Name: Wedge Salad with Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large head iceberg lettuce; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled; ½ cup blue cheese crumbles; ¼ small red onion, finely diced; 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped; ½ cup mayonnaise; ½ cup sour cream; ¼ cup buttermilk; ½ cup crumbled blue cheese; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; Salt and black pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 39 reviews

There is something truly satisfying about a Wedge Salad with Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe that takes you straight to a classic steakhouse experience at home. Crisp iceberg lettuce wedges provide the perfect crunchy base, topped with juicy cherry tomatoes, crispy bacon, and sharp red onion, all elevated by a luscious, tangy blue cheese dressing made from scratch. This salad delivers a perfect balance of freshness, creaminess, and bold flavors, making it a favorite starter, side, or even a light meal for those craving something vibrant and indulgent.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A vintage metal tray holds several small white bowls filled with various ingredients, arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. In the center, a white bowl is full of small, crumbly white cheese pieces. To the upper left, a white bowl contains a creamy, off-white thick sauce with a few purple chive flowers resting beside it. Above, a large glass measuring cup is filled with a pale, frothy liquid. To the right, a small white bowl has green dried herbs beside a white powdery substance. Below it, a gray bowl has a dark brown liquid. Near the bottom left corner, a white bowl is filled with bright red liquid, and next to it another white bowl holds smooth, thick white cream. A whole bulb of garlic lies near the bottom right corner of the tray. The overall colors are neutral with some pops of purple and red, all on a bright white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the right ingredients is key to making this salad both delicious and bright. Each element adds its own unique texture and flavor — from the crisp iceberg lettuce that brings a refreshing crunch, to the creamy blue cheese dressing that packs the perfect punch of tang and richness.

1 large head iceberg lettuce: The star of the salad, offering a cool, crisp structure that holds toppings beautifully.

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Adds juicy sweetness and a pop of vibrant color.
½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled: Brings smoky crunch and savory depth.
½ cup blue cheese crumbles: Provides sharp, creamy bursts of flavor throughout the salad.

¼ small red onion, finely diced: Delivers a mild, peppery bite that balances richness.
2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped: Fresh herbal notes and a hint of onion flavor for garnish.
½ cup mayonnaise: The creamy foundation of the homemade dressing.

½ cup sour cream: Adds a tangy richness for smooth texture.
¼ cup buttermilk: Provides light acidity and thins the dressing perfectly.
½ cup crumbled blue cheese: The key flavor component that makes the dressing standout.

1 teaspoon lemon juice: Brightens the dressing with fresh citrus zing.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds subtle warmth and savory depth.
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami richness and complexity.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all flavors.

How to Make Wedge Salad with Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Blue Cheese Dressing

Start by combining mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk in a medium bowl. This trio creates a creamy, luscious base that will coat each crisp lettuce wedge beautifully. Add lemon juice, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to balance the flavors perfectly. Now stir in the blue cheese crumbles gently—mashing some for creaminess while keeping a few chunks intact for delightful texture. Let it chill for at least 15 minutes so those bold flavors meld into a rich, irresistible dressing.

Step 2: Prepare the Lettuce Wedges

While the dressing chills, get your iceberg lettuce ready. Remove any wilted outer leaves, rinse the head thoroughly, and dry it completely—this step is crucial to prevent sogginess. Cut the head into four equal wedges, carefully keeping the core intact so the wedges hold their shape during plating. These sturdy wedges provide that beautiful steakhouse presentation and a satisfying crunch with every bite.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Place each wedge on a serving plate. Drizzle the homemade blue cheese dressing generously over the top, embracing every nook and cranny of the lettuce. Sprinkle on those juicy cherry tomato halves, crumbled bacon, diced red onion, and more blue cheese crumbles for extra indulgence. Finally, scatter fresh chopped chives and a touch of freshly ground black pepper to complete this vibrant and inviting salad.

Step 4: Serve Immediately

The secret to the best wedge salad is crisp lettuce and a freshly made dressing. Serve this dish right away to enjoy the delightful texture contrasts and bold flavors at their peak. This salad shines as a stunning starter or a refreshing accompaniment to your favorite grilled meats.

How to Serve Wedge Salad with Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe

This image shows a wedge salad on a white speckled plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The dish has three main layers: the base is a thick, triangular wedge of light green iceberg lettuce with visible leafy texture, covered fully with a creamy light green dressing. On top, there are scattered small white crumbled cheese pieces, bright red tomato chunks, crispy dark brown bacon bits, and finely chopped green chive sprinkled all over. There are more plates with similar salads and small white bowls blurred in the background. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh chives are a simple but elegant garnish that add a subtle hint of onion flavor and a bright green pop of color. You can also sprinkle a few extra bacon bits or blue cheese crumbles on top to intensify the flavors and create that perfect finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This wedge salad pairs beautifully with hearty mains like grilled steaks, roasted chicken, or even barbecued ribs. It also complements lighter dishes such as seared salmon or grilled vegetables, providing a creamy contrast without overwhelming the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual wedge salads in small clear bowls or on rustic wooden boards for shareable appetizers. You can also create mini wedges on skewers for an elevated party presentation that guests will adore. No matter how you serve it, this salad always impresses with its straightforward elegance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover salad, keep the dressing separate to preserve the crispness of the lettuce. Store lettuce wedges wrapped in paper towels inside a sealed container and refrigerate for up to one day. Dress just before serving again to maintain freshness.

Freezing

Because of the fresh vegetables and dairy-rich dressing, this wedge salad is not suitable for freezing. The texture and flavor would be compromised upon thawing.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and cold, so reheating is not recommended. If you want to prepare components ahead, focus on making the dressing in advance and refrigerate it separately for up to three days.

FAQs

Can I make the blue cheese dressing without mayonnaise?

Absolutely! You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing, which will still deliver creaminess with a bit more tang.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Wedge Salad with Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe?

Yes, simply omit the bacon or replace it with crispy smoked tempeh or sautéed mushrooms for that savory element without meat.

How do I keep the lettuce from getting soggy?

Make sure the iceberg lettuce is completely dry before adding any dressing. Also, dress the salad just before serving to preserve the crisp texture of the wedges.

Can I use a different type of cheese in the dressing?

If blue cheese is too strong for your taste, feta cheese is a great substitute that provides tanginess with a milder flavor profile.

How long does the homemade blue cheese dressing last?

The dressing can be made up to three days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using.

Final Thoughts

This Wedge Salad with Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe is an effortless way to bring a classic steakhouse favorite into your own kitchen with a fresh, homemade touch. The combination of crisp lettuce, savory bacon, juicy tomatoes, and that perfectly creamy dressing creates a dish that’s both comforting and vibrant. I encourage you to try this recipe for your next meal and savor every crunchy, creamy bite that will make you wonder why you ever settled for anything less.

Wedge Salad with Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need