A steakhouse wedge salad is a simple yet elegant dish that highlights crisp iceberg lettuce topped with creamy blue cheese dressing and flavorful toppings. Inspired by the classic served at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, this salad combines crunchy lettuce with rich cheese, juicy tomatoes, and savory elements to create a refreshing starter or light meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This wedge salad is a perfect balance of crisp, creamy, and savory flavors. The iceberg lettuce provides a refreshing crunch while the blue cheese dressing adds richness and depth.
It’s also incredibly easy to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can recreate a restaurant-quality salad at home in minutes.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can customize the toppings depending on your taste preferences, making it perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or as a side dish alongside grilled meats.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 large head iceberg lettuce, cut into 4 wedges
1/2 cup blue cheese dressing
1/3 cup blue cheese crumbles
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup finely sliced red onion
1/4 cup toasted breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Remove any damaged outer leaves from the iceberg lettuce. Rinse the head thoroughly under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
Cut the lettuce into four equal wedges by slicing through the core so that each wedge holds together.
Place each wedge on a serving plate with the cut side facing up.
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of blue cheese dressing over each wedge, allowing it to drip slightly between the leaves.
Sprinkle blue cheese crumbles evenly over the wedges.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced red onion on top and around the lettuce wedges.
Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs over the salad for a light crunch.
Finish with chopped parsley and freshly ground black pepper.
Serve immediately while the lettuce remains crisp and fresh.
Grilled Chicken Wedge Salad
Add sliced grilled chicken breast on top of the wedge to transform the salad into a complete meal.
Avocado Wedge Salad
Top the salad with diced ripe avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
Herb Dressing Version
Replace the blue cheese dressing with a creamy herb dressing for a milder flavor.
Spicy Version
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of spicy sauce to give the salad a gentle kick.
Mediterranean Style
Include sliced cucumbers, olives, and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
Storage/Reheating
Wedge salad is best enjoyed immediately after assembling to maintain the crisp texture of the lettuce.
If needed, you can store the prepared ingredients separately in the refrigerator. The lettuce wedges can be kept in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Blue cheese dressing should be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator and used within 5 days.
Assembled salads are not recommended for storage because the dressing will soften the lettuce.
Reheating is not necessary since this dish is served cold.
FAQs
What is a wedge salad?
A wedge salad is a classic salad made by cutting a head of iceberg lettuce into wedges and topping it with dressing, cheese, and other garnishes.
Why is iceberg lettuce used for wedge salad?
Iceberg lettuce has a firm structure and crisp texture that holds together when cut into wedges, making it ideal for this style of salad.
Can I make the blue cheese dressing at home?
Yes, homemade blue cheese dressing can be made using mayonnaise, sour cream, blue cheese crumbles, lemon juice, and seasonings.
Can I prepare the lettuce ahead of time?
Yes, you can wash and cut the lettuce wedges a few hours ahead and store them in the refrigerator wrapped in paper towels.
What can I use instead of blue cheese?
You can substitute feta cheese, goat cheese, or shredded cheddar if you prefer a different flavor.
How do I keep the lettuce crisp?
After washing the lettuce, dry it thoroughly and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Can this salad be served as a main dish?
Yes, adding protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted chickpeas can turn it into a satisfying main course.
What tomatoes work best for wedge salad?
Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes are ideal because they are sweet, juicy, and easy to prepare.
Is this salad suitable for gatherings?
Yes, wedge salads are great for entertaining because they look impressive and are easy to assemble quickly.
Can I add extra toppings?
Absolutely. Popular additions include avocado, cucumbers, roasted nuts, or fresh herbs.
Conclusion
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse Wedge Salad is a timeless dish that proves simple ingredients can create an unforgettable flavor combination. Crisp iceberg lettuce, creamy blue cheese dressing, and fresh toppings make this salad refreshing, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a starter or a light meal, it brings a touch of steakhouse elegance to your table with minimal effort.
A crisp and refreshing steakhouse-style wedge salad inspired by Ruth’s Chris, featuring iceberg lettuce topped with creamy blue cheese dressing, tomatoes, onions, and crunchy breadcrumbs.
Ingredients
1 large head iceberg lettuce, cut into 4 wedges
1/2 cup blue cheese dressing
1/3 cup blue cheese crumbles
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup finely sliced red onion
1/4 cup toasted breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Remove any damaged outer leaves from the iceberg lettuce and rinse the head thoroughly under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.
Cut the lettuce into four equal wedges through the core so each wedge holds together.
Place each wedge on a serving plate with the cut side facing up.
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of blue cheese dressing over each wedge, letting it drip slightly between the leaves.
Sprinkle blue cheese crumbles evenly over the wedges.
Add halved cherry tomatoes and sliced red onion on and around the wedges.
Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs over the salad for added crunch.
Finish with chopped parsley and freshly ground black pepper.
Serve immediately while the lettuce remains crisp.
Notes
Use very cold iceberg lettuce for the crispiest texture.
Homemade blue cheese dressing can enhance flavor.
Toasted breadcrumbs add extra crunch but can be replaced with croutons.
Additional toppings such as avocado, grilled chicken, or bacon-style toppings can be added.
Assemble just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
