If you are craving a fresh, crunchy, and utterly delightful salad, look no further than this Wedge Salad with Creamy Buttermilk Dressing Recipe. It’s a true classic that marries the crisp simplicity of iceberg lettuce with a luscious and tangy buttermilk dressing, topped off with smoky bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, sharp red onion, and pungent blue cheese crumbles. Whether you’re aiming for a light lunch or a flavorful side to a hearty dinner, this salad boasts the perfect balance of textures and flavors that will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the magic for this salad. Each component is simple and plays a vital role, from the crunch of the iceberg to the creamy dressing that brings it all together with a tangy punch.
- Iceberg lettuce: The star of the show for its crisp texture and perfect wedge shape.
- Bacon: Adds smoky richness and a satisfying crunch once crumbled.
- Cherry tomatoes: Bursts of sweetness and vibrant color to brighten every bite.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a sharp, slightly sweet note that contrasts beautifully.
- Blue cheese crumbles: Provides a bold, tangy flavor that elevates the salad into steakhouse territory.
- Buttermilk: The base for a tangy, smooth dressing that coats every leaf.
- Sour cream and mayonnaise: Creamy ingredients that balance the tanginess and add body to the dressing.
- White wine vinegar: Brings a gentle acidity that livens up the dressing.
- Garlic and Dijon mustard: Give the dressing a subtle kick and depth of flavor.
- Onion powder, salt, and black pepper: Finishing touches to season the dressing just right.
How to Make Wedge Salad with Creamy Buttermilk Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Buttermilk Dressing
Start by whisking together the buttermilk, sour cream, mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and onion powder in a small bowl until wonderfully smooth. Adjust with salt and black pepper to taste. The dressing should be thick yet pourable, perfectly creamy with just the right tang to complement the salad’s crunch.
Step 2: Cut the Iceberg Lettuce into Wedges
Take a fresh head of iceberg lettuce and slice it into four even wedges. The wedges hold the perfect balance between a salad and a hearty, finger-friendly dish. Keep them chilled until serving to maintain that crisp freshness that makes the Wedge Salad with Creamy Buttermilk Dressing Recipe so delightful.
Step 3: Cook and Crumble the Bacon
Cook the bacon slices until they are perfectly crispy, then drain on paper towels and crumble into bite-sized pieces. The bacon adds a smoky, savory crispness that contrasts beautifully with the cool dressing and crisp lettuce.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Place each lettuce wedge on a serving plate and generously drizzle the creamy buttermilk dressing over the top. Scatter the crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and blue cheese crumbles evenly to add layers of flavor and texture. Serve immediately to enjoy the crunch at its peak!
How to Serve Wedge Salad with Creamy Buttermilk Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Add a finishing touch with fresh cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley. These little pops of green add freshness and color that make the salad look irresistible.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with juicy grilled steaks, roasted chicken, or even a simple loaf of crusty bread. It’s classic steakhouse fare that can elevate any meal without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the wedges on wooden boards or rustic plates for a more casual vibe. You can also create mini wedge salads in small bowls or glasses for entertaining, turning this classic into a stylish appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers are best kept separate: store any unused dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and keep leftover iceberg wedges wrapped in plastic to maintain crispness. Assemble fresh just before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
Since the Wedge Salad with Creamy Buttermilk Dressing Recipe relies heavily on fresh ingredients, freezing is not recommended. Lettuce and dressing both lose their texture and flavor when frozen.
Reheating
No reheating needed here! This salad shines cold and crisp, so enjoy it fresh from the fridge with chilled dressing and fresh garnishes.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of lettuce for this recipe?
While iceberg lettuce is traditional for wedge salad due to its crunch and shape, you can experiment with romaine or butter lettuce, though the texture and presentation will differ. Iceberg’s firm structure is key to a classic wedge experience.
How long can I keep the buttermilk dressing in the fridge?
The creamy buttermilk dressing can be stored in a sealed container for up to 4 days. Give it a quick stir before using, as some ingredients may settle or separate slightly.
Is there a substitute for blue cheese in this recipe?
If blue cheese’s boldness isn’t your thing, feta or goat cheese make fantastic milder alternatives. They still add creaminess and tang without overpowering the salad.
Can I make the salad vegan or dairy-free?
For a vegan version, swap the blue cheese for a plant-based alternative and replace the buttermilk dressing with a creamy cashew or coconut-based dressing. Use tempeh or smoked paprika-flavored coconut bacon for that smoky crunch.
What’s the best way to cook bacon for this salad?
Cooking bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy is ideal, as it results in even cooking and great texture. You can also bake bacon in the oven on a wire rack for less mess and consistent crispiness.
Final Thoughts
This Wedge Salad with Creamy Buttermilk Dressing Recipe is one of those delightful dishes you’ll want to make again and again. It’s easy to prepare, packed with fresh flavors, and perfect for any meal that calls for a refreshing, crunch-filled salad. Once you try this classic with its creamy dressing, smoky bacon, and tangy cheese, it will surely earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection.
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Wedge Salad with Creamy Buttermilk Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This classic Wedge Salad features crisp iceberg lettuce wedges topped with a creamy buttermilk dressing, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and blue cheese crumbles. It’s a refreshing and hearty American salad that’s perfect as a starter or side dish.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 head iceberg lettuce (cut into 4 wedges)
- 4 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
Dressing
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk, sour cream, mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and onion powder until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then refrigerate until ready to use.
- Prepare Lettuce Wedges: Cut the iceberg lettuce into four equal wedges and arrange each wedge on individual plates.
- Assemble Salad: Drizzle each lettuce wedge generously with the prepared buttermilk dressing. Top with crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and blue cheese crumbles.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh and crisp texture with creamy dressing and savory toppings.
Notes
- For a milder flavor, substitute feta or goat cheese for blue cheese.
- Add chopped chives or fresh herbs to the dressing for extra freshness.
- The dressing can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
