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There is something truly delightful about sharing a fresh, crunchy salad that feels both rustic and elegant at the same time. This Wedge Salad Board Recipe takes the classic wedge salad you love and transforms it into a vibrant party centerpiece bursting with textures, colors, and bold flavors. Crisp iceberg lettuce wedges serve as the foundation, complemented by creamy blue cheese and ranch dressings, smoky bacon, tangy tomatoes, and crispy fried onions, all beautifully arranged on a large board for everyone to help themselves. It’s a fun, interactive way to enjoy a salad that’s as much about the experience as it is the taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a lengthy list of fancy ingredients to pull off this Wedge Salad Board Recipe. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture, turning simple salad staples into an extraordinary spread.
- 2 Heads Iceberg Lettuce: Provides the crisp, refreshing base that holds up perfectly for wedges.
- Blue Cheese Dressing: Adds rich creaminess and sharp tang, a signature flavor for wedge salads.
- Ranch Dressing: Offers a mild, herbaceous option for guests who prefer something less pungent.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Brings juicy sweetness and vibrant red color to brighten the board.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a subtle bite and lovely purple hue.
- Cooked Bacon: Crispy, smoky chunks that add irresistible crunch and savoriness.
- Fried Onions: For that extra crunchy texture and slightly sweet flavor punch.
- Blue Cheese Block: A little chunk of bold, creamy cheese for those who want to crumble on their own.
- Crumbled Feta: Adds a salty, tangy alternative cheese to diversify the taste palate.
How to Make Wedge Salad Board Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Board and Ingredients
First, find a large serving or charcuterie board that will comfortably hold all the elements of this salad feast. Arrange several small bowls or ramekins to hold the dressings and cheeses. If you haven’t done so already, fry the bacon until it’s nicely crispy, then drain and chop it into bite-sized pieces. This prep step sets the stage for an inviting, accessible presentation where every ingredient shines on its own while complementing the others.
Step 2: Cut and Arrange the Lettuce Wedges
Take the iceberg lettuce heads and quarter each one so you have eight substantial wedges in total. Arrange these wedges thoughtfully around the outer edge of your board, creating a fresh, green foundation. Their firm, crunchy texture is perfect to hold up amidst all the toppings and dressings without getting soggy too quickly, making it ideal for a shared board experience.
Step 3: Place Dressings and Cheeses Centrally
Spoon your blue cheese and ranch dressings into separate small bowls or ramekins, as well as the crumbled feta and chunks of blue cheese. Position these centrally on the board so everyone can easily dip or crumble to taste. This setup encourages interaction and lets guests customize their wedges to their liking, enhancing the communal dining vibe this board captures so beautifully.
Step 4: Add Fresh and Crunchy Toppings
Halve those plump cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onions. Fill in the spaces between the bowls and lettuce wedges with piles of tomatoes, onions, the crispy fried onions, and chopped bacon pieces. Make sure to include small spoons in the dressing bowls to keep things neat and easy. All that remains is to bring out plates and invite guests to dive into this deliciously carefree salad experience that the Wedge Salad Board Recipe so wonderfully provides.
How to Serve Wedge Salad Board Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your wedge salad board is an opportunity to elevate both the look and flavor without complicating things. A sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or parsley adds a pop of green, while a few cracked black pepper flakes over the wedges can enhance the savory notes in every bite. Adding edible flowers or thin cucumber ribbons can also be charming garnishes that make the board feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This board works marvelously as a standalone centerpiece or alongside simple, complementary sides. Lightly toasted bread or buttery crostini are perfect to scoop up leftover dressings and cheeses. For heartier meals, consider pairing it with grilled chicken, steak, or even a chilled seafood platter as a refreshing accompaniment. The salad’s crispness always balances richer main dishes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t feel limited to a single wooden board; consider using a large slate tray or marble platter to give a modern twist to your layout. Layering small elevated stands or using colorful bowls can add visual interest and dimension. For an outdoor summer party, go rustic with a picnic-style spread on a linen cloth, encouraging casual and convivial sharing. The charm of the Wedge Salad Board Recipe lies in its versatility and inviting display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the lettuce wedges separately from the dressings and toppings in airtight containers. This prevents sogginess and keeps everything fresh for another meal. Assemble just before serving again to enjoy the best texture.
