Loaded Iceberg Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese, Crispy Bacon & Fresh Tomato
Enjoy a refreshing Loaded Iceberg Wedge Salad that brings the classic flavors of a BLT without the bread! This delightful salad features a crisp iceberg lettuce wedge topped with a rich, creamy homemade blue cheese dressing that’s been perfected over time. The dressing, inspired by a restaurant favorite, creates a tangy and savory base that complements the crunchy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and robust crumbled blue cheese. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a light meal, this salad is sure to impress your guests and become a favorite in your household. Serve cold as a satisfying and flavorful side or main dish that’s bursting with taste.
4
Servings
600
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
mayonnaise
1 cup (none)
sour cream
1 cup (none)
buttermilk
1/2 cup (none)
white pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
grated onions
2 tablespoons (grated)
Tabasco sauce
4 dashes (none)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
cayenne pepper
1 dash (none)
minced garlic
1 teaspoon (minced)
sugar
2 teaspoons (none)
crumbled blue cheese
6 ounces (crumbled)
iceberg lettuce
1 head (cut into wedges)
bacon, cooked and crumbled
8 slices (cooked and crumbled)
large tomato, chopped
1 (chopped, seeds removed)
crumbled blue cheese (for garnish)
8 ounces (crumbled)
salt and pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the blue cheese dressing. In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk, stirring until well blended.
2
Add the white pepper, grated onions, Tabasco sauce, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, cayenne pepper, minced garlic, and sugar to the mayonnaise mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
3
Fold in the crumbled blue cheese gently, ensuring the dressing is well mixed. For optimal flavor, refrigerate the dressing for at least 24 hours before using.
4
To assemble the salad, carefully cut the head of iceberg lettuce into four equal wedges, slicing down toward the stem. Rinse and pat dry each section.
5
Place each wedge onto individual plates. Generously spoon the prepared blue cheese dressing over each wedge.
6
Sprinkle the crumbled bacon, chopped tomatoes, and additional crumbled blue cheese over the top.
7
Serve immediately while the salad is nice and cold. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition Information
55g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
16.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Loaded Iceberg Wedge Salad?
It is a refreshing salad featuring a crisp iceberg lettuce wedge topped with a creamy homemade blue cheese dressing, crunchy bacon, and fresh tomatoes, delivering classic BLT flavors without the bread.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What are the primary ingredients in the blue cheese dressing?
The dressing consists of mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, white pepper, grated onions, Tabasco sauce, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, cayenne pepper, minced garlic, sugar, and crumbled blue cheese.
How long should I refrigerate the dressing before serving?
For the best flavor, it is recommended to refrigerate the homemade blue cheese dressing for at least 24 hours to allow the spices and flavors to meld.
How do I prepare the iceberg lettuce for this salad?
Carefully cut the head of iceberg lettuce into four equal wedges by slicing down toward the stem, then rinse and pat each section dry.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving of this Loaded Iceberg Wedge Salad contains approximately 600 calories.
Is this salad low in carbohydrates?
Yes, it contains only 7.5g of carbohydrates per serving, making it a relatively low-carb option.
How much fat is in one serving?
One serving contains 55g of fat.
How much protein does this salad provide?
This salad provides 16.25g of protein per serving.
How should I prepare the tomatoes for the topping?
The tomatoes should be chopped with the seeds removed before being sprinkled over the salad.
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
While the original recipe calls for bacon, you can omit the bacon or use a vegetarian alternative to make it meat-free.
How much blue cheese is needed for the whole recipe?
You will need 6 ounces of crumbled blue cheese for the dressing and an additional 8 ounces for the garnish.
What kind of onion is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of grated onions to be mixed into the dressing.
Is there garlic in the dressing?
Yes, the dressing includes 1 teaspoon of minced garlic.
Why is sugar added to the blue cheese dressing?
Two teaspoons of sugar are added to balance the tanginess of the lemon juice, vinegar, and blue cheese.
Does the recipe call for fresh lemon juice?
Yes, it recommends using 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What type of pepper is used to season the dressing?
The recipe specifies 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper and a dash of cayenne pepper.
How do I assemble the salad?
Place a lettuce wedge on a plate, spoon the dressing over it, and then sprinkle with bacon, tomatoes, and extra blue cheese.
Can I serve this salad warm?
No, this salad is intended to be served immediately while the lettuce and dressing are nice and cold.
Is this a good dish for summer?
Yes, it is described as a perfect summer salad that is refreshing and bursting with seasonal flavors like fresh tomato.
How much bacon is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled.
Is Tabasco sauce used in this recipe?
Yes, 4 dashes of Tabasco sauce are added to the dressing for a subtle kick.
Can I use bottled dressing instead?
While you can, the recipe emphasizes that the homemade dressing is perfected over time and is a key part of what makes the salad special.
What is the texture of the dressing?
The dressing is rich, creamy, and contains chunks of crumbled blue cheese.
How do I ensure the lettuce is not watery?
After rinsing the lettuce wedges, make sure to pat them dry completely before adding the dressing.
What is the source of the tang in the dressing?
The tang comes from a combination of buttermilk, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
How many ingredients are there in total?
There are 18 specific ingredients listed for this recipe.
Does this recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, salt is used in the dressing, and additional salt and pepper can be added to the finished salad to taste.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a salad, specifically an iceberg wedge salad.
Can this be served as a main dish?
Yes, it is satisfying enough to be served as either a flavorful side dish or a light main course.