Wedge Salad with Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe

This Wedge Salad with Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing has become a staple in our household, and for good reason! It’s the perfect blend of crisp freshness and rich, tangy flavor. Even my pickiest eaters devour it, and I love that it’s so incredibly easy to throw together, making it a fantastic option for a quick weeknight side or a more elegant addition to a weekend barbecue. The creamy blue cheese dressing is the star – homemade and miles better than anything store-bought, and surprisingly light thanks to the Greek yogurt base. This salad is not only delicious but also customizable and macro-friendly, allowing you to indulge without any guilt. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a recipe I find myself making again and again.

Ingredients

To craft this delightful Wedge Salad with Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing, you’ll need a collection of fresh, flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of textures and tastes. Let’s break down what you’ll need for both the salad and the star of the show, the creamy blue cheese dressing.

For the Salad:

• Romaine or Iceberg Lettuce (150g): The foundation of our wedge salad, you have the option of using either romaine or iceberg lettuce. For a classic wedge salad experience, iceberg lettuce is the traditional choice. Its tightly packed leaves provide that satisfying crunch that is quintessential to this dish. Look for a firm, heavy head of iceberg lettuce, free from blemishes or discoloration. If you prefer a slightly more tender bite and a bit more nutritional value, romaine lettuce hearts are an excellent alternative. Choose romaine hearts that are crisp and vibrant green. Using half a head of romaine or a wedge of iceberg, approximately 150 grams, ensures you have the perfect base for a single serving.
• Cherry Tomatoes (50g, ¼ cup, halved): Bursting with sweetness and a touch of acidity, cherry tomatoes add a vibrant pop of color and flavor to the salad. Halving them not only makes them easier to eat but also allows their juices to mingle with the dressing and other ingredients, enhancing the overall taste. Opt for ripe, firm cherry tomatoes that are deep red in color for the best flavor and visual appeal. About a quarter cup, or 50 grams, is the ideal amount to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the dressing and bacon.
• Cooked Bacon (9g, 1 piece, crumbled): Crispy, smoky bacon is an absolute must-have in a wedge salad. It introduces a savory, salty element that perfectly complements the creamy dressing and fresh vegetables. One piece of bacon, cooked until crispy and then crumbled, provides just the right amount of smoky goodness without overpowering the other flavors. You can use your preferred type of bacon – thick-cut or regular – just ensure it’s cooked until crisp to add that delightful textural contrast. For a slightly healthier option, consider using turkey bacon, although traditional pork bacon delivers the most authentic flavor.
• Red Onion (20g, 2 tbsp, diced small): Red onion brings a sharp, slightly pungent bite that cuts through the richness of the dressing and bacon. Dicing it small ensures that the onion flavor is present but not overwhelming. Two tablespoons, or 20 grams, of finely diced red onion adds just the right amount of zing without being too overpowering. If you find red onion too strong, you can soak the diced onion in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow its sharpness slightly.
• Radishes (20g, 2 tbsp, sliced thinly, optional): Radishes are an optional but highly recommended addition, bringing a peppery crunch and a beautiful touch of color to the salad. Their slightly spicy flavor adds another layer of complexity and complements the other ingredients beautifully. Two tablespoons, or 20 grams, of thinly sliced radishes provide a subtle bite and visual appeal. If you’re not a fan of radishes, you can omit them or substitute with thinly sliced cucumber for a milder crunch.
• Reduced Fat Blue Cheese (7g, 1 Tbsp): A sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese elevates the salad and enhances the blue cheese flavor profile. Using reduced-fat blue cheese allows you to enjoy the robust taste without adding excessive fat. One tablespoon, or 7 grams, is enough to provide a noticeable blue cheese tang and creamy texture. Choose a good quality blue cheese that you enjoy the flavor of – Roquefort, Gorgonzola, or Stilton are all excellent choices.
• Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing (60g, 4 Tbsp, recipe below): The heart and soul of this wedge salad is the homemade creamy blue cheese dressing. Four tablespoons, or 60 grams, per serving provides a generous coating of creamy, tangy goodness that ties all the elements of the salad together. Making your own dressing is incredibly easy and allows you to control the ingredients and flavors, resulting in a dressing that is far superior to store-bought versions.
• Balsamic Glaze (7g, ½ Tbsp, Trader Joe’s or other grocers near vinegar): A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and acidity, as well as a beautiful visual finish to the salad. Trader Joe’s balsamic glaze is a convenient and readily available option, but you can find balsamic glaze at most grocery stores near the vinegar section. Half a tablespoon, or 7 grams, provides just the right amount of sweet and tangy complexity to balance the richness of the dressing and other savory elements. If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can make a quick substitute by simmering balsamic vinegar in a saucepan until it reduces and thickens slightly.

