The Ultimate Wedge Salad with Ranch, Bacon, and Crunchy Shallots
A vibrant mix of cold crunch, creamy dressing, and savory toppings for every occasion.
The Ultimate Wedge Salad: A Timeless Steakhouse Classic
Few salads evoke the nostalgia and celebration of mid-century American dining as vividly as the wedge salad. With its crisp hunk of iceberg lettuce draped in a creamy ranch dressing, crowned by savory crumbled bacon, sharp blue cheese, and a tumble of crispy fried shallots, the wedge is an irresistible study in contrasts—cold and hot, creamy and crunchy, tangy and salty. Long a steakhouse mainstay, this salad has seen revival as both an unfussy crowd-pleaser and a blank canvas for culinary innovation.
Why the Wedge Salad Endures
The wedge salad persists for one compelling reason: it perfectly balances flavors and textures in every forkful. The recipe’s core elements are simple:
- Iceberg lettuce, chilled and quartered, provides unrivaled crunch and a neutral, juicy canvas.
- Creamy dressings—typically blue cheese or ranch—deliver richness and tang.
- Salty toppings like smoky bacon and savory fried shallots punch up every bite.
- Finishing garnishes, such as chives and ripe tomatoes, brighten and balance each wedge.
When executed with care and a few simple tricks, the wedge salad transforms from retro relic to a showstopping dish, equally at home beside a sizzling steak or as a main event on a summer table.
Ingredients & Tools
- Iceberg lettuce: One large, fresh head, chilled and cut into quarters.
- Homemade Ranch Dressing: Buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, chives, dill, lemon juice, and black pepper.
- Crispy Bacon: Thick-cut, fried or baked until shatteringly crisp.
- Blue Cheese: Creamy, pungent, crumbled over the top (optional for blue cheese fans).
- Fried Shallots: Thinly sliced and cooked until golden and crunchy.
- Chives and Tomatoes: For color and fresh flavor balance.
Essential Tools:
- Sharp knife (for cutting lettuce and slicing shallots)
- Salad spinner or towels (to dry lettuce thoroughly)
- Sheet pan (for bacon)
- Saucepan or skillet (for frying shallots)
- Mixing bowls
Step-by-Step Guide to Building the Ultimate Wedge Salad
1. Select and Prepare the Iceberg Lettuce
Why Iceberg? Its high water content and dense, layered structure give each bite of wedge salad its signature brisk crunch. No substitute offers the same refreshing texture.
Preparation Tips:
- Remove any wilted outer leaves from the head of lettuce.
- Rinse the head thoroughly, especially deep between the leaves, and spin or pat dry until completely moisture-free—this maximizes crispness.
- Slice into quarters through the stem so each wedge holds together.
- For peak coldness and structure, refrigerate wedges until right before serving.
2. Master the Homemade Ranch Dressing
Homemade ranch dressing imparts a tangy, herbal richness that bottled versions can’t replicate. It comes together in minutes with a handful of everyday ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup buttermilk
- 1 medium garlic clove, minced (or substitute garlic powder)
- 2 tablespoons finely minced chives
- 1 tablespoon finely minced fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Method:
- In a bowl, whisk together all ingredients until creamy and smooth.
- Adjust consistency with a splash more buttermilk if needed—the dressing should be thick but pourable.
- Taste and adjust seasoning or acidity. Make at least 1 hour ahead for flavors to meld.
3. Achieve Bacon and Shallot Perfection
Two salty toppings provide the salad’s signature savor and crunch: bacon and fried shallots.
- Bacon: Use thick-cut slices, cooked (oven or skillet) until deeply crisp. Drain thoroughly on paper towels before chopping or crumbling.
- Fried Shallots: Slice shallots thinly (a mandoline helps). Fry in neutral oil (like canola or peanut) over medium heat, stirring until golden. Remove promptly to paper towels to drain, salt while hot. Alternatively, microwave in oil for a less-messy, still-crispy method.
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Pro Tip: Prepare bacon and shallots ahead and store separately in airtight containers for quick assembly.
