Crisp Pioneer Woman Wedge Salad Recipe with Tangy Dressing

The Pioneer Woman’s wedge salad catapults iceberg lettuce from mundane to magnificent, creating a culinary sensation that tingles taste buds.

Crisp lettuce becomes a stunning backdrop for zesty flavors and decadent toppings.

Layers of creamy dressing and crunchy bacon transform this simple slice into a gourmet experience.

Bold and vibrant, the salad captures the essence of classic steakhouse indulgence.

Each forkful promises a thrilling combination of textures that spark pure delight.

Restaurant-worthy yet incredibly easy to assemble, this dish elevates everyday ingredients into something spectacular.

Check out this mouthwatering creation and let your senses dance with excitement.

Cooking Directions for Pioneer Woman Wedge Salad

• Whip Up Creamy Dressing

Grab a mixing bowl and combine creamy ingredients, whisking until silky smooth. Finely chop fresh herbs to add vibrant flavor and texture.

• Create Garlic Magic

Transform raw garlic into a fragrant paste by crushing it with salt. Let the knife do the work, smearing and pressing until the garlic becomes wonderfully smooth and aromatic. Blend this magical mixture into your dressing.

• Develop Rich Flavor Profile

Add tangy buttermilk and a generous sprinkle of black pepper to elevate the dressing’s taste. Pop the bowl into the refrigerator and let the flavors dance and mingle for a short while.

• Assemble Spectacular Salad

Slice a crisp iceberg lettuce head into perfect wedges. Position each wedge on a chilled plate for maximum freshness. Generously cascade your homemade dressing over the lettuce, creating a waterfall of creamy goodness. Shower the wedge with sharp cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of chives. Place extra dressing nearby so guests can customize their experience.

Helpful Suggestions for Pioneer Woman Wedge Salad

• Customize Dressing Intensity: Adjust the garlic paste amount to control the sharpness and depth of flavor. More garlic creates a bolder taste, while less provides a subtle hint of aromatic essence.
• Elevate Cheese Selection: Experiment with different cheese varieties like blue cheese, crumbled goat cheese, or smoked cheddar to add unique flavor profiles and textural complexity to the wedge salad.
• Boost Protein Power: Transform this classic side into a complete meal by topping the wedge with crispy bacon bits, grilled chicken strips, or sliced hard-boiled eggs for added nutrition and satisfaction.
• Create Herb Variations: Swap fresh parsley and chives with alternative herbs like dill, tarragon, or basil to introduce unexpected and exciting flavor dimensions to the creamy dressing.

Pairing Ideas for Pioneer Woman Wedge Salad

• Enhance Your Wedge Salad Experience
• Pair with Protein: Top the salad with crispy bacon bits, grilled chicken strips, or pan-seared salmon for a hearty meal upgrade.
• Create Texture Contrast: Sprinkle toasted sunflower seeds or crispy shallots over the dressing to add a delightful crunch that complements the creamy sauce.
• Wine and Dine Perfectly: Serve alongside a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc or a light chardonnay to balance the rich, tangy dressing and elevate the dining experience.
• Make It a Starter: Present the wedge salad as an elegant appetizer for dinner parties or special gatherings, showcasing the beautiful layers and vibrant green garnishes.

Make-Ahead Tips for Pioneer Woman Wedge Salad

• Meal Preservation Tactics
• Refrigerate leftover dressing in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping flavors fresh and vibrant.
• Dressing Quick-Chill Method
• Store dressing in the coldest part of your refrigerator to maintain optimal texture and prevent separation of ingredients.
• Wedge Salad Prep Strategy
• Cut lettuce wedges just before serving to prevent wilting and maintain crisp, clean edges for maximum visual appeal.
• Smart Serving Suggestion
• Keep dressing and garnishes separately chilled until moments before plating to ensure maximum flavor integrity and temperature contrast.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 475 kcal

Servings: 2

Get These Ready for Pioneer Woman Wedge Salad

• Mayonnaise: Choose full-fat version for richer, silkier texture.
• Sour Cream: Select thick, tangy variety for balanced creaminess.
• Buttermilk: Opt for fresh, cultured buttermilk for subtle tang.

• Fresh Parsley, Fresh Chives: Select bright green, crisp herbs without wilting or yellowing.
• Garlic: Pick firm, plump cloves with tight, unbroken skin for most intense flavor.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Choose aged variety for deeper, more complex taste.
• Kosher Salt: Use coarse grains for better control and distribution.
• Black Pepper: Select whole peppercorns to grind fresh for maximum zesty punch.
• Iceberg Lettuce: Look for dense, heavy head with tight, crisp leaves and vibrant color.

Helpful Gear for Making Pioneer Woman Wedge Salad

• Medium mixing bowl: Perfect for combining and whisking dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Sharp knife: Essential for finely chopping garlic and creating silky garlic paste.
• Whisk: Helps blend mayonnaise, sour cream, and herbs into a creamy consistency.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping garlic and preparing ingredients.
• Chilled plates: Keeps lettuce wedges crisp and enhances salad presentation.
• Small pitcher or bowl: Serves additional dressing on the side for extra flavor.
• Cheese grater: Used for creating fresh, sharp cheddar cheese sprinkles.

Elegant Pioneer Woman Wedge Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Fresh and crisp pioneer woman wedge salad delivers classic steakhouse flavors with creamy blue cheese dressing and crispy bacon bits. Refreshing iceberg lettuce creates perfect platform for bold, tangy ingredients that delight your palate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ½ head iceberg lettuce, cut into 2 wedges
• 2 oz (56 g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) buttermilk
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) finely chopped fresh chives, plus more for topping
• 1 garlic clove
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) kosher salt, plus a pinch
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Dressing Preparation: Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, parsley, and chives in a medium bowl until smooth, creating a creamy foundation for the wedge salad.
2. Garlic Integration: Crush garlic with salt using knife’s edge to create an aromatic paste, then fold into the dressing mixture for an intense flavor boost.
3. Flavor Refinement: Blend buttermilk, salt, and black pepper into the dressing, ensuring a balanced and harmonious taste profile that complements the crisp lettuce.
4. Dressing Maturation: Refrigerate the prepared dressing for 15-20 minutes, allowing herbs and seasonings to meld and develop a more complex, nuanced flavor.
5. Salad Composition: Carefully slice iceberg or romaine lettuce into clean, precise wedges and position centrally on individual serving plates for an elegant presentation.
6. Final Assembly: Generously cascade the chilled dressing over lettuce wedges, ensuring complete coverage, then crown with aged cheddar cheese and freshly chopped chives for a vibrant, textural finish.
7. Serving Suggestion: Place remaining dressing in a side dish, empowering diners to personalize their culinary experience with additional dressing as desired.

Notes

• Chill for Flavor Fusion: Refrigerate dressing for 15-20 minutes to let herbs and seasonings blend and intensify taste profiles.
• Garlic Transformation Technique: Crush garlic with salt using knife’s flat edge to create a concentrated, aromatic paste that distributes evenly through dressing.
• Cheese Selection Matters: Use aged cheddar for sharp, complex flavor that complements the creamy dressing and crisp lettuce wedge.
• Customize Dressing Intensity: Serve extra dressing on side, enabling diners to control moisture and personal flavor preferences.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 475
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 748 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 33 mg