For the Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing:

• Reduced-Fat Blue Cheese (60g, ½ cup): The star ingredient of the dressing, reduced-fat blue cheese provides the signature tangy, pungent flavor we all love. Half a cup, or 60 grams, ensures a robust blue cheese flavor without being overpowering. When selecting blue cheese, consider your preference for intensity. Milder blue cheeses like Gorgonzola Dolce will result in a creamier, less pungent dressing, while stronger blue cheeses like Roquefort or Stilton will provide a more intense flavor.
• Nonfat Greek Yogurt (120g, ½ cup): Nonfat Greek yogurt is the secret ingredient that makes this dressing creamy and light. It provides a tangy base and a thick, luscious texture without the added fat of traditional mayonnaise or sour cream-based dressings. Half a cup, or 120 grams, of nonfat Greek yogurt creates a substantial and healthy base for the dressing. Ensure you use plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt for this recipe.
• Light Mayonnaise (60g, ¼ cup): A touch of light mayonnaise adds richness and creaminess to the dressing, complementing the Greek yogurt and blue cheese. A quarter cup, or 60 grams, of light mayonnaise provides just the right amount of richness without making the dressing too heavy. If you prefer to omit mayonnaise altogether, you can substitute it with additional Greek yogurt, but the dressing will be slightly tangier and less rich.
• Nonfat Milk (45g, 3 Tbsp): Nonfat milk helps to thin out the dressing to the desired consistency. Three tablespoons, or 45 grams, is a good starting point, but you can adjust the amount of milk depending on your preferred dressing thickness. Feel free to use 2% milk or even a plant-based milk alternative like almond milk if you prefer.
• Red Wine Vinegar (45g, 3 Tbsp): Red wine vinegar provides a crucial element of acidity that balances the richness of the blue cheese and mayonnaise. Three tablespoons, or 45 grams, adds a noticeable tang that brightens up the dressing and prevents it from being too heavy. You can also use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as alternatives, but red wine vinegar adds a slightly deeper, more complex flavor.
• Lemon Juice (7g, ½ Tbsp): Fresh lemon juice further enhances the acidity and adds a bright, citrusy note to the dressing. Half a tablespoon, or 7 grams, of lemon juice complements the red wine vinegar and adds another layer of flavor complexity. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always preferred for its brighter flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
• Fresh Parsley (5g, 2 Tbsp, minced) — or sub 1 tsp dried parsley: Fresh parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the dressing. Two tablespoons, or 5 grams, of minced fresh parsley provides a vibrant green color and a subtle, clean flavor. If fresh parsley is not available, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, but fresh is always preferred for its brighter taste.
• Fresh Chives (5g, 2 Tbsp, minced) — or sub 1 tsp dried chives: Fresh chives contribute a mild onion-like flavor that complements the red onion in the salad. Two tablespoons, or 5 grams, of minced fresh chives add a delicate, slightly pungent note. If fresh chives are not on hand, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried chives or even a sprinkle of finely chopped green onion.
• Fresh Dill (3g, 1 Tbsp, minced) – or sub ½ tsp dried dill: Fresh dill adds a distinct, slightly licorice-like flavor that enhances the overall herbaceousness of the dressing. One tablespoon, or 3 grams, of minced fresh dill provides a unique and refreshing flavor. If fresh dill is unavailable, you can substitute with ½ teaspoon of dried dill.
• Garlic Powder (½ tsp): Garlic powder provides a subtle garlic flavor without the sharpness of fresh garlic. Half a teaspoon of garlic powder adds a savory depth to the dressing that complements the blue cheese and herbs. If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, you can add a small clove of minced fresh garlic, but garlic powder is often preferred in dressings for its smoother, more even flavor distribution.
• Kosher Salt (¼ tsp): Kosher salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients in the dressing. A quarter teaspoon is a starting point, and you can adjust the amount to taste. Kosher salt is preferred for its coarser texture and cleaner flavor compared to table salt.
• Pepper (¼ tsp): Black pepper adds a touch of spice and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dressing. A quarter teaspoon is a good starting point, and you can adjust to taste. Freshly ground black pepper is always recommended for its more vibrant flavor.

Instructions

Creating this Wedge Salad with Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing is a breeze, especially since the dressing can be made ahead of time. Here are step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process:

Making the Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing:

1. Combine Dressing Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, gather all the ingredients for the creamy blue cheese dressing: ½ cup reduced-fat blue cheese, ½ cup nonfat Greek yogurt, ¼ cup light mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons nonfat milk, 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, ½ tablespoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried), 2 tablespoons minced fresh chives (or 1 teaspoon dried), 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill (or ½ teaspoon dried), ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
2. Mix Well: Using a whisk or a fork, thoroughly combine all the dressing ingredients. Mix until the dressing is smooth and creamy, with the blue cheese evenly distributed throughout. Don’t worry if there are still some small crumbles of blue cheese – this adds to the texture and flavor of the dressing.
3. Adjust Consistency (Optional): The dressing will initially be quite thick due to the Greek yogurt and blue cheese. If you prefer a thinner dressing, you can gradually add a little more nonfat milk or red wine vinegar, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Remember that the dressing tends to thicken slightly as it chills in the refrigerator.
4. Refrigerate: Once the dressing is mixed to your liking, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dressing to chill. Chilling also helps the dressing to thicken slightly. While the dressing is best enjoyed on the first day, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, due to the nonfat Greek yogurt base, it may become slightly watery after the first day.

