Chopped Wedge Salad

Step 2: Prepare the Toppings

• Cherry Tomatoes: Wash and halve them. Their juicy sweetness will contrast beautifully with the crisp lettuce.
• Bacon: Cook until crispy, then crumble into small pieces. The salty crunch adds depth to the salad.
• Red Onion: Thinly slice and separate into rings. Soaking them briefly in ice water can reduce sharpness if desired.
• Cheese: Crumble blue cheese into small chunks. It melts slightly against the warm bacon when tossed, giving pockets of creamy flavor.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and blue cheese crumbles. Add salt and pepper to taste. The goal is a creamy, tangy dressing that clings to the chopped lettuce without overpowering it. Adjust the consistency by adding a teaspoon of water or milk if it feels too thick.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, cherry tomatoes, crumbled bacon, sliced onions, and optional radishes. Drizzle the dressing over the top. Using tongs or salad spoons, gently toss the salad until every piece is lightly coated. Be careful not to overmix; you want the components to retain their texture.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual plates. Sprinkle extra blue cheese and a few bacon bits on top for visual appeal. You can also add a few freshly cracked black peppercorns or a light drizzle of balsamic reduction for a gourmet touch.

Tips for the Perfect Chopped Wedge Salad

1. Keep it chilled: Ice-cold lettuce and dressing make the salad refreshing and crisp.
2. Balance flavors: Sweet tomatoes, salty bacon, tangy dressing, and creamy cheese create a harmony of taste.
3. Make ahead: You can prepare the dressing a day in advance, but chop the lettuce and assemble just before serving to maintain crunch.
4. Customize: Add avocado, grilled chicken, or nuts for extra richness and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

The Chopped Wedge Salad is more than a simple dish—it’s a versatile, satisfying option that balances crunch, creaminess, and tang in every bite. Unlike the traditional wedge, chopping the lettuce makes it shareable, approachable, and perfectly forkable, appealing to both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying it for a solo lunch, this salad elevates everyday ingredients into something special.

This version of the Chopped Wedge Salad is easy to make, visually appealing, and bursting with flavor. Once you try it, it might just replace your standard side salad forever!

If you want, I can also create a shortcut version of this salad with a 5-minute method for busy days that tastes just as good as the traditional one. Do you want me to do that?