Get ready to elevate your salad game! We’re excited to share 18 delicious and innovative wedge salad recipes that will tantalize your taste buds. From classic combinations to bold and adventurous flavor profiles, these crispy wedge salads are sure to become new favorites. Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting and familiar or looking to try something entirely new, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll be highlighting a range of mouthwatering recipes that incorporate everything from creamy cheeses and savory meats to fresh herbs and tangy dressings. From classic blue cheese wedges with crispy bacon to international-inspired creations featuring grilled shrimp and sesame dressing, there’s something for everyone in this collection.
Classic Blue Cheese Wedge Salad with Bacon
Classic Blue Cheese Wedge Salad with Bacon: A timeless combination of crisp lettuce, tangy blue cheese, smoky bacon, and sweet dressing.
Ingredients:
– 4 large iceberg lettuce wedges
– 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola)
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
– 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
– 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Prepare the dressing by whisking together vinegar and olive oil in a small bowl.
2. Arrange the lettuce wedges on individual plates or a large platter.
3. Top each wedge with crumbled blue cheese, crispy bacon, and chopped chives.
4. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional chives if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Spicy Ranch Wedge Salad with Jalapeños
This refreshing salad combines the classic flavors of ranch dressing, crispy lettuce, and savory croutons with a spicy kick from jalapeños. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 large heads of iceberg lettuce, cut into wedges
– 1 cup ranch dressing
– 2 cups crumbled blue cheese (optional)
– 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
– 1/2 cup croutons
– 2 jalapeños, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cut the lettuce into wedges and place on a large plate.
2. Drizzle ranch dressing over the lettuce, making sure each wedge is coated.
3. Sprinkle blue cheese (if using) and cilantro evenly over the salad.
4. Top with croutons and sliced jalapeños.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Avocado Lime Wedge Salad with Cilantro Dressing
This refreshing salad combines the creamy richness of avocado with the bright zing of lime, all tied together with a zesty cilantro dressing. Perfect for hot summer days or as a light and healthy lunch.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe avocados
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– Salt, to taste
– 6-8 lime wedges, for serving
Instructions:
1. Cut the avocados into wedges and place them on a large plate or platter.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and chopped cilantro until well combined.
3. Add the Greek yogurt to the bowl and stir until smooth.
4. Season the dressing with salt to taste.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the avocado wedges and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Grilled Chicken Wedge Salad with Honey Mustard
Elevate your salad game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the sweetness of honey mustard with the smokiness of grilled chicken. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 head of iceberg lettuce, separated into wedges
– 1 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
– 1/2 cup chopped red onion
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika.
3. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, whisk together honey and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.
5. Assemble salads by placing a grilled chicken breast on each lettuce wedge, topping with blue cheese (if using), red onion, and parsley.
6. Drizzle with honey mustard mixture and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Tomato Basil Wedge Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Elevate your salad game with this refreshing twist on the classic wedge salad, featuring sweet and tangy flavors from fresh tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze.
Ingredients:
– 4 large tomatoes, cut into wedges
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Balsamic glaze (homemade or store-bought), for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange tomato wedges on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until tomatoes are slightly tender.
5. Top each wedge with chopped basil leaves.
6. Serve warm, drizzled with balsamic glaze to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Buffalo Chicken Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Crumbles
Elevate your wedge salad game with this bold and creamy Buffalo Chicken Wedge Salad featuring blue cheese crumbles. A perfect combination of spicy and savory, this recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of iceberg lettuce, cut into wedges
– 1 lb cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
– 1/4 cup ranch dressing
– 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped celery
– 1/4 cup diced red onion
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Toss chicken with Frank’s RedHot sauce until well coated. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
3. In a large bowl, combine lettuce wedges, cooked chicken, blue cheese crumbles, celery, and red onion.
4. Drizzle ranch dressing over the top and toss to coat.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Loaded Wedge Salad with Hard-Boiled Eggs and Chives
A classic wedge salad gets a boost from creamy dressing, crunchy bacon, and savory hard-boiled eggs. This recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 large heads of lettuce (Iceberg or Romaine work well)
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cut the lettuce into wedges and place on a serving plate or individual plates.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and chives until smooth.
3. Spoon the dressing over the lettuce wedges.
4. Top each wedge with crumbled bacon, quartered hard-boiled eggs, and salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15 minutes (mostly prep time)
Garlic Parmesan Wedge Salad with Crispy Prosciutto
Elevate your salad game with this creamy and savory combination of garlic parmesan dressing, crispy prosciutto, and fresh iceberg lettuce.
Ingredients:
– 1 large head of iceberg lettuce
– 1/2 cup garlic parmesan dressing (store-bought or homemade)
– 6-8 wedges of prosciutto
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the prosciutto slices on the sheet, leaving some space between each piece.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the prosciutto and sprinkle with minced garlic.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until crispy.
5. Meanwhile, wash and dry the iceberg lettuce leaves. Cut into wedges.
6. In a large bowl, combine the salad wedges and drizzle with garlic parmesan dressing.
7. Top each wedge with a piece of crispy prosciutto and garnish with fresh parsley leaves.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Smoky Chipotle Wedge Salad with Corn Salsa
Elevate your salad game with this bold and tangy recipe! Smoky chipotle dressing, crispy bacon, and creamy avocado come together to create a flavor explosion in every bite.
Ingredients:
– 4 large ripe avocados
– 2 heads of iceberg lettuce, cut into wedges
– 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon
– 1 cup mixed greens (arugula, spinach)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup Smoky Chipotle Dressing (see below)
– Corn Salsa (see below)
Smoky Chipotle Dressing:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Corn Salsa:
– 1 cup cooked corn kernels
– 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine lettuce, bacon, mixed greens, and cherry tomatoes.
