Classic wedge salad meets chopped salad in this fresh, easy side dish built from crisp lettuce, smoky bacon, juicy tomatoes, tangy blue cheese and bright chives, finished with a light homemade blue cheese dressing. This chopped wedge salad delivers the same satisfying flavors of a traditional wedge but in bite-sized pieces for simple serving and easy eating.
Chopped Wedge Salad
If you love the crunch and bold flavors of a wedge salad but prefer easier forks-in bites, this chopped wedge salad is the ideal compromise. It keeps the classic ingredients—iceberg or butter lettuce for crunch, center-cut bacon for savory smoke, blue cheese for cream and tang, and ripe tomatoes for freshness—tossed together so every forkful delivers contrast and balance. Serve it alongside steak, roast chicken, burgers, or as a standout side at a summer cookout.
Why You’ll Love This Chopped Wedge Salad
This version captures everything you enjoy about a wedge but makes it easier to eat and serve. Chop the lettuce and toss the ingredients so the dressing coats everything evenly. It’s a hospitable, no-fuss salad that works for weeknight dinners or entertaining.
- No knife at the table: Everything is chopped so each bite is complete.
- Authentic wedge flavor: Bacon, blue cheese and tomato give the same classic profile but in a convenient salad format.
- Versatile side: Pairs effortlessly with grilled meats, roasted poultry, sandwiches and burgers.
Ingredients You Will Need
Below are the main ingredients for this easy chopped wedge salad. Exact measurements are shown in the recipe card further down.
- Iceberg lettuce – for crisp crunch; butter or romaine will also work.
- Center-cut bacon – cooked until crisp for a salty, smoky bite; turkey bacon is a lighter alternative.
- Tomatoes – diced or halved cherry tomatoes for juicy sweetness.
- Blue cheese – crumbled for creamy tang; Gorgonzola is a good substitute.
- Blue cheese dressing – homemade dressing is recommended for a fresher, lighter finish.
Tips and Variations
- For a lighter salad, use turkey bacon and reduced-fat blue cheese or a smaller amount of dressing.
- Swap iceberg for romaine, red leaf or butter lettuce depending on the texture you prefer.
- Substitute blue cheese with gorgonzola or feta for a milder flavor.
- Replace blue cheese dressing with buttermilk ranch if you prefer a different creamy dressing.
- To make it a main dish, add sliced grilled chicken, grilled shrimp, or thinly sliced steak for protein.
- Make ahead: keep the dressing separate and combine just before serving to preserve crunch. Prepared components stored separately will keep in the refrigerator for 1–2 days.
Recipe Card — Chopped Wedge Salad
Chopped Wedge Salad
Yield: 4 servings
Prep: 10 mins • Cook: 5 mins • Total: 15 mins
Ingredients
- 6 cups chopped romaine, butter or iceberg lettuce
- 2 small tomatoes, diced (or 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes)
- 5 slices cooked center-cut bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/2 cup Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing (or store-bought if preferred)
- Chopped chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chopped lettuce in a large serving bowl or platter.
- Top with diced tomatoes, chopped bacon and crumbled blue cheese.
- Drizzle the blue cheese dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, or serve the dressing on the side for guests to add their preferred amount.
- Sprinkle with chopped chives and serve immediately.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 132 • Protein: 10 g • Carbs: 5.5 g • Fat: 8 g • Fiber: 2 g • Sodium: 406 mg
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This chopped wedge salad complements a wide range of main dishes. Try it with grilled steak, roast chicken, pan-seared salmon, burgers or sandwiches. It also works well as part of a buffet or picnic spread. For a more substantial meal, add sliced grilled chicken, shrimp or thinly sliced steak to turn the salad into a protein-packed entrée.
More Side Salads You Might Enjoy
- Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Arugula and Fresh Fig Salad with Goat Cheese
- Classic Tomato Salad
- Peach and Arugula Salad
- Simple Arugula Salad