Freezing
Because the main ingredients like fresh lettuce and dressings do not freeze well, this recipe is best enjoyed fresh. Freezing is not recommended as it will negatively affect the texture and flavor of the salad components.
Reheating
Since the salad is served cold and fresh, reheating is not applicable. However, any cooked bacon can be gently warmed in a skillet if desired before adding back to the salad board for the next serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of lettuce for the wedge salad board?
Iceberg lettuce is preferred because of its firm texture and crispness, which holds dressings and toppings well without wilting quickly. However, romaine can be a suitable alternative if you enjoy a slightly different flavor and crunch.
How should I store the leftover dressings?
Leftover dressings should be kept in tightly sealed jars or containers and refrigerated. They typically last about a week depending on freshness when purchased or homemade.
Is it necessary to include both blue cheese and feta?
Including both cheeses offers a delicious variety of flavors and textures. If you prefer, you can choose just one type based on your and your guests’ preferences without losing the essence of the salad.
Can I prepare the toppings in advance?
Yes, you can chop and prepare the tomatoes, onions, bacon, and fried onions a few hours ahead. Keep them refrigerated and assemble everything right before serving to maintain maximum freshness.
What kind of bacon works best for this recipe?
Thick-cut bacon is ideal as it crisps up nicely and adds more substance to the bite. Avoid overly thin bacon strips that may become too brittle or greasy.
Final Thoughts
The Wedge Salad Board Recipe is a fantastic way to bring people together around a shared love of fresh, flavorful food. Its lively combination of textures, colors, and tastes makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Don’t hesitate to try this inviting twist on a classic salad—you just might find it becoming a favorite go-to recipe for your next party or casual meal with friends.
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Wedge Salad Board Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This vibrant Wedge Salad Board is a perfect shareable appetizer featuring crisp iceberg lettuce wedges surrounded by an array of fresh and flavorful toppings including cherry tomatoes, red onions, crispy bacon, fried onions, and a variety of cheeses with blue cheese and ranch dressings. It’s easy to assemble and makes a stunning centerpiece for any gathering.
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 2 Heads Iceberg Lettuce
Toppings
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 medium Red Onion, thinly sliced
- 6 slices Cooked Bacon, fried until crispy and chopped
- 1/2 cup Fried Onions
Cheeses
- 1 small Blue Cheese Block (approx. 4 oz)
- 1/2 cup Crumbled Feta Cheese
Dressings
- Blue Cheese Dressing, to taste (approx. 1/2 cup)
- Ranch Dressing, to taste (approx. 1/2 cup)
Instructions
- Prepare the Board and Ingredients: Gather a large serving or charcuterie board along with several ramekins or small bowls for the dressings and cheeses. If the bacon isn’t pre-cooked, fry the slices until crispy, then drain the grease and chop into small pieces.
- Cut the Lettuce Wedges: Slice each head of iceberg lettuce into four quarter wedges, yielding eight wedges total. Arrange these wedges evenly around the perimeter of the serving board.
- Arrange Dressings and Cheeses: Place the blue cheese dressing and ranch dressing into separate small bowls or ramekins. Similarly, place the blue cheese block and crumbled feta in other small bowls. Position these bowls in the center area of the board strategically.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion. Arrange piles of the cherry tomatoes, sliced onions, crispy fried onions, and chopped bacon in the spaces between the ramekins and lettuce wedges, creating a colorful and inviting presentation.
- Serve Immediately: Provide small spoons for serving the dressings and cheeses, along with plates for guests to help themselves to their preferred combinations. Enjoy the salad fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Using fresh iceberg lettuce ensures crispness for the wedges.
- Fry bacon just before assembly for optimal crunch.
- Keep dressings chilled until serving to maintain freshness.
- This salad board is best served immediately to prevent wilted lettuce.
- Substitute blue cheese with another crumbly cheese if preferred.
