Feta Dressing Iceberg Wedges: A Refreshing Summer Salad Recipe

Feta Dressing Iceberg Wedges: Prepare to experience a flavor explosion that will redefine your salad game! Forget everything you thought you knew about iceberg lettuce because this isn’t your average, boring side dish. We’re taking the humble iceberg wedge and elevating it to a culinary masterpiece with a creamy, tangy, and utterly addictive feta dressing.

While iceberg lettuce might not have the richest history or cultural significance, its crisp texture and refreshing qualities have made it a staple in American cuisine for decades. It’s the perfect blank canvas for showcasing bold flavors, and that’s precisely what we’re doing here. Think of it as the ultimate palate cleanser, ready to be transformed into something truly special.

What makes feta dressing iceberg wedges so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The crisp, cool crunch of the iceberg lettuce is beautifully contrasted by the creamy, salty, and slightly tangy feta dressing. The feta cheese adds a delightful Mediterranean flair, while the dressing itself is incredibly easy to make. People love this dish because it’s quick, refreshing, and satisfying – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to add a healthy and delicious element to any meal. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this simple yet sophisticated salad!

Ingredients:

• 1 large head of iceberg lettuce
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese, preferably Greek
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons milk (more if needed to thin)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon dried dill
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
• Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)
• Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Feta Dressing

Okay, let’s start with the star of the show: the feta dressing! This is where all the magic happens. I promise, it’s super easy and tastes absolutely divine.

1. Combine the base ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, add the crumbled feta cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Make sure your feta is nicely crumbled; larger chunks will make the dressing a bit lumpy.
2. Add the liquids: Pour in the milk and lemon juice. The lemon juice adds a lovely tang that balances the richness of the feta and mayonnaise.
3. Incorporate the aromatics: Add the minced garlic, dried dill, and black pepper. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. I personally love the little bit of heat it adds!
4. Blend until smooth (or almost smooth): Now, you have a couple of options here. You can use an immersion blender directly in the bowl to blend the dressing until it’s nice and smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the mixture to a regular blender or food processor. If you’re using a regular blender, be careful when blending hot liquids (though this isn’t hot, it’s always good to be cautious!). Blend until the dressing is mostly smooth. I actually prefer a little bit of texture, so I don’t blend it completely smooth. A few small feta crumbles are perfectly fine!
5. Adjust the consistency: If the dressing is too thick, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. You want it to be pourable but still thick enough to cling to the lettuce wedges.
6. Taste and adjust seasonings: This is crucial! Give the dressing a taste and see if it needs any adjustments. Maybe it needs a little more lemon juice for extra tang, or perhaps a pinch more pepper. Trust your taste buds!
7. Chill the dressing: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the dressing to thicken slightly. You can even make it a day ahead of time!

Preparing the Iceberg Lettuce Wedges

Next up, let’s get those iceberg lettuce wedges ready. This is probably the easiest part of the whole recipe, but there are a few tricks to getting perfect wedges.

1. Wash the iceberg lettuce: Rinse the head of iceberg lettuce under cold running water. Make sure to remove any loose or damaged outer leaves.
2. Cut off the core: Place the lettuce on a cutting board with the core facing down. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut out the core. You can do this by making a circular cut around the core and then pulling it out.
3. Cut into wedges: Now, cut the lettuce into wedges. I usually aim for 4 wedges per head, but you can cut it into 6 or even 8 smaller wedges if you prefer. Just make sure each wedge has a piece of the core attached to hold the leaves together.
4. Rinse the wedges again: Gently rinse the lettuce wedges under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.
5. Dry the wedges thoroughly: This is important! Excess water will dilute the dressing and make the wedges soggy. You can use a salad spinner to dry the wedges, or you can gently pat them dry with paper towels.
6. Chill the wedges: Place the lettuce wedges in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the salad. This will help them stay crisp and refreshing.

Assembling the Feta Dressing Iceberg Wedges

Alright, we’re in the home stretch! Now it’s time to put everything together and create those beautiful, delicious iceberg wedges.

1. Arrange the lettuce wedges: Place the chilled lettuce wedges on individual serving plates.
2. Generously drizzle with feta dressing: Spoon or drizzle a generous amount of the chilled feta dressing over each lettuce wedge. Don’t be shy! You want every bite to be coated in that creamy, tangy goodness.
3. Garnish with toppings: Now for the fun part! Sprinkle the crumbled bacon (if using) over the dressed wedges. Then, scatter the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped fresh chives on top. The tomatoes add a pop of color and sweetness, while the chives provide a fresh, oniony flavor.
4. Serve immediately: Serve the feta dressing iceberg wedges immediately. The longer they sit, the more the lettuce will wilt and the dressing will soak in. You want to enjoy them while they’re still crisp and fresh!

Tips and Variations

Here are a few extra tips and ideas to customize this recipe to your liking:

• Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the salad, such as sliced cucumbers, red onions, or bell peppers.
• Use different herbs: If you’re not a fan of dill, you can substitute it with other herbs, such as parsley, oregano, or thyme.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the bacon for a vegetarian version. You can add toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
• Add protein: Top the wedges with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more substantial meal.
• Make it vegan: Use vegan mayonnaise and sour cream alternatives, and omit the feta cheese. You can create a similar flavor by blending soaked cashews with lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for extra heat.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the feta dressing and lettuce wedges ahead of time, but wait to assemble the salad until just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These feta dressing iceberg wedges are perfect as a starter, side dish, or light lunch. They pair well with grilled meats, fish, or poultry. You can also serve them alongside a bowl of soup or a sandwich.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! It’s a simple yet elegant salad that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another salad; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The crisp, refreshing crunch of the iceberg lettuce, combined with the tangy, creamy, and utterly addictive Feta Dressing, creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll understand why I’m so excited to share it with you. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I’m confident it will become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I adore this salad as is, there are so many ways to customize it to your liking. For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Crispy bacon bits or crumbled prosciutto would also be fantastic additions, lending a salty, savory counterpoint to the creamy dressing and refreshing lettuce. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some chopped Kalamata olives or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of Mediterranean flavor.

And don’t limit yourself to just iceberg lettuce! While it provides the perfect crispness, you could also experiment with other types of lettuce, such as romaine or butter lettuce, for a different texture and flavor profile. You could even use this amazing Feta Dressing as a dip for crudités or as a topping for grilled vegetables. The possibilities are truly endless!

Serving suggestions? This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, such as steak, chicken, or fish. It’s also a wonderful accompaniment to pasta dishes or soups. For a light and refreshing lunch, simply enjoy it on its own. And if you’re hosting a barbecue, this salad is a must-have side dish that will impress your guests.

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I truly believe it’s a winner. The combination of the crisp iceberg, the creamy feta, and the endless possibilities for customization make it a must-try for anyone who loves fresh, flavorful food. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and prepare to be amazed.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of the Feta Dressing for yourself. And I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think? Please, share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create and share recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking, and bon appétit! I can’t wait to hear from you! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to answer them. Enjoy!

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