How to Make the Perfect Wedge Salad with Buttermilk Ranch

A customizable, crowd-pleasing starter that marries crunch, creaminess, and bold flavor.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 12, 2025

A customizable, crowd-pleasing starter that marries crunch, creaminess, and bold flavor.

Wedge Salad with Buttermilk Ranch: The Ultimate Classic

The wedge salad is a beloved American classic, often seen gracing steakhouse tables across the country. With its crisp iceberg lettuce base, creamy homemade buttermilk ranch dressing, and a generous sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese (or blue cheese for a smoky alternative), this salad is both visually stunning and delightfully satisfying. Whether you’re serving it as a starter for a special meal or a refreshing lunch, the wedge salad delivers a perfect blend of textures and flavors.

Why We Love the Wedge Salad

Textural Contrast: Each bite offers crisp, cold lettuce against creamy, tangy dressing and rich cheese.
Simple, Elegant Presentation: The dramatic wedge cut turns a humble head of iceberg into a show-stopping centerpiece.
Customizable: Add-ons like bacon, cherry tomatoes, or red onions make for endless variations.
Quick Preparation: With just a handful of ingredients, this salad can be ready in minutes.

Ingredients for the Perfect Wedge Salad

To create this salad, you’ll need the following:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Iceberg lettuce	1/2 head	Cut into 2 wedges
Mayonnaise	1/2 cup	Creamy base for ranch
Sour cream	1/4 cup	Adds tanginess
Fresh parsley	1 Tbsp, finely chopped	For freshness
Fresh chives	1 Tbsp, finely chopped (+ more for topping)	Herbal bite
Garlic clove	1	Mashed to a paste
Kosher salt	1/2 tsp (+ pinch)	For seasoning
Buttermilk	3 Tbsp	Essential for ranch
Black pepper	To taste	Freshly ground preferred
Sharp cheddar cheese	2 oz, grated	Add bold flavor

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Combine the Base: In a medium bowl, add mayonnaise, sour cream, parsley, and chives. Stir until smooth and well mixed.
Add Garlic: Finely chop the garlic clove, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, then use the flat side of a knife to mash it into a paste. Stir this garlic paste into the dressing mixture.
Mix in Buttermilk & Seasoning: Add buttermilk, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and several grinds of black pepper. Stir to blend. Taste, and adjust salt or pepper as needed.
Chill: Refrigerate the dressing until ready to serve; this helps the flavors meld.

2. Prepare the Lettuce Wedges

Cut the Lettuce: Take half of a chilled head of iceberg lettuce. Cut it into two even wedges, keeping the core intact so the leaves stay together.
Plating: Place each wedge cut-side up on a plate.

3. Assemble the Salad

Dress the Wedges: Spoon a generous amount of buttermilk ranch over each wedge.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle grated sharp cheddar cheese and additional chopped chives on top.
Serve: Offer the remaining dressing on the side for extra drizzling as desired.

Wedge Salad Variations and Creative Toppings

The classic wedge salad serves as a perfect canvas for culinary creativity. Consider adding the following:

Crispy Bacon: Scatter hot, crumbled bacon over the wedges for smoky, savory depth.
Cherry Tomatoes: Halve and toss with a dash of salt before adding; they lend color and juicy sweetness.
Red Onion: Thinly slice and soak in water or vinegar to mellow the sharpness.
Blue Cheese Crumbles: Swap or blend with cheddar for tangy richness.
Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle over the top for a sweet, acidic punch.

Table: Classic vs. Modern Wedge Salad Additions

Traditional Toppings	Creative Upgrades
Crispy bacon	Brown sugar glazed bacon
Tomato wedges	Heirloom cherry tomatoes
Blue cheese dressing	Homemade buttermilk ranch
Chive garnish	Herb medley (parsley, dill, thyme)
Cheddar or blue cheese	Candied pecans, pickled onions

Tips for the Best Wedge Salad

Chill Your Lettuce: For extra crunch, keep the lettuce refrigerated until right before serving.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and chives provide vibrant flavor and color contrast.
Don’t Overdress: Spoon the dressing generously but keep extra on the side to let each guest control the level of creaminess.
Grate Cheese Fresh: Freshly grated cheddar gives much better flavor than pre-shredded.

Nutritional Profile

This salad is not only delicious but also offers a modest range of nutrients, especially when balancing with protein-rich toppings and the calcium from cheese and dairy.

Nutrient	Approximate per serving*
Calories	220 kcal
Fat	20 g
Protein	5 g
Carbs	5 g
Calcium	120 mg

*Estimated values based on core recipe; dramatic changes may result from added toppings or modifications.

What to Serve with a Wedge Salad

Grilled Steaks: A classic pairing, as found in steakhouse menus.
Barbecue Chicken: The rich dressing offsets spicy flavors wonderfully.
Baked Potatoes or Roasted Vegetables: Both make for a hearty, balanced meal when served alongside.
Soup: Try tomato bisque or potato leek for a comforting starter/salad combo.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Dressing: The ranch dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator; whisk before using if it separates.
Lettuce: Cut the wedges and wrap tightly in a damp paper towel in a sealed container up to 1 day ahead. Assemble just prior to serving for peak freshness.
Toppings: Prep and store bacon, cheese, and other toppings separately in airtight containers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What lettuce is best for a wedge salad?

A: Iceberg lettuce is traditional for its crispness and firm structure, making it ideal for wedge salads. Avoid softer lettuces like butter or romaine for classic presentation and crunch.

Q: Can I use store-bought dressing?

A: Yes, but a homemade buttermilk ranch dressing creates superior flavor. Still, blue cheese or ranch dressings from the store can be swapped in a pinch.

Q: How do I make this salad vegetarian?

A: Omit bacon or replace it with smoky roasted chickpeas or vegetarian “bacon” strips. All other ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.

Q: Can I add more vegetables?

A: Absolutely! Diced cucumber, radishes, sweet bell peppers, or avocado chunks all add nutrition and variety.

Q: How do I keep the lettuce from browning?

A: Once cut, mist the lettuce with a bit of cold water and store tightly wrapped in the fridge. Assemble just before serving.

Tips for Serving and Entertaining

This salad makes a dramatic impression when served as an individual starter at gatherings. For parties, build a salad bar with wedges, multiple dressings, and a variety of toppings so guests can customize their own plates. If serving family-style, consider chopping the wedges into bite-size pieces for easier sharing.

Alternative Dressings and Topping Ideas

Try a Yogurt-Based Ranch: Substitute all or part of the mayonnaise and sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for added protein and a tangier note.
Switch Cheeses: Blue cheese, feta, or smoked gouda offer different flavor profiles.
Add Nuts: Toasted pecans, walnuts, or sunflower seeds add crunch.
Fresh Herbs Galore: Dill, tarragon, or basil can be incorporated into the dressing or sprinkled on top.

Seasonal Serving Choices

In warmer months, serve wedge salad with grilled proteins and fresh herbs. In colder seasons, pair with hearty mains and roasted root vegetables. The salad’s versatility makes it appropriate for picnics, potlucks, and holiday tables alike.

Conclusion: Make the Wedge Salad Your Own

The wedge salad’s enduring appeal lies in its blend of simplicity, customizability, and sheer deliciousness. With this method—crisp iceberg, homemade buttermilk ranch, and a colorful flurry of toppings—you’ll have a reliable staple for every season. Feel free to experiment with new flavors and extras: the only real rule is to enjoy every crunchy, creamy, flavor-packed mouthful!

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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