Crispy Bacon & Basil Iceberg Wedge Salad
Experience a delightful blend of flavors with this Crispy Bacon & Basil Iceberg Wedge Salad. Inspired by a classic recipe from Southern Living Magazine, this salad brings a refreshing crunch to your lunch table. Each crisp wedge of iceberg lettuce is topped with a rich and creamy buttermilk ranch dressing, loaded with fresh basil and the savory goodness of sautéed onions. Finished off with crispy bacon bits, it's a perfect medley of flavors and textures for a light yet satisfying meal. Ideal for warm days or as a delightful side dish for grilled meats!
N/A
Servings
238
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon
4-6 slices (Cooked until crisp and crumbled)
Onion
1 medium (Sliced and sautéed)
Buttermilk
1 cup (N/A)
Sour Cream
1/2 cup (N/A)
Ranch Dressing Mix
1 (1 ounce) envelope (N/A)
Fresh Basil
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Garlic
2 cloves (N/A)
Iceberg Lettuce
1 head (Cut into 4 wedges)
Shredded Basil
To garnish (N/A)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until they're crisp. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet, placing it on paper towels to drain excess grease. Reserve about 1 teaspoon of the bacon drippings in the skillet.
2
Crumble the cooled bacon and set it aside for later use.
3
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion to the reserved drippings and sauté over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender and lightly browned. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
4
In a blender or food processor, combine the buttermilk, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, chopped fresh basil, and garlic cloves. Blend until the mixture is smooth, pausing to scrape down the sides as needed.
5
Once the onions have cooled, stir them into the dressing mixture until evenly combined.
6
To serve, place each lettuce wedge on a plate and generously drizzle the creamy dressing over the top. Sprinkle crumbled bacon on each wedge and garnish with additional shredded basil if desired.
Nutrition Information
16g
Fat
6g
Carbs
9.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Crispy Bacon & Basil Iceberg Wedge Salad?
It is a refreshing salad consisting of iceberg lettuce wedges topped with a homemade creamy buttermilk ranch dressing, sautéed onions, fresh basil, and crispy bacon bits.
How many calories are in one serving of this salad?
Each serving of this salad contains approximately 238 calories.
Is this recipe low in carbohydrates?
Yes, it is relatively low in carbohydrates, with about 6g per serving.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe is designed to yield 4 servings, based on one head of lettuce cut into four wedges.
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes, you can make it vegetarian by omitting the bacon and sautéing the onions in olive oil or butter instead of bacon drippings.
What type of lettuce is best for this recipe?
Iceberg lettuce is the traditional choice for a wedge salad because of its crisp texture and ability to hold heavy dressings.
How do I prepare the bacon for this salad?
Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, drain on paper towels, and then crumble it into small pieces.
How should I cook the onions?
Slice the onions and sauté them in reserved bacon drippings for about 10 minutes until tender and lightly browned.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing is made by blending buttermilk, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, fresh chopped basil, and garlic cloves.
Can I substitute sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream if you prefer a different tang or slightly higher protein content.
How do I cut the iceberg lettuce into wedges?
Remove the core and outer leaves, then slice the head of lettuce into four equal quarters from top to bottom.
Does this recipe use fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 cloves of fresh garlic to be blended into the buttermilk dressing.
What kind of basil is used in this salad?
The recipe uses fresh chopped basil within the dressing and additional shredded basil as a garnish.
Can the dressing be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator; just stir in the sautéed onions once they have cooled.
How should I store leftover salad?
Store the lettuce wedges and the dressing in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator to prevent the lettuce from becoming soggy.
What is the fat content per serving?
One serving of this salad contains 16g of fat.
How much protein is in this recipe?
This salad provides approximately 9.5g of protein per serving.
Is this recipe inspired by a specific source?
Yes, this recipe is inspired by a classic salad preparation found in Southern Living Magazine.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
While fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried basil in the dressing (use about 1/3 the amount), but fresh is preferred for the garnish.
How do I serve the salad?
Place a wedge on a plate, drizzle with the onion-infused dressing, and sprinkle with crumbled bacon and shredded basil.
What is the purpose of sautéing the onions in bacon drippings?
Sautéing the onions in the drippings infuses them with a smoky, savory flavor that complements the creamy dressing.
Is there a ranch dressing mix recommended?
The recipe calls for one 1-ounce envelope of standard ranch dressing mix.
Can I add extra toppings?
Certainly! Common additions to wedge salads include halved cherry tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles, or sliced radishes.
Is this salad gluten-free?
The primary ingredients are gluten-free, but you should always check the label on your ranch dressing mix to ensure it contains no gluten additives.
Is this salad served cold?
Yes, the lettuce should be cold and crisp, though the sautéed onions are added to the dressing after cooling.
Can I use a different type of onion?
While a medium yellow or white onion works well, a red onion can also be used for a slightly different flavor profile.
Is this a good side dish for grilled meats?
Yes, it is an excellent side dish for grilled steaks, chicken, or pork chops.
How do I ensure the bacon stays crispy?
Wait to add the crumbled bacon until just before serving so it doesn't lose its crunch from the moisture of the dressing.
Can I use a food processor for the dressing?
Yes, a blender or food processor is ideal for achieving a smooth consistency with the buttermilk, herbs, and garlic.
Is this salad spicy?
No, this salad is savory and creamy without any heat, making it family-friendly.