This steakhouse wedge salad is crisp, creamy, and loaded with bacon, tomatoes, and homemade blue cheese dressing for a simple salad that always feels a little special. Easy to make in minutes and perfect as a side, starter, or light lunch.
5-Star Review
"This is our new favorite salad!! The dressing is so good and it's made my entire family fans of blue cheese. We make it on the regular now!"
- Susan B.
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A good steakhouse wedge salad does not need much — just crisp iceberg, great blue cheese dressing, and a few bold toppings that make every bite count. This version keeps all the classic steakhouse flavor but makes it easy enough for weeknights, holidays, or any dinner that needs a simple side with a little presence.
Why This Steakhouse Wedge Salad Works
- The dressing carries it: Thick, creamy, tangy blue cheese dressing makes the whole salad.
- Classic steakhouse texture: Crisp lettuce, bacon, tomato, and onion keep every bite balanced.
- Fast to build: Minimal prep and ready in about 15 minutes.
- Works with almost any dinner: Especially steak, chicken, or simple roasted mains.
What You'll Need & Why
For the Salad
- Iceberg lettuce — quartered into wedges; keep it extra cold for max crunch
- Crispy bacon — cooked and crumbled; salty, smoky, perfect
- Cherry tomatoes — halved; juicy pops of sweetness
- Red onion — very finely diced for extra bite
- Chives — thinly sliced; mild onion flavor without overpowering
- Fresh cracked pepper — balances the richness
- Balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar — a light drizzle adds brightness
For the Blue Cheese Dressing
- Mayonnaise — the creamy base
- Sour cream — adds tang and richness
- Worcestershire sauce — for savory depth + umami
- White wine vinegar — brightens and sharpens the flavors
- Fresh parsley — light, herby freshness
- Blue cheese: A creamy block-style blue cheese gives the dressing the best texture and flavor.
- Salt & pepper — season to taste
Tips For The Best Steakhouse Wedge Salad
A few small details make a steakhouse wedge salad taste restaurant-level at home.
- Make the dressing first: Even a short chill improves the flavor.
- Keep the lettuce very cold: Cold lettuce gives the salad its signature crunch.
- Use crisp bacon: Crunch matters here.
- Soften sharp onion if needed: A quick soak takes the edge off.
- Assemble right before serving: The wedge stays crisp and the dressing stays thick.
- Finish with balsamic if you like: A light drizzle adds great contrast.
Wedge Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Blue Cheese Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4-6 oz good quality blue cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsely, chopped
- 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- kosher salt to taste
- fresh ground pepper to taste
Wedge Salad
- 2 heads iceberg lettuce, quartered
- 1 pkg bacon, crisped and crumbled
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup red onion, small diced
- balsamic vinegar for drizzling
- flakey sea salt to taste
- fresh cracked pepper to taste
Instructions
Make The Dressing
- Mix all of the dressing ingredients together in a mixing bowl.
- Throw the dressing in the fridge until you're ready to use it. I will suggest making it at least 4 hours before you're ready to eat. The flavors will develop and the dressing will be tastier if you give it a little time.
Arrange The Salad
- For the base, I start with the quartered iceberg lettuce. Add halved cherry tomatoes and finely diced red onion. Sprinkle with the bacon.
- Dollop the blue cheese dressing over the top, add a little flakey sea salt and cracked black pepper.
- Lightly drizzle the wedge salad with the balsamic vinegar.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
Make It a Meal
This steakhouse wedge salad fits especially well next to rich mains and simple sides.
- Roasted prime rib: A classic pairing and especially good for holiday dinners.
- Twice baked potato casserole: Rich, cozy, and very steakhouse-friendly.
- Roasted asparagus: Simple, bright, and an easy balance to the creamy dressing.
- Grilled steak or herb roasted chicken: The natural dinner match for a wedge salad.
- Simple salmon or shrimp: Great if you want something lighter.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Dressing: Store the blue cheese dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Prep ahead: Keep the lettuce, bacon, tomatoes, and onions stored separately until ready to serve.
- Best assembled fresh: Wedge salads are best built right before eating so everything stays crisp.
You Asked, I Answered
What lettuce is used for a wedge salad?
Classic wedge salad is made with iceberg lettuce because it stays crisp and holds up well to creamy dressing and toppings.
What’s the best blue cheese for wedge salad?
A creamy block-style blue cheese works best here. Crumbling it yourself gives the dressing the best texture and flavor.
Who's Stirring The Pot?
Hi, I’m Ruth—recipe developer, comfort-food creator, and the voice behind Rufus For Real. I specialize in cozy, doable, flavor-packed meals for real-life kitchens, and I’m a firm believer that breakfast, dinner, and everything in between should be simple, satisfying, and impossible to mess up.
You’ll find me sharing even more comfort-food goodness, kitchen tips, and behind-the-scenes chaos over on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube (@rufusforreal everywhere).
If you love approachable recipes with a whole lot of personality, pull up a chair—there’s always room at this table.
Happy Cooking!
-Ruth aka Rufus
Amanda Stevens says
This dressing is my new favorite. I took your advice and got the Point Reyes cheese. It’s so much better than the crumbled stuff. Love the simplicity. We use it as a veggie dip too!