Blue Cheese Wedge Salad with Applewood Smoked Bacon

Crisp iceberg lettuce, applewood smoked bacon, blue cheese crumbles, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch make this Blue Cheese Wedge Salad simple in the best way. Cold, crunchy, creamy, and perfect next to steak, grilled chicken, burgers, or any dinner that needs a fresh side with real flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

• Crisp iceberg lettuce provides the perfect crunch.
• Applewood smoked bacon adds salty, smoky flavor.
• Blue cheese crumbles bring richness and tang.
• Cherry tomatoes add freshness and balance.
• Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch ties everything together.

Flavor Notes

This salad delivers a little bit of everything.

The lettuce stays cold and crisp while the bacon adds a smoky crunch. The blue cheese gives every bite a bold, creamy finish, while the tomatoes and red onion keep things fresh and balanced.

The buttermilk ranch pulls all the flavors together without overpowering the ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside:

• Grilled steak
• Million Dollar Penne
• Burgers
• BBQ chicken
• Ribeye
• Tri-tip
• Wings
• Sandwiches

It also works great as a light lunch with extra bacon or grilled chicken on top.

Special Technique

For the best texture, keep the iceberg lettuce cold until you’re ready to serve.

Assemble the salad just before eating so the ranch stays on the surface and the lettuce keeps its crunch.

Storage + Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed fresh.

If preparing ahead:

• Store toppings separately.
• Keep lettuce refrigerated.
• Add dressing right before serving.

Leftover assembled salad may soften once dressed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different dressing?

A: Absolutely. Blue cheese dressing, ranch, or even a simple vinaigrette all work well.

Q: What bacon works best?

A: Applewood smoked bacon adds the most flavor, but any crispy bacon works.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes. Prep the ingredients ahead and assemble just before serving.

Q: What protein can I add?

A: Grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, or salmon all pair well with this salad.

Reynaldo’s Cocina 📍

Blue Cheese Wedge Salad with Applewood Smoked Bacon

A classic steakhouse-style wedge salad made with crisp iceberg lettuce, applewood smoked bacon, blue cheese crumbles, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x+

• 1 large head iceberg lettuce quartered
• 8 slices applewood smoked bacon cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup blue cheese crumbles
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 1/2 cup red onion diced
• 1/2 cup Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch dressing

Equipment

• Cutting board
• Knife
• Mixing bowl
• – Serving platter

Method

1. Cook bacon until crispy and allow it to cool.
2. Cut iceberg lettuce into four wedges.
3. Arrange wedges on a serving platter.
4. Scatter cherry tomatoes and red onion around and over the wedges.
5. Sprinkle blue cheese crumbles evenly across the salad.
6. Top with crumbled bacon.
7. Drizzle with Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch dressing.
8. Serve immediately.

Notes

• For best results, keep lettuce cold until serving.
• Add dressing just before serving to maintain crunch.