This Outback-style wedge salad comes together with simple ingredients and is perfect when you want something fresh, crisp, and full of bold flavor without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Loaded with creamy homemade blue cheese dressing, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, sharp red onion, and a sweet tangy balsamic drizzle, every bite delivers the perfect mix of creamy, crunchy, smoky, and refreshing textures.
Table of Contents
What Makes This Recipe So Good?
One of the best things about this salad is the contrast of flavors and textures.
The cold, crisp iceberg lettuce pairs beautifully with the rich blue cheese dressing and salty bacon, while the balsamic glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness. It works perfectly as a side dish, appetizer, or even a light meal.
Outback Wedge Salad Recipe Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, cut into wedges
- 6 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
For the Dressing
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Notes & Easy Substitutions
- Iceberg Lettuce: This is the classic choice for wedge salad because of its crisp, refreshing crunch.
- Blue Cheese: Adds bold creamy flavor. If you prefer something milder, feta or ranch dressing can work as a substitute.
- Bacon: Gives the salad its smoky, salty crunch. Turkey bacon also works well.
- Heavy Cream: Helps make the dressing rich and smooth.
- Sour Cream and Mayo: Together they create a creamy, balanced dressing base.
- Balsamic Glaze: Adds a sweet tangy finish that ties everything together beautifully.
Equipment & Tools
- Serving Plate: For assembling the salad beautifully
- Mixing Bowl: For preparing the dressing
- Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables and bacon
- Sharp Knife: For clean lettuce wedges and slicing
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate dressing measurements
Outback Wedge Salad Recipe
This Wedge Salad is seriously amazing! It's loaded with creamy homemade Blue Cheese Dressing, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, crunchy corn, creamy avocado, and topped with sweet and tangy Balsamic Reduction. It's a flavor and texture explosion that's super easy to make! This Outback Wedge Salad recipe goes great with any meal or makes a fantastic appetizer. It's light and refreshing yet really satisfying. It's easy to whip up, but the mix of bold flavors and textures will impress even the pickiest eaters.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 1 Head Iceberg lettuce cut into wedges
- 6 slices Crispy bacon crumbled
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/4 cup finely chopped Red onion
- 1/2 cup crumbled Blue cheese
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling
For the dressing:
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Sour cream
- 1/4 cup Crumbled Blue cheese
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Blend all the dressing ingredients until smooth, then pop it in the fridge.
- Cut the lettuce into wedges, give 'em a rinse, and let 'em dry.
- Cook the bacon until it's nice and crispy, then chop it up.
- Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and slice the red onion.
- Plate the lettuce wedges, drizzle on the dressing, and pile on the bacon, tomatoes, onion, extra blue cheese, balsamic glaze, and pepper.
Notes
- Let the dressing sit in the fridge for a couple of hours to let the flavours mingle.
- Make sure the dressing isn’t too thick so it can soak into the lettuce.
- Don’t overdo it with the salt since blue cheese is already salty. But go crazy with the pepper!
Pro Tip: Make sure the lettuce is completely dry after rinsing. This helps the dressing cling better and keeps the salad crisp instead of watery.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 264 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Protein | 8g |
| Potassium | 284mg |
| Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 44mg |
| Calcium | 233mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Chill the dressing before serving for better flavor
- Use very cold lettuce for extra crunch
- Cook bacon until fully crisp
- Cut wedges evenly for a neat presentation
- Drizzle glaze just before serving
- Add freshly cracked black pepper on top
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
- WATERY SALAD? Dry the lettuce thoroughly
- DRESSING TOO THICK? Add a splash of cream
- TOO STRONG? Reduce blue cheese slightly
- BACON TOO SOFT? Cook a little longer until crisp
- SALAD FALLING APART? Keep the core attached while cutting wedges
- TOO SALTY? Use less bacon or blue cheese
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Dressing can be made a day ahead
- Keep dressing refrigerated until serving
- Chop toppings ahead for quick assembly
- Assemble just before serving for best texture
- Leftovers are best eaten the same day
Easy Ways to Customize and Serve It
One of the best things about this salad is how easy it is to customize.
- Add avocado slices for creaminess
- Sprinkle roasted corn for sweetness and crunch
- Add grilled chicken for a heartier meal
- Use ranch instead of blue cheese dressing
- Top with crispy fried onions
- Serve alongside steak or grilled meats
- Add boiled eggs for extra protein
- Use as an elegant starter for dinner
What to Serve With It
- Grilled Steak
- Roast Chicken
- Garlic Bread
- Baked Potatoes
- Steakhouse Fries
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing and toppings in advance, but assemble the salad just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp. - How long can I store the dressing?
The homemade blue cheese dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. - Can I use ranch dressing instead of blue cheese?
Yes, ranch dressing works very well if you prefer a milder and creamier flavor. - What can I use instead of iceberg lettuce?
Romaine hearts or little gem lettuce can be used, but iceberg gives the classic wedge salad crunch. - Can I make this salad without bacon?
Yes, simply skip the bacon for a vegetarian version, or use crispy roasted chickpeas for crunch. - What main dishes go well with this salad?
It pairs beautifully with steak, grilled chicken, burgers, pasta, or any barbecue-style meal. - Can I add avocado to this recipe?
Yes, avocado adds a creamy texture and pairs wonderfully with the blue cheese dressing. - How do I keep the lettuce crisp?
After washing, dry it thoroughly and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. - Can I use store-bought balsamic glaze?
Yes, store-bought balsamic glaze works perfectly and saves time. - Is this best served cold or at room temperature?
It is best served chilled for the freshest flavor and crunchiest texture.
