Green Salads

Iceberg Wedge Salad

Name: Iceberg Wedge Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 large head of iceberg lettuce; 6 slices of thick-cut bacon; 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup of red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup of blue cheese crumbles; 1/4 cup of mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons of sour cream; 1 tablespoon of chopped chives; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons of olive oil

By Lena Whitlock · June 19, 2026 · Green Salads

Prep20 min

Cook15 min

Total40 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I had an Iceberg Wedge Salad at a restaurant. The combination of the crispy iceberg lettuce, the creamy dressing, and the crunchy bacon was love at first bite. Since then, I've been hooked on this classic salad and have been perfecting my own recipe to share with you.

What makes this salad so special is the simplicity of its ingredients and the elegance of its presentation. It's a perfect dish for any occasion, whether it's a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends and family.

The key to a great Iceberg Wedge Salad is using the freshest ingredients possible. You want to choose a crisp head of iceberg lettuce, thick-cut bacon, and a variety of flavorful toppings such as cherry tomatoes, red onion, and blue cheese crumbles.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to create this delicious salad, from preparing the ingredients to assembling the final dish. So, let's get started and make this Iceberg Wedge Salad a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is easy to make and requires minimal preparation time.
It's a great way to use up leftover ingredients, such as bacon and blue cheese.
The combination of flavors and textures is unique and delicious.
It's a perfect dish for any occasion, whether it's a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends and family.
The salad can be customized to suit your taste preferences, with a variety of toppings and dressings to choose from.
It's a healthy and nutritious option, with a balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.

Why This Recipe Works

The reason this salad works so well is the balance of flavors and textures. The creamy dressing helps to bring all the ingredients together, while the crunchy bacon and crispy lettuce add a nice contrast in texture.

Another important aspect of this salad is the layering of flavors. By adding the dressing in stages, you can control the amount of creaminess and tanginess in each bite. This also helps to prevent the lettuce from becoming soggy, which is a common mistake in salad preparation.

The use of high-quality ingredients is also crucial to the success of this salad. Choose a ripe and flavorful blue cheese, a sweet and juicy cherry tomato, and a crispy and smoky bacon to get the best results.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Iceberg Wedge Salad, you'll need a few simple ingredients. Start by selecting a fresh head of iceberg lettuce, some thick-cut bacon, and a variety of flavorful toppings such as cherry tomatoes, red onion, and blue cheese crumbles.

Don't forget to pick up some high-quality mayonnaise, sour cream, and chives to make the creamy dressing. With these ingredients, you'll be able to create a salad that's both delicious and visually appealing.

1 large head of iceberg lettuceChoose a fresh head of lettuce with crisp leaves and a compact core. Avoid lettuce that is wilted or has brown edges.
6 slices of thick-cut baconThick-cut bacon is essential for this salad, as it provides a nice crunch and smoky flavor. Look for bacon that is smoked or applewood-smoked for the best flavor.
1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halvedCherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and flavor to the salad. Choose tomatoes that are ripe and firm, and halve them just before adding to the salad.
1/2 cup of red onion, thinly slicedRed onion adds a nice crunch and flavor to the salad. Choose an onion that is sweet and mild, and slice it thinly just before adding to the salad.
1/2 cup of blue cheese crumblesBlue cheese adds a pungent and creamy flavor to the salad. Choose a high-quality blue cheese that is crumbly and has a strong flavor.
1/4 cup of mayonnaiseMayonnaise is the base of the creamy dressing, and provides a rich and tangy flavor. Choose a high-quality mayonnaise that is made with real ingredients.
2 tablespoons of sour creamSour cream adds a nice tang and creaminess to the dressing. Choose a high-quality sour cream that is made with real ingredients.
1 tablespoon of chopped chivesChives add a nice onion flavor and a pop of color to the salad. Choose chives that are fresh and have a mild flavor.
Salt and pepper to tasteSalt and pepper are essential for bringing out the flavors of the ingredients. Use a high-quality salt and pepper, and season to taste.
2 tablespoons of olive oilOlive oil is used to cook the bacon and add a nice flavor to the salad. Choose a high-quality olive oil that is made with real ingredients.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large bowlCutting boardChef's knifeInstant-read thermometerWhiskMeasuring cups and spoons

