Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe

Iceberg lettuce: A crisp and refreshing lettuce that forms the base of the salad.

Bacon: Adds a savory and crunchy element to the salad.

Cherry tomatoes: Provides a sweet and juicy contrast to the other ingredients.

Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the blue cheese dressing.

Sour cream: Adds tanginess and richness to the dressing.

Blue cheese: The star of the dressing, providing a bold and tangy flavor.

Lemon juice: Adds a fresh and zesty note to the dressing.

Garlic: Enhances the flavor of the dressing with its aromatic qualities.

Salt: Balances the flavors in the dressing.

Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the dressing.

When preparing the iceberg lettuce, make sure to remove the core by cutting a small cone shape from the bottom of the head. This will allow the wedges to separate more easily and maintain their shape. Additionally, for a more flavorful blue cheese dressing, let the mixture sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

• iceberg lettuce - Substitute with romaine lettuce: Romaine lettuce provides a similar crunch but with a slightly more robust flavor.

• cooked and crumbled bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner option with less fat but still offers a smoky flavor.

• halved cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes are similar in size and sweetness, making them a perfect substitute.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture with added protein and less fat.

• sour cream - Substitute with creme fraiche: Creme fraiche has a similar tangy flavor but is slightly richer and creamier.

• crumbled blue cheese - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta cheese offers a tangy and salty flavor, though it is less pungent than blue cheese.

• fresh lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides a similar acidity and tanginess to brighten the dressing.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, though it lacks the fresh, robust flavor of minced garlic.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor along with a bit of umami, enhancing the overall taste.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat along with the peppery flavor, giving the salad a slight kick.

• Separate the components: Before reheating, separate the iceberg lettuce, bacon, and cherry tomatoes from the blue cheese dressing. This will ensure that each element retains its best texture and flavor.

• Reheat the bacon:

  1. Place the crumbled bacon on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel.
  2. Microwave on high for 20-30 seconds until crispy.
  3. Alternatively, you can reheat the bacon in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Refresh the lettuce:

  1. Submerge the iceberg lettuce wedges in a bowl of ice water for 5-10 minutes to crisp them up.
  2. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

• Serve the salad:

  1. Place the refreshed iceberg lettuce wedges on plates.
  2. Drizzle with the blue cheese dressing.
  3. Top with reheated bacon and fresh cherry tomatoes.
  4. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

• Knife: To cut the iceberg lettuce into wedges and mince the garlic.

• Cutting board: A surface to safely cut the lettuce and garlic.

• Mixing bowl: To combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, blue cheese, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper for the dressing.

• Whisk: To mix the dressing ingredients thoroughly.

• Measuring cups: To measure out the mayonnaise, sour cream, and blue cheese.

• Measuring spoons: To measure the lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

• Plates: To serve the wedge salad.

• Spoon: To drizzle the blue cheese dressing over the lettuce wedges.

• Bacon crisper or skillet: To cook the bacon until crispy before crumbling.

• Paper towels: To drain the cooked bacon and remove excess grease.

• Small bowl: To hold the crumbled bacon and halved cherry tomatoes before topping the salad.

Pre-cook the bacon: Cook and crumble the bacon ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

Pre-make the dressing: Mix the blue cheese dressing ingredients in advance and keep it chilled.

Use pre-washed lettuce: Buy pre-washed and pre-cut iceberg lettuce to save chopping time.

Cherry tomatoes: Use pre-halved cherry tomatoes or cut them in bulk and store in an airtight container.

Garlic paste: Substitute minced garlic with ready-made garlic paste for quicker prep.