If you’re on the hunt for a showstopper salad that’s equal parts crisp, creamy, and absolutely satisfying, the Wedge Salad with Creamy Buttermilk Dressing will quickly become your go-to. This classic features crunchy iceberg lettuce cut into bold, hearty wedges, then layered with smoky bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, a sprinkling of blue cheese, and a luscious homemade buttermilk dressing that ties everything together. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a restaurant-worthy salad at home, this dish delivers flavor and elegance with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of making a Wedge Salad with Creamy Buttermilk Dressing is the simplicity and versatility of its ingredients. Each component serves a purpose, from crunch and freshness to tang and savory richness, so make sure to use the freshest you can find for best flavor and texture.
- Iceberg lettuce: The star of this salad, iceberg delivers unbeatable crunch and stays brilliantly crisp, especially when chilled ahead of time.
- Cherry tomatoes: These bring sweetness, juiciness, and vibrant color to your plate—go for the ripest you can find!
- Red onion: Adds a punch of zesty flavor and beautiful purple ribbons to balance out the dressing’s creaminess.
- Bacon: Salty, smoky, and irresistibly crunchy; cooked until crisp and crumbled for the perfect savory bite.
- Blue cheese (optional): This pungent, creamy cheese is classic, but feel free to swap in feta or skip it altogether for a milder salad.
- Freshly cracked black pepper: A finishing sprinkle brightens up every layer of this salad.
- Buttermilk: The base for your ultra-creamy dressing, lending a subtle tang and luscious texture.
- Mayonnaise: Brings body and silkiness to the dressing, making it coat each wedge perfectly.
- Sour cream: Adds fluffiness and cool, rich depth to the dressing.
- Lemon juice: Just a splash awakens the dressing with fresh, bright acidity.
- White vinegar: Boosts the dressing’s tang and gives it a distinctive sharpness.
- Garlic: Minced finely for a mild, savory undertone in every bite.
- Chopped fresh chives (or dried): These deliver a gentle onion flavor and a pop of green that feels like pure freshness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to pull every element into harmony.
How to Make Wedge Salad with Creamy Buttermilk Dressing
Step 1: Whisk Together the Dressing
Start the Wedge Salad with Creamy Buttermilk Dressing by making your signature sauce. In a small bowl, combine the buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, and white vinegar. Add your minced garlic and chives, then whisk until the mixture looks smooth and fully blended. Give it a taste—season generously with salt and pepper. Pop it in the fridge for at least 15 minutes, which gives the flavors a chance to mingle and deepen.
Step 2: Cut and Chill the Lettuce
Take your crisp head of iceberg lettuce and slice it into four equal wedges, keeping the core intact to hold each wedge together. For that extra-refreshing crunch, place the wedges in the fridge while you prep the other toppings. Chilled lettuce is a small touch that makes a huge difference here!
Step 3: Prep the Toppings
Cook your bacon until it’s beautifully crispy, then crumble it once cooled. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and thinly slice the red onion—these colorful ingredients are what make the Wedge Salad with Creamy Buttermilk Dressing so eye-catching and delicious. Crumble your blue cheese (if using) and keep the black pepper handy for the finishing touch.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Place each lettuce wedge on a plate. Drizzle a generous amount of your creamy buttermilk dressing over the top and into all those leafy nooks. Scatter on the cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, crisp bacon, and blue cheese crumbles. Finish with several twists of freshly cracked black pepper. Your Wedge Salad with Creamy Buttermilk Dressing is ready to impress!
How to Serve Wedge Salad with Creamy Buttermilk Dressing
Garnishes
A final flourish of garnishes can turn your Wedge Salad with Creamy Buttermilk Dressing into a true showpiece. Sprinkle on extra chives or sliced scallions for a green pop or opt for more crumbled bacon if you’re feeling indulgent. Even a tiny drizzle of olive oil or an extra grind of pepper can layer in added freshness and pizzazz.
Side Dishes
This salad’s creamy, tangy richness pairs perfectly with grilled steak, roast chicken, or seared salmon for a classic American steakhouse feel. You can also serve it alongside a piping hot baked potato or a crusty hunk of sourdough for an unbeatable dinner combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to have fun with your plating! Try serving mini wedges for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, stack the ingredients in jars for a picnic-ready salad, or offer a “build-your-own” bar so everyone can customize their own Wedge Salad with Creamy Buttermilk Dressing creation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the lettuce wedges and toppings separately from the dressing whenever possible. This will help keep the lettuce crisp and prevent any sogginess. Wrap the wedges in paper towels and seal them in an airtight bag or container, and refrigerate the dressing alone in a lidded jar or container.
Freezing
Wedge Salad with Creamy Buttermilk Dressing isn’t freezer-friendly since lettuce and dairy-based dressings don’t freeze well and may separate or wilt upon thawing. For the best results, prepare and enjoy fresh, and only refrigerate short-term leftovers.
Reheating
This is a no-cook salad, so there’s no need to reheat anything! If you’d like, briefly crisp up leftover bacon in a skillet or microwave. Always dress your lettuce wedges right before serving to preserve crunch and freshness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Salad
Absolutely! While iceberg is classic for its crunch and sturdiness, feel free to try romaine hearts or little gem lettuce for a slightly different (but still delicious) version of the Wedge Salad with Creamy Buttermilk Dressing.
Is there a way to make the dressing lighter?
You can easily lighten the buttermilk dressing by using low-fat buttermilk, light sour cream, and a reduced-fat mayonnaise. The flavor will still be tangy and creamy, though the texture may be a bit thinner.
What if I don’t like blue cheese?
No problem at all! Swap in feta cheese for a milder, slightly salty kick, or leave it out entirely. The Wedge Salad with Creamy Buttermilk Dressing is just as tasty with or without strong cheese.
Can I make the salad ahead of time?
The dressing can be made up to three days in advance and stored in the fridge. Prep the toppings ahead, but wait to cut the lettuce and assemble the salad until just before serving for the freshest crunch.
Is the Wedge Salad with Creamy Buttermilk Dressing gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your blue cheese and bacon labels to be certain if you’re cooking for someone with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to wow with minimal effort, give this Wedge Salad with Creamy Buttermilk Dressing a try. It offers every flavor and texture you could want in a salad, all dressed up in a creamy tang that practically begs for a fork. Treat yourself or share with family and friends — this classic will never go out of style!
