There's just something about a classic wedge salad, isn't there? It’s a dish that, you know, really makes you feel like you're getting a treat, especially when it comes from a place like Outback Steakhouse. That particular restaurant, as a matter of fact, is widely known as the home of juicy steaks, spirited drinks, and that special Aussie hospitality. People go there for their delicious and bold cuts of juicy steak, sure, but also for those fantastic starters and sides.

Making restaurant favorites right in your own kitchen can be, well, pretty satisfying. You get to control all the ingredients, adjust things to your taste, and, in a way, bring a little bit of that restaurant magic home. This is especially true for the Outback Wedge Salad, which is, honestly, a pretty simple concept but so, so good. It’s a dish that, you know, many folks crave after a visit, or even just thinking about the menu.

So, if you’ve been dreaming about that cool, crisp lettuce, the rich, creamy dressing, and those yummy toppings, you’re in the right spot. We’re going to walk through how to make your very own Outback Wedge Salad recipe, right here. You’ll get all the details, from picking the best ingredients to putting it all together, and some tips for making it just right, too.

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Table of Contents

• What Makes the Outback Wedge Salad So Special?
  • The Iconic Wedge
  • The Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing
  • Crispy Toppings
• Gathering Your Ingredients for Outback Wedge Salad
  • For the Salad
  • For the Blue Cheese Dressing
• Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Outback Wedge Salad
  • Preparing the Dressing
  • Assembling the Salad
• Tips for the Perfect Outback Wedge Salad Every Time
  • Ingredient Quality Matters
  • Chilling is Key
  • Customizing Your Wedge
• Serving Suggestions and Pairings
• Common Questions About the Outback Wedge Salad Recipe

What Makes the Outback Wedge Salad So Special?

The Outback Wedge Salad is, in some respects, a true classic. It’s not just a salad; it’s an experience, you know? It shows up as a refreshing starter, a nice contrast to the bold flavors of their steak, chicken, ribs, or fresh seafood. What makes it stand out, really, are a few key things that work together just perfectly, creating a dish that’s both simple and incredibly satisfying.

The Iconic Wedge

At the heart of this salad is, naturally, the wedge itself. We're talking about a quarter of a crisp head of iceberg lettuce. Iceberg might seem a bit old-fashioned to some, but it’s picked for a reason. It has that amazing crunch, that cool, watery freshness that really cleanses your palate. And because it’s served as a large wedge, it provides a very unique texture and eating experience, very different from a chopped salad. It’s, like, a big, satisfying chunk of green goodness.

The iceberg, you know, holds up incredibly well to the dressing and toppings. It doesn’t wilt quickly, which is, honestly, a big plus. This means you can take your time enjoying it, and it stays crisp from the first bite to the last. This particular type of lettuce is, in a way, the perfect canvas for all the flavors that are added on top.

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The Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing

Then there’s the dressing, which is, arguably, the star of the show. The Outback Wedge Salad features a rich, creamy blue cheese dressing. This isn't just any blue cheese dressing; it’s got a particular tang and creaminess that complements the crisp lettuce just beautifully. It’s got that strong, distinctive blue cheese flavor, but it’s balanced so it doesn’t overwhelm everything else. You know, it’s a dressing that sticks to the lettuce and coats it well.

Making this dressing at home is, you know, a key part of getting that authentic taste. It involves a mix of creamy elements and, obviously, good quality blue cheese. The little bits of cheese throughout the dressing give it texture and bursts of flavor, which is, basically, what makes it so appealing. It's, like, the perfect counterpoint to the cool, mild lettuce.

Crispy Toppings

No wedge salad is complete without its toppings, and the Outback version doesn't disappoint. You've got those wonderfully crisp bits of bacon, which add a salty, smoky crunch. Then there are often chopped tomatoes, which bring a burst of juicy freshness and a bit of color. Sometimes, you might find some red onion, too, adding a slight sharpness that cuts through the richness of the dressing.

These toppings are, in a way, what give the salad its depth and complexity. The bacon provides a savory element, the tomatoes offer a bright, acidic note, and the onion adds a little zing. It’s a combination that, you know, really works together to create a balanced and very enjoyable bite every single time. It’s, basically, all about those different textures and tastes coming together.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Outback Wedge Salad

To make this fantastic salad at home, you’ll need some fresh, good quality items. Getting the right ingredients is, you know, the first step to making something truly delicious. Don't skip on quality here; it really does make a big difference in the final taste, honestly. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand for both the salad and that amazing blue cheese dressing.