4. The Cheese Dilemma: Blue or Not?
Classic steakhouse wedge salads rely on bold blue cheese. Some prefer ranch alone, but for the true experience, crumbled blue cheese or Roquefort delivers the sharp, tangy bite that balances creamy dressing and salty toppings. However, feel free to omit for blue cheese-averse guests and double down on ranch instead.
5. Tomato, Chives, and Fresh Finishers
- Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved, add acidity and color.
- Chopped chives provide transformation with their mild onion flavor and brilliant green hue.
Assembling and Serving the Wedge Salad
- Arrange chilled iceberg wedges on individual plates or a large platter.
- Spoon ranch dressing over each wedge, letting it cascade down the crevices.
- Scatter with crispy bacon, fried shallots, and blue cheese crumbles (if using).
- Garnish with tomatoes and a final shower of chopped chives.
Serve immediately with knife and fork. Each wedge provides a jaw-dropping visual to match its flavor punch.
Creative Variations & Expert Tips
- Lettuce swap: If lettuce is scarce, substitute sturdy romaine hearts or little gems for a different (but still satisfying) crunch.
- Dressing switch: Swap for blue cheese or Green Goddess for salad-bar nostalgia, or drizzle with balsamic reduction for extra zing.
- Vegetarian adaptation: Omit bacon and top with toasted pecans, walnuts, or smoked almonds. Add ripe avocado slices for extra richness.
- Heat it up: Add thin jalapeño rings, pickled onions, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for spicy flair.
Make Ahead: Bacon, fried shallots, and dressing can be prepared a day in advance. Lettuce wedges should be cut and dried just before serving for maximum crunch.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 385 |
| Total Fat | 33g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 850mg |
| Carbohydrates | 9g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Protein | 9g |
(Nutrition data varies by ingredient type and salad portion.)
Troubleshooting and Pro Tips
- Lettuce too watery? Dry thoroughly in a salad spinner or with towels after rinsing. Wet leaves dilute dressing and diminish crunch.
- Fried shallots soggy? Ensure oil is hot enough and don’t crowd the pan. Drain well and sprinkle with a dash of salt while hot.
- Dressing too thin? Whisk in a spoonful of mayonnaise or sour cream. For a pourable but robust consistency, balance with additional herbs and lemon.
- Short on time? Use high-quality store-bought ranch and ready-made bacon bits, but homemade delivers the best flavor and texture by far.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use other lettuces besides iceberg?
A: Yes. Romaine hearts or little gems provide good crunch, though classic wedge salad tradition relies on the extra-water content and firmness of iceberg.
Q: Is blue cheese essential to wedge salad?
A: Classic recipes often feature blue cheese, but ranch is a popular and completely valid alternative. Feel free to skip the blue or swap in your favorite cheese crumbles.
Q: How do I make fried shallots without making a mess?
A: Try the microwave method: Toss sliced shallots in oil in a microwave-safe bowl and zap until golden, stopping frequently to stir. This method avoids splattering and deep-frying odors in the kitchen.
Q: Can I assemble wedge salad ahead of time?
A: Prepare individual elements (bacon, shallots, and dressing) in advance, but assemble just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp and toppings crunchy.
Serving Suggestions & Pairing Ideas
- Serve as a starter for grilled steak, prime rib, or roast chicken.
- Offer as the centerpiece of a brunch table or summer picnic.
- For a light lunch, top with extra protein: grilled shrimp, seared chicken, or hard-boiled eggs.
- Pair with crisp white wines—Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay—for a refreshing complement.
Final Thoughts: The Joy of the Wedge Salad
The wedge salad’s enduring popularity is rooted in its delightful collision of textures, flavors, and visual impact. Whether you’re a blue cheese devotee or fervently on Team Ranch, there is room to innovate and adapt this salad to any menu and every taste. Armed with crisp lettuce, creamy dressing, and the salty-crisp punch of bacon and shallots, you can transform any meal into a steakhouse-worthy feast in minutes.
References
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