avoid reheating; instead, enjoy it cold for best flavor and texture retention.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best flavor, use freshly crumbled blue cheese instead of pre-packaged
- A squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the entire salad
- Don’t skip on chilling your lettuce; cold lettuce adds crunch and freshness to every bite
It reminds me of that time I whipped this up for my friend’s BBQ, and everyone raved about how great it was! Who knew salad could steal the show?
FAQ
What is the best lettuce for a Loaded Wedge Salad?
Iceberg lettuce works best due to its crispness and ability to hold toppings well.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! Make the dressing a day ahead for enhanced flavors.
How do I keep my salad fresh longer?
Store toppings separately from the lettuce until ready to serve for maximum freshness.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Loaded Wedge Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the Loaded Wedge Salad, a vibrant dish that combines crisp iceberg lettuce with savory bacon, sweet cherry tomatoes, and creamy blue cheese. Drizzled with ranch dressing, this salad is a fantastic centerpiece for summer barbecues or an elegant addition to dinner parties. Easy to prepare and customizable to suit any palate, it’s sure to impress your guests and keep them coming back for more!
Ingredients
- 1 head iceberg lettuce
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
- 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the iceberg lettuce and cut it into four wedges.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Top each wedge with cherry tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles, and green onions.
- Drizzle generously with ranch dressing. Add avocado slices or pine nuts if desired.
- Serve on a platter or individually for an elegant presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wedge (150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
