Chopped Wedge Salad

What Makes a Chopped Wedge Salad Special?

Unlike leafy green salads, this dish relies on iceberg lettuce for its unmatched crunch and clean, refreshing taste. Chopping the lettuce transforms the traditional presentation into something more casual and practical, while still keeping the bold flavors that made the original famous. It’s a perfect balance of creamy, salty, smoky, and fresh.

Ingredients Overview

While variations exist, a classic chopped wedge salad usually includes:

• Iceberg lettuce
• Crispy bacon
• Fresh tomatoes
• Blue cheese (crumbled)
• Creamy dressing (usually blue cheese or ranch)
• Optional add-ins like red onion, chives, or avocado

Each ingredient plays an important role, so freshness and quality make a noticeable difference.

Step-by-Step Method to Make Chopped Wedge Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Lettuce

Start by removing any damaged outer leaves from the iceberg lettuce. Cut the head into quarters, remove the tough core, and then finely chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Rinse it thoroughly under cold water and dry it well using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towels. Dry lettuce ensures the dressing clings properly and doesn’t become watery.

Step 2: Cook and Chop the Bacon

Place bacon strips in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat until crispy. This method allows the fat to render slowly, creating evenly cooked bacon. Once crisp, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. When cool, chop or crumble it into small pieces.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

Wash and dice fresh tomatoes into small chunks, removing excess seeds if they’re very juicy. If using red onion or chives, slice them thinly for a mild but flavorful bite. Keep all vegetables roughly the same size so the salad feels balanced.

Step 4: Make or Choose the Dressing

A creamy blue cheese dressing is traditional, but ranch dressing also works beautifully. If making your own, combine mayonnaise, sour cream or buttermilk, crumbled blue cheese, a splash of lemon juice or vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth but still slightly chunky from the cheese.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, bacon pieces, and any additional vegetables you like. Sprinkle in the crumbled blue cheese. Drizzle the dressing over the top, starting with a small amount.

Step 6: Toss and Adjust

Gently toss the salad until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust by adding more dressing, salt, or freshly ground black pepper as needed. The goal is a creamy but not heavy texture where each ingredient still stands out.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or individual plates. For a finishing touch, sprinkle extra blue cheese, bacon, or chopped herbs on top. Serve immediately while the lettuce is crisp and the flavors are fresh.

Tips for the Best Chopped Wedge Salad

• Keep ingredients cold for maximum crunch and freshness.
• Use high-quality bacon and blue cheese for bold flavor.
• Don’t overdress the salad; you can always add more later.
• Serve it right after tossing to avoid soggy lettuce.

Final Thoughts

The Chopped Wedge Salad

takes a classic steakhouse dish and makes it more approachable, spoonable, and satisfying. With its crisp texture and rich, savory flavors, it’s a salad that even non-salad lovers enjoy. Whether you serve it as a starter, a side, or a light meal, this timeless recipe proves that simple ingredients, prepared well, can be truly unforgettable. 🥗