Assembling the Wedge Salad:

1. Prepare the Lettuce: If using iceberg lettuce, carefully cut the head into four wedges, starting from the core and slicing upwards. If using romaine lettuce hearts, simply cut each mini head in half lengthwise. Gently rinse the lettuce wedges or romaine halves under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels or a salad spinner.
2. Prepare the Toppings: While the dressing is chilling and you’re preparing the lettuce, get your toppings ready. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Cook the bacon until crispy and crumble it. Dice the red onion finely. Thinly slice the radishes (if using). Crumble the reduced-fat blue cheese.
3. Assemble the Salad: Place each lettuce wedge or romaine half on a plate. Evenly distribute the toppings over each wedge or half, following the quantities listed in the ingredients: ¼ cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 piece crumbled bacon, 2 tablespoons diced red onion, 2 tablespoons sliced radishes (optional), and 1 tablespoon crumbled reduced-fat blue cheese.
4. Dress and Glaze: Generously drizzle each wedge salad with 4 tablespoons of the creamy blue cheese dressing. Finish with a drizzle of ½ tablespoon balsamic glaze over each salad. The balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
5. Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve the wedge salad immediately after assembling. The crisp lettuce, flavorful toppings, and creamy dressing are best enjoyed fresh.

Nutrition Facts

This Wedge Salad with Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing is not only delicious but also surprisingly macro-friendly, especially considering it features a creamy dressing! Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving, based on the recipe as written:

• Servings: 1
• Calories: 192 kcal (approximately)

Key Nutritional Highlights (per serving, approximate):

• Protein: Moderate (from Greek yogurt, blue cheese, and bacon)
• Fat: Moderate (primarily from blue cheese, mayonnaise, and bacon, but using reduced-fat and light options helps keep it in check)
• Carbohydrates: Low (primarily from vegetables and balsamic glaze)
• Fiber: Moderate (from lettuce and vegetables)

Macro-Friendly Aspects:

• Reduced-Fat and Light Ingredients: Using reduced-fat blue cheese, light mayonnaise, and nonfat Greek yogurt significantly reduces the overall fat content compared to traditional wedge salad recipes.
• Lean Protein: The bacon provides some protein, and you can easily boost the protein content further by serving the salad with grilled chicken, steak, or fish as suggested.
• High Volume, Low Calorie: Lettuce and vegetables provide bulk and satisfaction with minimal calories, making this salad a filling and healthy option.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients and portion sizes to fit your specific macro goals. For example, you can reduce the amount of blue cheese dressing or bacon to further lower the fat content.

Important Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes. For the most accurate nutritional information, it’s always recommended to use a food scale and nutrition tracking app to calculate the precise values based on the ingredients you use.

Preparation Time

One of the best things about this Wedge Salad with Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing is how quick and easy it is to prepare.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes (approximately)
• Total Time (including dressing chilling time): 35 minutes (approximately, including 30 minutes for dressing chilling)

Time Breakdown:

• Dressing Preparation: 5 minutes
• Dressing Chilling Time: 30 minutes (minimum, can be chilled longer)
• Salad Assembly: 5 minutes

Efficiency Tips:

• Make Dressing Ahead: The blue cheese dressing can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This saves time on the day you plan to serve the salad.
• Pre-Cook Bacon: Cook the bacon ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows you to simply crumble it and add it to the salad without any cooking time.
• Pre-Wash and Chop Vegetables: Wash and chop the cherry tomatoes, red onion, and radishes (if using) in advance and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. This streamlines the salad assembly process.

With a little bit of prep work done in advance, you can have this delicious and refreshing wedge salad on the table in just minutes!

How to Serve

This Wedge Salad with Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. It’s perfect as a starter, a side dish, or even as a light meal when paired with protein.

