Ultimate Outback-Style Wedge Salad
Experience the bold flavors of this Ultimate Outback-Style Wedge Salad that transports you straight to your favorite steakhouse! This salad features a crisp iceberg lettuce wedge, generously topped with juicy grape tomatoes, zesty red onions, crispy bacon, and rich blue cheese. Elevate the dish with toasted pecans for an added crunch and nutty flavor that complements the creamy dressing perfectly. Perfect for sharing, this refreshing salad is not only a showstopper but also incredibly satisfying, making it a must-try addition to your meal repertoire. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or a side dish, each bite bursts with flavor and texture! Double the recipe to serve more or as a standalone meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Iceberg Lettuce
1/2 head (cut into a wedge)
Grape Tomatoes
1 cup (cut into halves)
Red Onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
Cooked Bacon
6 slices (crumbled)
Blue Cheese
1 cup (crumbled (1/2 cup for salad and 1/2 cup for dressing))
Pecan Pieces
1/2 cup (toasted)
Mayonnaise
3/4 cup (none)
Buttermilk
3/4 cup (none)
Garlic Powder
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Onion Powder
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the iceberg lettuce into a wedge and place it on a chilled salad plate.
2
Next, arrange the halved grape tomatoes and chopped red onions appealingly on top of the lettuce wedge.
3
Sprinkle the crumbled cooked bacon pieces, blue cheese, and toasted pecans evenly over the salad for a delightful crunch.
4
For the dressing, combine the mayonnaise, buttermilk, crumbled blue cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Whisk until well blended.
5
Allow the dressing to sit for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
6
Drizzle the creamy dressing generously over the salad just before serving.
7
Dig in and enjoy the delightful combination of fresh ingredients!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Ultimate Outback-Style Wedge Salad?
It is a classic steakhouse-style salad featuring a crisp wedge of iceberg lettuce topped with tomatoes, red onions, bacon, blue cheese, toasted pecans, and a creamy homemade dressing.
What type of lettuce is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses iceberg lettuce, which provides the signature crisp texture and structural integrity needed for a wedge salad.
How do I prepare the lettuce for the wedge salad?
Begin by cutting a head of iceberg lettuce into wedges. For this specific recipe, use half a head of lettuce to create the base.
What ingredients are in the homemade blue cheese dressing?
The creamy dressing is made by whisking together mayonnaise, buttermilk, crumbled blue cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
How long should the dressing sit before serving?
It is recommended to let the dressing sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to fully meld and enhance.
Are the pecans in this recipe raw or toasted?
The recipe calls for toasted pecan pieces to add a delightful nutty flavor and extra crunch to the salad.
Can I use a different type of tomato?
While the recipe specifies grape tomatoes cut into halves, you can substitute them with cherry tomatoes or chopped Roma tomatoes if preferred.
How is the bacon prepared for this salad?
The recipe uses 6 slices of cooked bacon that have been crumbled into small pieces.
Is this wedge salad served on a cold plate?
Yes, the instructions recommend placing the lettuce wedge on a chilled salad plate for the best refreshing experience.
How much blue cheese is needed in total?
You will need 1 cup of crumbled blue cheese in total: 1/2 cup for the salad toppings and 1/2 cup to mix into the dressing.
Can I make this recipe for a larger group?
Absolutely! You can easily double the recipe to serve more people or to serve it as a standalone main meal.
Is this recipe considered an appetizer or a side dish?
It can be enjoyed as both; it is a popular steakhouse appetizer but also makes a satisfying side dish for hearty meals.
What seasonings are used in the dressing?
The dressing is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
What is the best way to arrange the toppings?
Arrange the halved grape tomatoes and chopped red onions first, then sprinkle the bacon, blue cheese, and pecans evenly over the lettuce.
What does the red onion add to the salad?
The chopped red onion provides a zesty flavor and a sharp contrast to the creamy dressing and mild lettuce.
Is the dressing whisked or blended?
The instructions suggest whisking the dressing ingredients in a mixing bowl until they are well blended.
Can I substitute buttermilk if I don't have it?
If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 3/4 cup of regular milk.
Does this salad contain any nuts?
Yes, this recipe includes 1/2 cup of toasted pecan pieces for crunch.
What makes this salad 'Outback-Style'?
The 'Outback-Style' refers to the specific combination of toppings like toasted pecans and a rich blue cheese dressing commonly found in popular steakhouses.
How many ingredients are in the Ultimate Outback-Style Wedge Salad?
There are 11 main ingredients used to create both the salad and the dressing.
Should the dressing be served on the side?
While you can serve it on the side, the recipe suggests drizzling the creamy dressing generously over the salad just before serving.
Is this salad vegetarian?
No, this recipe contains bacon. To make it vegetarian, you would need to omit the bacon or use a meatless alternative.
Can I prepare the toppings in advance?
Yes, you can chop the onions, halve the tomatoes, and crumble the bacon ahead of time to make assembly faster.
What is the flavor profile of the pecans?
The toasted pecans provide a nutty, earthy flavor and a firm crunch that complements the creaminess of the blue cheese.
Is there sugar in the dressing?
The standard recipe provided does not list sugar as an ingredient for the dressing, focusing instead on savory and tangy flavors.
How do I ensure the iceberg lettuce stays crisp?
Keep the lettuce refrigerated until the very moment you are ready to cut and serve, and use a chilled plate.
What kind of mayonnaise should I use?
Any standard full-fat mayonnaise works best to achieve the rich, creamy texture intended for steakhouse-style dressing.
How much mayonnaise and buttermilk is needed?
The recipe calls for an equal ratio of 3/4 cup mayonnaise and 3/4 cup buttermilk.
Can I add extra protein to make it a meal?
Yes, adding grilled chicken or steak strips is a great way to turn this wedge salad into a hearty standalone meal.
What is the final step before eating?
The final step is to drizzle the creamy dressing generously over the assembled wedge and enjoy the combination of fresh ingredients!