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Flavorful Steakhouse-Style Wedge Salad Recipe with Crispy Pancetta Made Easy

steakhouse-style wedge salad - featured image
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A crisp iceberg wedge salad topped with crispy pancetta, creamy blue cheese dressing, and fresh vegetables, delivering a steakhouse-quality salad that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head iceberg lettuce, cut into 4 wedges
  • 6 ounces pancetta, diced
  • ½ cup blue cheese, crumbled
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup buttermilk
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Carefully remove any wilted outer leaves from the iceberg head. Slice it into four even wedges, keeping the core intact so the wedges hold together. Rinse under cold water and pat dry with paper towels (about 5 minutes).
  2. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy—about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Keep the pan on low heat to keep warm.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine buttermilk, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (about 3 minutes).
  4. Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion. Crumble the blue cheese if not pre-crumbled. Chop chives if using. Set everything aside.
  5. Place each lettuce wedge on individual plates. Spoon a generous amount of dressing over each wedge, letting it drip down the sides. Scatter the crispy pancetta, cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, and crumbled blue cheese over the top. Garnish with chives.
  6. Finish with a light sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately for best texture and freshness.

Notes

For best results, crisp pancetta in a hot skillet without overcrowding to ensure even cooking. Keep the lettuce dry and cold until serving to avoid sogginess. Add pancetta last to maintain crispness. Adjust dressing thickness with milk or water if needed. Store components separately if making ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: wedge salad, steakhouse salad, pancetta, blue cheese dressing, iceberg lettuce, crispy pancetta, easy salad recipe, quick dinner, gluten-free salad

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