A Loaded Wedge Salad is a bold, flavorful twist on the classic steakhouse favorite. Built on a crisp wedge of iceberg lettuce, this salad is layered with creamy blue cheese or ranch dressing, crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, red onions, and crumbled cheese.
It’s topped with savory additions like avocado, hard-boiled eggs, or grilled chicken for extra heartiness.
Perfect as a satisfying lunch or a side dish that steals the show, the loaded wedge combines refreshing crunch with rich, indulgent toppings. Easy to assemble yet visually stunning, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings both flavor and texture to the table.
The Loaded Wedge Salad is a classic American steakhouse favorite that’s both visually striking and incredibly satisfying.
Crisp iceberg lettuce forms the foundation, while toppings like creamy blue cheese dressing, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, red onions, and more turn it into a crave-worthy main or side dish. It’s perfect for warm days when you want something refreshing but still indulgent.
This salad is all about texture and contrast. The cold, crunchy lettuce contrasts with the warm, crispy bacon. The creamy dressing balances the tangy tomatoes and sharp onions. Best of all, it's fully customizable—perfect for parties, barbecues, or even a light lunch.
The Loaded Wedge Salad is a bold, satisfying twist on a classic. A crisp quartered iceberg lettuce forms the base, topped generously with crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, red onions, crumbled blue cheese, and a rich drizzle of creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Finished with crunchy croutons and sometimes a sprinkle of fresh chives or avocado slices, this salad delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors—cool, creamy, smoky, and tangy.
It's ideal as a hearty appetizer or light lunch and pairs beautifully with grilled meats or soups. Every bite is indulgent yet refreshing, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Start by removing any wilted outer leaves from the head of iceberg lettuce. Rinse the lettuce thoroughly under cold running water. Pat dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner if needed.
Place the head on a cutting board and cut it into quarters through the core so each section holds together.
For smaller servings, you can cut each wedge in half again. Place each wedge cut-side up on a plate or serving platter.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, turning as needed, about 6–8 minutes.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Once cooled, chop or crumble into small pieces.
Tip: For easy cleanup and batch cooking, you can bake the bacon in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes on a lined sheet pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Mix well. Stir in crumbled blue cheese if using.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—add more lemon juice for tang, or a bit more milk to thin it out.
For the best flavor, chill the dressing in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Drizzle a generous amount of dressing over each lettuce wedge, letting it flow into the folds.
Top with halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled bacon, blue cheese, and chopped chives.
Add any optional toppings like avocado slices or hard-boiled eggs if desired. Finish with freshly cracked black pepper for a final touch.
Servings 4
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
A Loaded Wedge Salad is a crisp, visually striking dish that turns a humble iceberg lettuce into a satisfying and hearty starter or light main course.
With creamy dressing, crunchy toppings, and colorful ingredients, it’s a salad that pleases both the eyes and the appetite.
Whether you're making it for a dinner party, lunch, or an upgraded BBQ side, these tips and tricks will help you serve the best wedge salad every time.
The base of a wedge salad is traditionally iceberg lettuce—valued for its crisp texture and mild flavor. Choose a firm, tightly packed head of iceberg. When cutting, slice the head into quarters or sixths through the core, so each wedge stays intact. Rinse gently under cold water and dry completely to avoid watery dressing.
Tip: Chill your wedges in the fridge before assembling to keep them extra crisp and refreshing.
The classic choice for a loaded wedge salad is blue cheese dressing, but you can also use ranch, green goddess, or even a tangy yogurt-based dressing. Whichever you choose, make sure it's thick enough to cling to the lettuce.
Serving Trick: Drizzle dressing over the wedge and also spoon a little extra into the plate beneath it. This way, every bite is creamy and flavorful.
Toppings take your wedge salad from basic to bold. Here are must-have elements for a loaded wedge salad:
Pro Tip: Balance textures. Crunchy (bacon), creamy (avocado), juicy (tomatoes), and tangy (onions) layers work best.
A wedge salad is naturally elegant when plated correctly. Here’s how to make it restaurant-worthy:
Serving Trick: Serve on chilled plates to keep the salad crisp longer, especially in warm weather.
Unlike leafy salads, a wedge needs a knife and fork. Serve with both to allow diners to cut through the crunchy layers easily. This also makes it feel more like a composed dish than a tossed salad.
Entertaining Tip: Pre-cut the wedge into smaller pieces if serving as part of a buffet or party platter, to make it easier to eat standing up or with limited utensils.
To transform your loaded wedge into a full meal, add:
Tip: You can also turn it into wedge salad skewers for a fun, bite-sized appetizer option at gatherings.
This salad can be served on individual plates or arranged on a large platter for a beautiful centerpiece. It's great as:
While this salad is indulgent, it can be made lighter by using low-fat sour cream, Greek yogurt, turkey bacon, or a lighter vinaigrette. The iceberg lettuce keeps it low in calories while adding a hydrating crunch.
The Loaded Wedge Salad is proof that salads can be exciting, satisfying, and full of flavor. It's fresh yet decadent, and endlessly customizable.
Whether you’re serving it as a dinner party starter or a hearty solo meal, this salad never disappoints.
The Loaded Wedge Salad is a stunning, satisfying dish that’s deceptively easy to prepare. With the right ingredients, careful layering, and a few smart serving tricks, it becomes more than just a side—it’s a salad worth savoring.
With its blend of textures and rich, savory toppings, even salad skeptics will be reaching for seconds.