3. Drizzle Smoky Chipotle Dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Top with Corn Salsa and serve immediately.
Cook Time: None
Greek Wedge Salad with Feta and Kalamata Olives
A twist on the classic wedge salad, this Greek-inspired version adds a salty punch from crumbly feta cheese and briny kalamata olives.
Ingredients:
– 4 large iceberg lettuce wedges
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cut the lettuce into wedges and place on a serving platter or individual plates.
2. Top each wedge with crumbled feta cheese, sliced olives, and red onion.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the salad, followed by a splash of white wine vinegar.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Bacon Ranch Wedge Salad with Cherry Tomatoes
This classic salad gets a boost from crispy bacon and tangy ranch dressing, all topped off with juicy cherry tomatoes. A perfect side dish or light lunch!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 iceberg lettuce wedges
– 6 slices of bacon
– 1/2 cup ranch dressing
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with foil and lay the bacon slices on it.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway through.
4. In a large bowl, place the lettuce wedges.
5. Drizzle ranch dressing over the lettuce and toss to coat.
6. Top each wedge with crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Herbed Buttermilk Wedge Salad with Radishes
A refreshing twist on the classic wedge salad, this recipe combines the tanginess of buttermilk dressing with the bright flavors of fresh herbs and spicy radishes.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 iceberg lettuce wedges
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
– 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 large red radish, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk, parsley, dill, and mayonnaise until smooth.
2. Arrange the lettuce wedges on a serving plate or individual plates.
3. Drizzle the herbed buttermilk dressing over the lettuce.
4. Top each wedge with sliced radish and crumbled blue cheese (if using).
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Pesto Wedge Salad with Grilled Shrimp
A refreshing summer salad that combines the creaminess of pesto with the sweetness of grilled shrimp and crisp lettuce.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of iceberg lettuce, cut into wedges
– 1/2 cup freshly made basil pesto
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then grill for 2-3 minutes per side or until pink and cooked through.
3. In a large bowl, toss together lettuce wedges, pesto, and feta cheese (if using).
4. Arrange grilled shrimp on top of the salad.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Asian-Inspired Wedge Salad with Sesame Dressing
Experience the harmonious fusion of Asian flavors in this unique wedge salad, featuring crispy iceberg lettuce, juicy chicken, and a tangy sesame dressing.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 iceberg wedges
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1/2 cup crumbled chow mein noodles
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions
– 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine chicken, chow mein noodles, scallions, and sesame seeds.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and ginger.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss to coat.
4. Arrange the iceberg wedges on individual plates or a large platter.
5. Divide the chicken-noodle mixture among the wedges.
6. Garnish with additional sesame seeds and scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (including preparation)
Roasted Garlic Wedge Salad with Croutons
Elevate your salad game with this rich and savory Roasted Garlic Wedge Salad, featuring crispy croutons and a tangy dressing. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 heads of garlic
– 2 large heads of lettuce, washed and torn into wedges
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 baguette, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 2 cups)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wrap garlic heads in foil and roast for 45 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, toss lettuce wedges with olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
4. In a separate bowl, toss baguette cubes with melted butter and season with salt.
5. Bake croutons at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until crispy.
6. Let roasted garlic cool before slicing into thin wedges.
7. Combine salad, croutons, and roasted garlic in a large bowl.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Steakhouse Wedge Salad with Creamy Horseradish Dressing
A classic salad fit for a steakhouse, this wedge salad features crisp iceberg lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and creamy horseradish dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of iceberg lettuce
– 2 large tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
– 1/2 cup Creamy Horseradish Dressing (recipe below)
– Chives or parsley for garnish
Creamy Horseradish Dressing:
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cut the iceberg lettuce into wedges and place on a serving plate.
2. Top each wedge with diced tomatoes, crumbled blue cheese (if using), and a dollop of Creamy Horseradish Dressing.
3. Garnish with chives or parsley.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (prep time only)
Southwest Wedge Salad with Black Beans and Avocado
A twist on the classic wedge salad, this recipe adds a flavorful and nutritious boost with black beans and avocado. Perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 iceberg lettuce wedges
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco (or feta cheese)
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, arrange the lettuce wedges.
2. Top each wedge with black beans, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled queso fresco.
3. Drizzle lime juice over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Maple Bacon Wedge Salad with Candied Pecans
Elevate your classic wedge salad game with the sweet and savory combination of maple-glazed bacon, crispy candied pecans, and creamy blue cheese crumbles.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 iceberg lettuce wedges
– 1/2 cup maple syrup
– 6 slices of bacon
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cook bacon for 15-20 minutes or until crispy, then set aside.
3. In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and cook for 2-3 minutes or until caramelized.
4. Add chopped pecans to the pan and stir until coated in the maple syrup mixture. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes or until crispy.
5. Assemble the salad by placing a lettuce wedge on each plate, topping with blue cheese crumbles, maple-glazed bacon, and candied pecans.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your salad game with these 18 crispy wedge salad recipes featuring bold flavors! From classic blue cheese and bacon to spicy ranch, grilled chicken, and buffalo chicken, there’s something for everyone. Add some excitement with unique twists like avocado lime, garlic parmesan, and smoky chipotle. Or try more adventurous options like Greek, Asian-inspired, or southwestern. With these recipes, you’ll never get bored with your salad again! Whether you’re a fan of creamy dressings or bold toppings, there’s a wedge salad recipe here to satisfy your cravings.