Loaded Wedge Salad

Loaded Wedge Salad is a bold and satisfying twist on the classic steakhouse favorite. A crisp wedge of iceberg lettuce is topped with crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, hard-boiled eggs, crunchy breadcrumbs, and rich blue cheese or ranch dressing—perfect as a side or main course.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Stunning presentation with minimal effort
• Balanced textures—crunchy, creamy, and crisp
• Bursting with savory, tangy, and fresh flavors
• Customizable to suit your preferences
• Quick to assemble with prepped ingredients
• Great for entertaining or casual meals
• Naturally low-carb and gluten-free (with adjustments)
• Impressive and filling without being heavy
• Ideal as a side or standalone meal
• Crowd-pleasing and easy to prep ahead

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

– 1 head iceberg lettuce, cut into 4 wedges
– 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
– 1 avocado, diced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– ¼ cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
– ½ cup blue cheese or ranch dressing
– ½ cup toasted breadcrumbs or croutons
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions

Optional blue cheese dressing:
– ½ cup sour cream
– ¼ cup mayonnaise
– ¼ cup buttermilk
– 1 tablespoon vinegar
– ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese

directions

1. Cook bacon until crispy, drain, and crumble.
2. Hard-boil eggs, peel, and chop.
3. Toast breadcrumbs or crush croutons if using.
4. Prepare dressing by mixing all ingredients and refrigerating for 20 minutes if making from scratch.
5. Cut iceberg lettuce into quarters and remove core. Rinse and pat dry.
6. Place each wedge on a plate. Drizzle with dressing, then layer with bacon, eggs, avocado, tomatoes, onions, breadcrumbs, and chives.
7. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Use ranch, Caesar, or green goddess dressing instead of blue cheese
• Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak for a full meal
• Include cucumbers, olives, or bell peppers for extra crunch
• Make it vegetarian by omitting bacon and adding nuts or seeds
• Use turkey bacon or pancetta for a different flavor
• Try romaine hearts or butter lettuce if you prefer a softer green
• Swap blue cheese for feta or cheddar if preferred
• Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a tangy finish
• Make mini wedges for appetizer portions
• Top with pickled onions for added tang

storage/reheating

Store all components separately for up to 3–4 days.
Assemble just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
Do not freeze.
Lettuce and creamy dressings do not hold up well to freezing.

FAQs

What type of lettuce is best for wedge salad?

Iceberg is classic for its crisp texture and ability to hold toppings. Romaine hearts can also work.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, prep all toppings and store them separately. Assemble and dress just before serving.

Is it necessary to use blue cheese?

Not at all—ranch, feta, or even Caesar dressing make great alternatives.

How can I make this vegetarian?

Omit the bacon and add roasted chickpeas, nuts, or a plant-based protein.

Can I serve this as a main dish?

Yes, just add a protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or hard-boiled eggs to make it more substantial.

What’s the best way to cook bacon for this recipe?

Bake or pan-fry until crisp, then drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled.

Can I use store-bought dressing?

Absolutely—choose your favorite high-quality brand for convenience.

How do I keep avocado from browning?

Toss it with lemon or lime juice and add it just before serving.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, skip the breadcrumbs or use gluten-free croutons.

What’s the best way to slice the wedge?

Quarter the head of lettuce from top to stem, removing the core from each piece.

Conclusion

Loaded Wedge Salad is a simple yet stunning dish packed with flavor, texture, and color. Whether you’re making it as a starter, a side, or a complete meal, it’s sure to impress with its bold toppings and creamy dressing. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, this salad earns its place at any table.

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