If you’re looking to impress your guests with a fresh and fun twist on a classic favorite, this Wedge Salad Skewers Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine all the crisp, creamy, and savory goodness of a wedge salad, but perfectly portioned on a handy skewer. Each bite delivers the crunch of iceberg lettuce, juicy bursts of cherry tomatoes, crispy bacon, tangy blue cheese, and a drizzle of creamy dressing, making it a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side. This recipe transforms a traditional salad into a playful finger food that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each bringing its own unique contribution to the taste, texture, and vibrant colors of your Wedge Salad Skewers Recipe. Freshness from the iceberg, sweetness from tomatoes, saltiness and crunch from bacon, plus the iconic tang of blue cheese all come together effortlessly.
- Iceberg lettuce, 1 small head: Cut into 8 wedges for that classic crispy crunch that defines this salad.
- Cherry tomatoes, 16 halved: Add juicy sweetness and a pop of vibrant red color.
- Cooked bacon, 8 slices cut in halves: Brings smoky, savory, and crunchy layers that everyone loves.
- Blue cheese crumbles, 1/2 cup: For that unmistakable tangy creaminess that complements the salad perfectly.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, 1/2 cup: Drizzled on top to tie all flavors together with smooth richness.
- Wooden skewers (8-10 inches): Essential for assembling and serving this salad in a fun, portable way.
- Fresh chives or green onions, chopped (optional): A fresh garnish that adds mild onion flavor and a touch of green color.
How to Make Wedge Salad Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by cutting your small head of iceberg lettuce into 8 neat wedges — this will be your salad’s crisp and crunchy backbone. Halve the cherry tomatoes to make them bite-sized and ready for skewering. Cook your bacon until crispy, then slice each strip in half so it fits nicely on the skewer without overpowering the other ingredients.
Step 2: Assemble the Skewers
Take a wooden skewer and thread on one wedge of lettuce first. Follow it with two halved cherry tomatoes, then add a piece of bacon, and finally a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles to bring that bold flavor punch. Keep layering these ingredients in this order until your skewer is nicely packed or your ingredients run out. This stacking creates a beautiful visual and a wonderful balance of flavors in every bite.
Step 3: Dress and Garnish
Once your skewers are assembled, generously drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over the top for creamy richness. If you’re feeling fancy or want a fresh herbal note, sprinkle chopped fresh chives or green onions on top. These little touches elevate the presentation and flavor, making your Wedge Salad Skewers Recipe truly irresistible.
How to Serve Wedge Salad Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, fresh chopped chives or green onions not only add a pop of vibrant green but also bring a mild, fresh onion flavor that brightens the whole skewer. You can also scatter a few extra blue cheese crumbles on the serving platter for a luxurious look and a taste boost.
Side Dishes
Wedge Salad Skewers make a fantastic starter or side to grilled meats like steak or chicken, seafood dishes, or even alongside simple roasted vegetables. Their fresh, crisp qualities provide a wonderful contrast to richer mains, making every meal more balanced and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these skewers standing upright in a wide, shallow glass or decorative container filled with coarse salt or ice to keep them fresh and easy to grab. You might also lay them flat on a platter lined with lettuce leaves or parchment, accompanied by extra dressing on the side for dipping. Play with colors on your serving tray to create a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover Wedge Salad Skewers Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. Keep the dressing separate if possible and drizzle it just before serving again to maintain crispness and freshness.
Freezing
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The delicate crunch of the iceberg lettuce and the texture of bacon and tomatoes could suffer from freezing and thawing.
Reheating
Reheating is unnecessary since this dish is served cold. However, if you want to enjoy the bacon warm, you can remove it from the skewers and gently crisp it up in a skillet before reassembling the skewers or serving separately.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of lettuce for the Wedge Salad Skewers Recipe?
Iceberg lettuce is preferred for its sturdy texture and crunch that hold up well on skewers, but you can experiment with romaine or butter lettuce if you want a different flavor or more tender bite. Just be mindful they may be less crisp.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Wedge Salad Skewers Recipe?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and consider adding grilled or roasted vegetables like zucchini ribbons or crispy fried shallots for a smoky, savory replacement. The blue cheese and dressing will keep the bold flavors alive.
How long does it take to prepare these skewers?
This recipe is designed to be quick and easy, taking about 25 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or when you want a delicious appetizer without a lot of fuss.
What other dressings work well besides ranch or blue cheese?
If you want to switch it up, a creamy Caesar or even a tangy vinaigrette with garlic and herbs can complement the ingredients nicely. Just make sure it’s creamy enough to balance the bacon and blue cheese flavors.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
You can prep all your ingredients ahead and assemble the skewers right before serving to keep them fresh. Keep the dressing and garnishes separate until the last minute for the best texture and presentation.
Final Thoughts
This Wedge Salad Skewers Recipe is such a delightful way to enjoy classic flavors in a fresh, modern way. It’s perfect for casual parties or anytime you want a salad that feels special and fun. I encourage you to give it a try and watch how quickly these bite-sized beauties disappear from the platter. Your friends and family will love this playful spin on a beloved salad!
Print
Wedge Salad Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (8 skewers)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Wedge Salad Skewers offer a fun, appetizer-sized twist on the classic wedge salad. Featuring crisp iceberg lettuce wedges, juicy cherry tomatoes, smoky bacon, creamy blue cheese crumbles, and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing, these skewers are easy to prepare and perfect for parties or light meals. Garnished with fresh chives or green onions, they combine fresh and bold flavors in a convenient handheld form.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 small head iceberg lettuce, cut into 8 wedges
- 16 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 slices cooked bacon, cut into halves
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
Dressing
- 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
Garnish
- Fresh chives or green onions, chopped (optional)
Supplies
- Wooden skewers (8-10 inches long)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Cut the iceberg lettuce into 8 wedges, halve the cherry tomatoes, and cook the bacon until crispy, then cut the cooked bacon slices in half.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread one wedge of lettuce onto a wooden skewer, then add two cherry tomato halves, followed by a piece of bacon. Sprinkle some blue cheese crumbles over the skewered ingredients.
- Repeat Layers: Continue layering the ingredients on the skewer until it is full or you run out of components, ensuring a balanced combination on each skewer.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle each assembled skewer with ranch or blue cheese dressing to add creaminess and extra flavor.
- Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh chives or green onions on top of each skewer for a fresh, vibrant garnish.
- Serve: Serve the wedge salad skewers immediately as a fresh appetizer or a side dish, enjoying the crisp textures and bold flavors.
Notes
- Use sturdy wooden skewers to hold the ingredients securely.
- Crisp bacon works best for texture contrast; cook until nicely crisp but not burnt.
- Feel free to customize with other toppings such as sliced cucumbers or radishes for extra crunch.
- These skewers are best served fresh to prevent lettuce from wilting or tomatoes from releasing too much juice.
- For dairy-free options, substitute blue cheese and dressing with plant-based alternatives.