For the Salad

• Iceberg Lettuce: You’ll need one medium to large head of iceberg lettuce. Look for one that feels firm and heavy, with crisp outer leaves. This is, you know, pretty important for that signature crunch.
• Bacon: About 4-6 slices of thick-cut bacon. You want to cook this until it’s nice and crispy, then crumble it up. This is, like, a crucial element for texture and flavor.
• Cherry Tomatoes or Roma Tomatoes: A handful of cherry tomatoes, halved, or one medium Roma tomato, diced. These add a pop of color and a fresh, juicy bite. They are, you know, very important for brightness.
• Red Onion (optional): A small amount, perhaps a quarter of a small red onion, thinly sliced or finely diced. This is for a little sharpness, if you like that kind of thing. It's, you know, a personal preference.

For the Blue Cheese Dressing

• Mayonnaise: Half a cup of good quality mayonnaise. This forms the creamy base of your dressing. It's, like, the foundation.
• Sour Cream or Buttermilk: A quarter cup of sour cream or buttermilk. This adds tang and thins the dressing slightly. Buttermilk will give a thinner, tangier dressing, while sour cream will be thicker and richer. You can, you know, choose based on what you prefer.
• Blue Cheese: About 4 ounces of crumbled blue cheese. Choose a good quality blue cheese that you enjoy the taste of. Some like a stronger, more pungent cheese, while others prefer a milder one. This is, you know, where the main flavor comes from.
• White Wine Vinegar or Lemon Juice: One tablespoon. This brightens up the dressing and balances the richness. It's, you know, pretty essential for that zing.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Half a teaspoon. This adds a savory depth, a little something extra that makes the dressing special. It's, like, a secret ingredient for some.
• Garlic Powder: A quarter teaspoon. Just a touch for a subtle garlic note.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. You’ll want to season this well to bring out all the flavors. Seasoning is, you know, very important for any recipe.
• Milk (optional): One to two tablespoons, if you need to thin the dressing a bit more to your liking. Sometimes, you know, it just needs a little bit more liquid.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Outback Wedge Salad

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get to making this delicious salad. The process is, honestly, pretty straightforward, but paying attention to each step will ensure you get that authentic Outback taste and feel. It’s, you know, all about getting the layers right.

Preparing the Dressing

The dressing is, arguably, the most important part, so let’s start there. Making it ahead of time is, you know, a really good idea because it allows the flavors to meld together. This is, like, a key step for taste.

1. Crumble the Blue Cheese: If your blue cheese isn't already crumbled, gently break it into small pieces. You want some fine bits for flavor and some larger chunks for texture.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream (or buttermilk), white wine vinegar (or lemon juice), and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk these together until they are smooth and well combined. This is, you know, the creamy base.
3. Add Blue Cheese and Seasonings: Gently fold in most of the crumbled blue cheese, saving a little bit for garnish if you like. Add the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s just combined. You don't want to overmix it, honestly.
4. Adjust Consistency (if needed): If the dressing seems too thick for your liking, add a tablespoon of milk at a time, stirring until you reach your desired consistency. Remember, it should be thick enough to coat the lettuce but pourable.
5. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes, or even better, for a few hours. This chilling time is, you know, very important for the flavors to develop and for the dressing to get nice and cold.

Assembling the Salad

Once your dressing is chilling, you can prepare the other components. This part is, you know, pretty quick and easy, making it a great option for a quick meal or side.

1. Cook the Bacon: Cook your bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until they are wonderfully crispy. Once cooked, remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess fat. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small, bite-sized pieces. This is, like, a very important texture element.
2. Prepare the Lettuce: Carefully remove any outer, loose leaves from the head of iceberg lettuce. Rinse the head under cold water and pat it very dry. Then, using a sharp knife, cut the head of lettuce into four equal wedges through the core. You want to make sure the core stays intact for each wedge, as this holds the wedge together. This is, you know, a pretty key step for presentation.
3. Prepare Other Toppings: Halve your cherry tomatoes or dice your Roma tomato. If using red onion, thinly slice or finely dice it.
4. Assemble: Place one wedge of iceberg lettuce on each serving plate. Now, generously spoon the chilled blue cheese dressing over the top of each wedge, allowing it to drizzle down the sides. Don't be shy with the dressing; it's, honestly, what makes it so good.
5. Garnish: Sprinkle the crumbled crispy bacon over the dressing. Then, scatter the prepared tomatoes and red onion (if using) over the top. You can, you know, add any reserved blue cheese crumbles now too for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal.
6. Serve Immediately: The Outback Wedge Salad is best enjoyed right after it’s assembled, while the lettuce is still super crisp and cold.