Serving Suggestions:

• As a Starter: Serve a wedge salad as a refreshing and flavorful starter before a main course. It’s a great way to whet the appetite and introduce a burst of freshness to the meal.
• As a Side Dish: Wedge salad is an excellent side dish to complement a variety of main courses. It pairs particularly well with:
  • Grilled Meats: Grilled steak, chicken, pork chops, or salmon. The crisp salad and creamy dressing provide a perfect contrast to the richness of grilled meats.
  • Roasted Chicken or Turkey: Serve alongside roasted chicken or turkey for a balanced and flavorful meal.
  • Burgers: Wedge salad is a classic accompaniment to burgers, offering a lighter and healthier alternative to fries.
  • BBQ Ribs or Pulled Pork: The tangy dressing cuts through the richness of BBQ ribs or pulled pork, creating a harmonious flavor combination.
  • Vegetarian Mains: Pair with vegetarian options like grilled halloumi, lentil loaf, or stuffed bell peppers for a complete and satisfying meal.
• As a Light Meal: To make it a more substantial meal, top the wedge salad with:
  • Grilled Chicken or Steak: Add slices of grilled chicken or steak for a protein-packed and satisfying light meal.
  • Hard-Boiled Eggs: Sliced hard-boiled eggs add protein and creaminess.
  • Canned Tuna or Salmon: Flaked canned tuna or salmon provides a quick and easy protein boost.
  • Chickpeas or White Beans: For a vegetarian protein option, add chickpeas or white beans.
• Presentation Ideas:
  • Individual Wedges: Serve each person a wedge salad on their own plate for an elegant presentation.
  • Platter Style: Arrange the lettuce wedges on a platter and let guests serve themselves, adding toppings and dressing as desired.
  • Garnishes: Garnish with extra crumbled blue cheese, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of paprika for added visual appeal.

Additional Tips

To ensure your Wedge Salad with Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing is absolutely perfect every time, here are five helpful tips:

1. Chill Everything: For the crispiest lettuce and most refreshing salad, make sure all your ingredients are well-chilled. Chill the lettuce wedges in the refrigerator before assembling the salad. Keep the dressing refrigerated until just before serving. Cold ingredients enhance the overall texture and flavor of the salad.
2. Don’t Overdress: While the creamy blue cheese dressing is delicious, avoid overdressing the salad. Start with a generous drizzle and let guests add more dressing if they desire. Overdressing can make the lettuce soggy and overwhelm the other flavors. Serve extra dressing on the side.
3. Customize Your Blue Cheese: The type of blue cheese you use will significantly impact the flavor of the dressing. Experiment with different varieties to find your favorite. For a milder dressing, use Gorgonzola Dolce. For a more intense flavor, use Roquefort or Stilton. You can also use a combination of blue cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
4. Fresh Herbs are Key: Fresh parsley, chives, and dill are essential for the bright, herbaceous flavor of the dressing. While dried herbs can be substituted in a pinch, fresh herbs provide a much more vibrant and aromatic taste. If possible, always use fresh herbs for the best results.
5. Make it Ahead (Partially): While the salad is best assembled and served fresh, you can save time by prepping components in advance. Make the blue cheese dressing up to 2 days ahead. Cook and crumble the bacon ahead of time. Wash and chop the vegetables in advance. Store each component separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the salad.

FAQ Section

Here are five frequently asked questions about Wedge Salad with Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing:

Q1: Can I make the blue cheese dressing ahead of time?

A: Yes, absolutely! In fact, making the dressing ahead of time is highly recommended. It allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and saves you time when you’re ready to assemble the salad. The dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that it may become slightly watery after the first day due to the Greek yogurt base, but it will still be delicious.

Q2: Can I substitute Greek yogurt in the dressing?

A: While Greek yogurt is a key ingredient for making this dressing lighter and healthier, you can substitute it if needed. Sour cream or crème fraîche can be used as alternatives, but they will result in a richer and higher-fat dressing. If using sour cream or crème fraîche, you may need to reduce the amount of mayonnaise to maintain the desired consistency.

Q3: I don’t like blue cheese. Can I use a different cheese?

A: If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, you can definitely adapt this recipe. A good substitute for blue cheese in the dressing would be crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese. These cheeses will provide a tangy and creamy flavor, although the dressing will no longer be a “blue cheese” dressing. For the salad toppings, you can omit the crumbled blue cheese or substitute with shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese.

Q4: Can I make this salad vegetarian?

A: Yes, making this salad vegetarian is very easy. Simply omit the bacon from the salad toppings. The rest of the salad and dressing are already vegetarian-friendly. To add some plant-based protein, you can include chickpeas, white beans, or grilled halloumi as toppings.

Q5: How do I prevent the lettuce from getting soggy?

A: To prevent the lettuce from getting soggy, follow these tips:
* Use Crisp Lettuce: Choose fresh, crisp heads of iceberg or romaine lettuce.
* Dry Lettuce Thoroughly: After washing the lettuce, pat it completely dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner to remove excess water.
* Don’t Overdress: Avoid overdressing the salad. Drizzle dressing just before serving and provide extra dressing on the side.
* Assemble Just Before Serving: Assemble the salad right before you plan to serve it. Don’t let dressed salad sit for an extended period, as the dressing will cause the lettuce to wilt.

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