When it comes to the Loaded Wedge Salad, imagine a crispy iceberg lettuce wedge topped with an avalanche of creamy ranch dressing, crunchy bacon bits, and a sprinkle of fresh chives. The moment you dig in, your taste buds dance with delight as the cool, crisp greens meet the rich, savory toppings — pure bliss! This salad is not just food; it’s an experience that elevates any meal into a festive affair.
Now, picture this: you’re hosting a dinner party, and your friends are all gathered around the table. You bring out this masterpiece of a Loaded Wedge Salad and watch their eyes widen with excitement. It’s not just a salad; it’s the culinary equivalent of fireworks on New Year’s Eve! Trust me; this delight is perfect for summer barbecues or cozy winter dinners alike.
Why You'll Love This Loaded Wedge Salad
- This incredible Loaded Wedge Salad transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly
I still remember the first time I made this Loaded Wedge Salad for my family — they couldn’t stop raving about it for days!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Iceberg Lettuce: Choose a fresh head with crisp leaves to provide the best crunch.
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Bacon: I recommend thick-cut bacon for that extra chewiness and flavor.
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Cherry Tomatoes: Pick vibrant red tomatoes for a burst of sweetness in every bite.
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Blue Cheese Crumbles: Select high-quality cheese to elevate your salad’s flavor profile significantly.
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Ranch Dressing: A good homemade or store-bought version works wonders for flavor.
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Green Onions (Scallions): Use both green tops and white parts for added sharpness and color contrast.
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Fresh Chives: These delicate herbs add a beautiful finishing touch and lovely aroma.
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Peppercorns (Optional): Freshly cracked pepper adds a bit of kick if desired!
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 washing and drying the iceberg lettuce thoroughly. Cut it into quarters vertically, ensuring each wedge stands tall on its plate.
Cook the Bacon Crispy: In a skillet over medium heat, fry your bacon until it’s golden brown and crisp. Let it drain on paper towels to soak up excess grease while retaining that lovely crunch.
Create Your Dressing Base: In a bowl, combine ranch dressing with crumbled blue cheese. Stir gently until well mixed but still chunky to maintain texture and flavor.
Assemble the Wedges: Place each lettuce wedge on individual plates. Generously drizzle your ranch-blue cheese dressing over each one; don’t be shy – it’s meant to be indulgent!
Add Your Toppings!: Scatter crispy bacon bits over the dressed wedges along with cherry tomatoes halved for eye-catching appeal. Finish with chopped green onions and chives sprinkled all around.
Season and Serve!: Finally, give each wedge a light sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper if you dare! Serve immediately while everything’s fresh and crispy — enjoy every bite!
This Loaded Wedge Salad will undoubtedly steal the show at your next gathering! It’s not just about nourishing our bodies; it’s also about treating ourselves to delightful flavors that make us smile while we devour them!
You Must Know About Loaded Wedge Salad
- This showstopping Loaded Wedge Salad delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your ingredients: wash and chop all veggies before you begin cooking. Then, grill the bacon until crispy while the dressing melds flavors. Finally, assemble the salad right before serving for maximum freshness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out blue cheese for feta or cheddar if it suits your palate better. Add sliced avocado or cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor. You can also drizzle balsamic glaze on top for a sweet finish.
Storing & Reheating
To store leftovers, keep your salad components separate in airtight containers for up to three days. When reheating bacon, use a microwave covered with a paper towel to maintain crispiness without drying it out.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Loaded Wedge Salad
- This professional-quality Loaded Wedge Salad relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth
- Tip let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly
It was during a family barbecue when I first served this Loaded Wedge Salad, and my cousin declared it “the best thing since sliced bread.” Who knew lettuce could earn such high praise?
FAQ
What kind of lettuce is best for a Loaded Wedge Salad?
Iceberg lettuce is traditional due to its crisp texture and sturdy structure, making it easy to hold all those delicious toppings. However, you can use Romaine or even Butter lettuce if you prefer something slightly softer but still crunchy.
Can I make Loaded Wedge Salad ahead of time?
You can prep most components ahead of time but assemble them just before serving. Keeping dressing separate prevents sogginess and ensures each bite remains fresh and flavorful.
What dressing goes best with a Loaded Wedge Salad?
Classic ranch dressing pairs perfectly with a Loaded Wedge Salad due to its creamy nature that complements the crispy bacon and savory cheese. Blue cheese dressing is another fantastic option if you’re feeling adventurous!
How do I make my salad healthier?
Consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the dressing for added protein and lower calories. You can also reduce the amount of bacon or replace it with turkey bacon for a healthier twist without sacrificing flavor.
Conclusion for Loaded Wedge Salad
In summary, making a Loaded Wedge Salad is straightforward yet impressive, ideal for any occasion! Remember to prep your ingredients beforehand and customize according to your taste preferences. This versatile dish not only looks stunning but also tastes divine—perfectly balancing crunch, creaminess, and savory goodness! Enjoy creating this masterpiece at your next gathering!
Loaded Wedge Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Loaded Wedge Salad is a show-stopping dish that transforms everyday ingredients into an unforgettable culinary experience. Imagine crisp iceberg lettuce wedges drizzled with creamy ranch-blue cheese dressing, topped with crunchy bacon bits, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh chives. Perfect for any gathering, this salad not only delights the taste buds but also makes for a stunning centerpiece on your table. Whether it’s summer barbecues or cozy winter dinners, this Loaded Wedge Salad is sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 1 head iceberg lettuce
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 2 green onions (scallions), chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- Freshly cracked pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and dry the iceberg lettuce; cut it into quarters.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix the ranch dressing with blue cheese crumbles until well combined but chunky.
- Place each lettuce wedge on plates and generously drizzle with the dressing.
- Top with crispy bacon bits, halved cherry tomatoes, green onions, and chives.
- Add freshly cracked pepper if desired and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wedge (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Customize your salad by swapping blue cheese for feta or cheddar. Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess or drizzle balsamic glaze for a sweet finish. Store leftovers in airtight containers separately for up to three days.