Tips for the Perfect Outback Wedge Salad Every Time

Making a great wedge salad isn’t just about following the steps; it’s also about a few little tricks that can really make it shine. These tips will help you get that restaurant-quality experience right in your home kitchen, you know, every single time.

Ingredient Quality Matters

For a salad with so few ingredients, the quality of each one really, really counts. Start with the freshest iceberg lettuce you can find. A firm, dense head will give you the best crunch. For the blue cheese, pick one you genuinely enjoy eating on its own. The flavor of the cheese will, you know, really come through in the dressing. And for the bacon, choose a good quality, thick-cut variety. Crispy, flavorful bacon is, like, essential here.

Don't, you know, skimp on the mayonnaise or sour cream either. These form the base of your dressing, and a good quality brand will provide a much better texture and taste. Using fresh ingredients is, basically, the foundation of a truly delicious salad.

Chilling is Key

Both the lettuce and the dressing should be very, very cold when you serve this salad. A warm wedge salad just isn't the same. After you cut your lettuce wedges, you might even want to put them in the fridge for another 15-20 minutes to ensure they are super crisp and cold. The dressing, as we talked about, should also be well-chilled for the best flavor and consistency. This is, honestly, a step you don't want to skip for that refreshing feel.

A cold salad, you know, provides a wonderful contrast to a warm meal, like those juicy steaks Outback is famous for. It's that cool, crisp bite that, basically, makes it so satisfying. So, plan ahead a little bit to give everything time to chill properly.

Customizing Your Wedge

While the classic Outback Wedge Salad recipe is fantastic as is, you can always, you know, make it your own. If you’re not a huge fan of blue cheese, you could try a different creamy dressing, perhaps a ranch or a green goddess. You could also add other toppings like chopped hard-boiled eggs, croutons, or even some grilled chicken if you want to make it a fuller meal.

Some people, you know, like a little extra kick, so a dash of hot sauce in the dressing or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top could be an option. You could also try different types of tomatoes or add some chopped chives for a fresh oniony flavor. It's, basically, your kitchen, so feel free to experiment a little and find what you like best.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Outback Wedge Salad is, you know, a versatile dish. It works wonderfully as a starter, much like you’d find it at the restaurant. It’s a great way to kick off a meal featuring some hearty fare, perhaps a grilled steak or some flavorful chicken. The coolness of the salad provides a nice balance to richer main courses.

You could also, you know, serve it as a lighter lunch option, especially if you add some grilled protein like chicken or shrimp to make it more substantial. It pairs well with a simple soup or a piece of crusty bread. For drinks, a spirited beverage, perhaps a nice iced tea or even a light red wine, would complement it beautifully. It’s, like, a really flexible dish that fits many different meal scenarios.

Common Questions About the Outback Wedge Salad Recipe

People often have questions about making this particular salad at home. Here are some common ones, you know, that might help you out too.

Can I make the blue cheese dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! In fact, making the dressing a few hours or even a day in advance is, honestly, a great idea. It allows all those wonderful flavors to really meld together and deepen. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's, like, even better when the flavors have had time to hang out.

What kind of blue cheese is best for the dressing?

The best blue cheese is, you know, really a matter of personal taste. Some people prefer a milder blue cheese, like Gorgonzola or a creamy Danish blue, for a less intense flavor. Others might go for a sharper, more pungent variety like Roquefort or Stilton for a bolder taste. Try a few different kinds to see which one you like best in your dressing. You want something that, basically, you enjoy eating on its own.

How do I keep the iceberg lettuce from wilting?

The key to keeping iceberg lettuce crisp is to make sure it's very cold and dry. After you cut your wedges, if you're not serving them immediately, you can wrap them loosely in a damp paper towel and then place them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. This helps maintain moisture without making them soggy. Also, only dress the salad right before serving, as the dressing can, you know, cause the lettuce to wilt over time. It's, like, all about timing.

Making your own Outback Wedge Salad recipe at home is, you know, a very rewarding experience. It’s a chance to enjoy a restaurant favorite with your own personal touch. Whether you're making it for a special dinner or just a simple lunch, this salad is, honestly, always a hit. We hope you give it a try and enjoy every crisp, creamy bite. Learn more about delicious home cooking on our site, and find more great ideas by checking out our recipe collection.