How to Make Iceberg Wedge Salad

1
Preheat the oven to 400 F (200 C).
2
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay the bacon slices on it. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
3
While the bacon is cooking, prepare the dressing by whisking together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and chives in a bowl.
4
Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
5
Once the bacon is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet.
6
Wash and dry the lettuce leaves, and cut them into wedges.
7
In a large bowl, combine the lettuce wedges, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and blue cheese crumbles.
8
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
9
Crumble the cooked bacon into small pieces and sprinkle over the salad.
10
Drizzle the olive oil over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.
11
Serve the salad immediately, garnished with additional chives if desired.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as thick-cut bacon and fresh lettuce, to get the best flavor and texture.
Don't overdress the salad, as this can make it soggy and unappetizing.
Add the dressing in stages, starting with a small amount and adding more to taste.
Use a variety of toppings, such as cherry tomatoes and blue cheese crumbles, to add flavor and texture to the salad.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to make the salad your own.
Consider making the salad ahead of time and storing it in the refrigerator for up to a day.
To make the salad more substantial, consider adding some protein, such as grilled chicken or salmon.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overdressing the salad, which can make it soggy and unappetizing.
Using low-quality ingredients, such as thin-cut bacon or wilted lettuce.
Not seasoning the salad with salt and pepper, which can make it taste bland.
Not adding the dressing in stages, which can make the salad too wet or too dry.
Not using a variety of toppings, which can make the salad boring and uninteresting.
Not making the salad ahead of time, which can make it more stressful to prepare.

Variations and Substitutions

Adding some grilled chicken or salmon to make the salad more substantial.
Using different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, to add a unique flavor.
Adding some diced avocado or nuts to add creaminess and crunch.
Using different types of lettuce, such as romaine or arugula, to change the flavor and texture.
Adding some diced fruit, such as apples or berries, to add natural sweetness.
Using different types of bacon, such as applewood-smoked or peppered, to add a unique flavor.

What to Serve With Iceberg Wedge Salad

This Iceberg Wedge Salad is perfect for serving as a side dish or a light lunch. Consider pairing it with some crusty bread or a bowl of soup for a more substantial meal.

Some other ideas for serving this salad include adding some grilled chicken or salmon, or using it as a topping for a burger or sandwich.

Serve with crusty bread or a bowl of soup for a more substantial meal.Add some grilled chicken or salmon to make the salad more substantial.Use as a topping for a burger or sandwich.Serve as a side dish for a barbecue or picnic.

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a day. Simply prepare the ingredients, combine them in a bowl, and refrigerate until ready to serve.

To store the salad, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40 F (4 C) or below.

When reheating the salad, simply remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. You can also add some additional dressing or toppings to freshen it up.

It's not recommended to freeze this salad, as the lettuce and other ingredients can become soggy and unappetizing. However, you can freeze the dressing and other components separately and assemble the salad when you're ready to serve it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of lettuce is best for this salad?

Iceberg lettuce is the best type of lettuce for this salad, as it is crisp and has a mild flavor. However, you can also use other types of lettuce, such as romaine or arugula, if you prefer.

How do I cook the bacon?

To cook the bacon, preheat the oven to 400 F (200 C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay the bacon slices on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. Simply prepare the ingredients, combine them in a bowl, and refrigerate until ready to serve.

What type of dressing is best for this salad?

A creamy dressing, such as the one made with mayonnaise and sour cream, is best for this salad. However, you can also use other types of dressing, such as vinaigrette or ranch, if you prefer.

Can I add other ingredients to this salad?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to this salad, such as grilled chicken or salmon, diced avocado or nuts, or diced fruit. Simply chop the ingredients and add them to the salad along with the other ingredients.

How do I store this salad?

To store this salad, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40 F (4 C) or below. You can also freeze the dressing and other components separately and assemble the salad when you're ready to serve it.

Can I freeze this salad?

How do I reheat this salad?

To reheat this salad, simply remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. You can also add some additional dressing or toppings to freshen it up.

The Full Recipe

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