Iceberg Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing and Bacon

The Iceberg Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing and Bacon is a timeless classic that proves simple ingredients can create unforgettable flavor. Crisp, refreshing iceberg lettuce serves as the perfect base, offering a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with rich, creamy blue cheese dressing and smoky, salty bacon. This salad has been a staple in steakhouses for decades, and for good reason—it’s elegant, hearty, and incredibly satisfying.

What makes the wedge salad so appealing is its bold simplicity. Each ingredient stands out, yet together they create a perfectly balanced dish that feels indulgent without being overly complicated. Whether served as a starter or a light main, this salad delivers freshness, richness, and texture in every bite.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s effortlessly impressive. With minimal preparation, it delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home. The crisp iceberg lettuce stays fresh and crunchy, while the blue cheese dressing adds deep, tangy richness. The bacon provides smoky contrast, and every forkful feels indulgent yet refreshing.

It’s also incredibly versatile—perfect for weeknight dinners, summer barbecues, or elegant dinner parties. Best of all, it comes together in minutes, making it one of my go-to salads.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Classic steakhouse-style salad
• Crunchy, creamy, and smoky in every bite
• Quick and easy to prepare
• Crowd-pleasing and customizable
• Perfect balance of freshness and richness

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes (for bacon)
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings, Course & Nutrition

• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 320–360 calories per serving
• Course: Appetizer or Side Salad
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 1 large head iceberg lettuce
• 6 slices bacon
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• Freshly ground black pepper

For the Blue Cheese Dressing

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white wine vinegar
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cooking Directions

1. Cook bacon until crispy and crumble.
2. Prepare the blue cheese dressing.
3. Cut iceberg lettuce into wedges.
4. Assemble salad with toppings and dressing.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Cook the Bacon:
   In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Transfer to paper towels, cool, and crumble.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
   In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Gently fold in blue cheese crumbles, leaving some chunks for texture.
3. Prepare the Lettuce:
   Remove any wilted outer leaves from the iceberg lettuce. Cut the head into quarters, keeping the core intact so the wedges hold together.
4. Assemble the Salad:
   Place one wedge on each plate. Spoon dressing generously over the top.
5. Add Toppings:
   Sprinkle bacon, cherry tomatoes, and red onion over each wedge.
6. Finish:
   Add freshly ground black pepper and serve immediately.

How to Serve

• Serve chilled for maximum crunch
• Pair with grilled steak, chicken, or seafood
• Add crusty bread on the side
• Serve as a starter or a light lunch

Recipe Tips

• Keep iceberg lettuce very cold for extra crispness
• Don’t overdress—let the crunch shine through
• Use high-quality blue cheese for best flavor
• Cook bacon until extra crispy for contrast

Variations

• Grilled Wedge Salad: Lightly grill wedges for smoky flavor
• Buttermilk Dressing: Substitute sour cream with buttermilk
• Vegetarian Version: Omit bacon and add roasted nuts
• Extra Crunch: Add croutons or toasted breadcrumbs
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to dressing

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Not recommended, as lettuce does not freeze well
• Storage:
  • Dressing: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
  • Cooked bacon: Refrigerate for up to 3 days
  • Lettuce: Best prepared fresh for optimal texture

Special Equipment Needed

• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk

Conclusion

The Iceberg Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing and Bacon is a true classic that never goes out of style. With its crisp lettuce, creamy dressing, and smoky bacon, it offers bold flavor and satisfying texture in every bite. Simple yet indulgent, this salad is a must-try for anyone who appreciates timeless, well-balanced dishes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.