Grilled Wedge Salad with Spicy Ranch Dressing

Ready to ditch boring salads? Get ready for the Grilled Wedge Salad with Spicy Ranch Dressing ! This isn’t your grandma’s iceberg lettuce. Imagine crisp, slightly charred lettuce drizzled with creamy, spicy ranch and loaded with fresh toppings. It’s the perfect balance of smoky, cool, and zesty, making it a showstopper for any occasion. Inspired by classic American steakhouses, this salad takes a modern twist with grilled lettuce and a flavorful spicy kick. Let’s fire up the grill and get started!

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Wedge Salad

This Grilled Wedge Salad with Spicy Ranch Dressing is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore it:

• Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Elevates simple iceberg lettuce to gourmet status.
• Features layers of smoky and fresh flavors.
• The spicy ranch dressing adds an irresistible kick.
• Budget-friendly and uses easy-to-find ingredients.
• Less cleanup than traditional elaborate salads.
• Customizable with your favorite toppings.
• A vibrant and beautiful dish perfect for entertaining.

Ingredients Needed

For the Salad:

• 1 large head iceberg lettuce, cut into 4 wedges
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml) – Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5g)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (0.5g)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (150g) – Choose ripe and juicy cherry tomatoes.
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (40g) – Soak the red onion in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce its sharpness.
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (10g) – Fresh chives add a delicate onion flavor.

For the Spicy Ranch Dressing:

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (120g) – Opt for full-fat Greek yogurt for a richer and creamier dressing.
• 1/4 cup buttermilk (60ml)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (30g)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15ml) – Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for brightness.
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (5ml) – Use your favorite brand! Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (2.5g)
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (2.5g)
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (0.5g)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (0.5g) – Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (10g) – Dill adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (40g) – Feta adds a salty and tangy finish.

Pro Tip: For a more intense flavor, lightly toast the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a dry pan for a minute before adding them to the dressing.

Sourcing Tip: Look for locally grown cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs at your local farmers’ market for the best flavor!

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Cheesy Zucchini Breadsticks – Pair these cheesy sticks for a great companion for your salad.

Essential Equipment List

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• Grill (gas or charcoal): Essential for that smoky char. A gas grill offers easier temperature control.
• Mixing bowls: For preparing the spicy ranch dressing.
• Whisk: To blend the dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Pastry brush: To evenly coat the lettuce wedges with olive oil.
• Sharp knife: For cutting the lettuce and other ingredients.
• Cutting board: To protect your countertops.
• Serving plates: For presenting your beautiful grilled wedge salads.

Optional: Tongs are helpful for flipping the lettuce on the grill.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
• Total Time: 21-23 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Spicy Ranch Dressing:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, buttermilk, mayonnaise, lemon juice, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and fresh dill.
2. Whisk all the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Season the spicy ranch dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Refrigerate the prepared spicy ranch dressing until you are ready to use it. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Grill the Lettuce:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C). Make sure the grill grates are clean.
2. Brush each iceberg lettuce wedge lightly with olive oil on all cut sides.
3. Season the lettuce with salt and black pepper. This helps to enhance the natural flavors of the lettuce and adds a savory element.
4. Place the lettuce wedges directly on the preheated grill.
5. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear and the edges are slightly charred, but the lettuce remains crisp. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Assemble and Serve:

1. Carefully remove the grilled lettuce wedges from the grill and place each wedge on individual serving plates.
2. Drizzle the spicy ranch dressing generously over each grilled lettuce wedge.
3. Top with halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and fresh chives.
4. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top of each salad.
5. Serve the Grilled Wedge Salad with Spicy Ranch Dressing immediately while the lettuce is still slightly warm from the grill.

CHECK OUT: Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips – A simple, healthy side to complement the salad.

Tips for Success

• Don’t over-grill: The goal is a slight char, not wilted lettuce. Keep a close eye on the grill and adjust the heat as needed.
• Chill the dressing: This allows the flavors to meld and intensifies the spice.
• Customize your toppings: Add crispy fried onions, bacon alternatives, or your favorite cheese.
• Use a sharp knife: This will help you cut the lettuce cleanly and prevent bruising.
• Pat the lettuce dry: Before grilling, pat the cut sides of the lettuce dry with a paper towel to help them char better.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegan Option: Use plant-based yogurt, mayonnaise, and feta cheese alternatives for a vegan version.
• Different Cheese: Substitute feta with blue cheese, goat cheese, or parmesan for a different flavor profile.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper to control the spice level of the dressing.
• Herbs: Experiment with different fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil in the dressing.
• Vegetables: Add grilled corn, cucumber, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Grilled Wedge Salad

This Grilled Wedge Salad with Spicy Ranch Dressing is a fantastic starter or side dish! Pair it with:

• Grilled steak, chicken, or plant-based protein for a complete meal.
• Roasted vegetables for a lighter option.
• A refreshing sparkling water with a lemon wedge to balance the richness.

Serve it at your next barbecue, potluck, or family dinner for a guaranteed hit!

Health Benefits

This salad offers some nutritional benefits! Iceberg lettuce provides hydration and fiber. Greek yogurt is an excellent source of protein and calcium. The vegetables add vitamins and antioxidants. Plus, you can adjust the dressing to control the fat content. Did you know that iceberg lettuce, despite its reputation, contains vitamins A and K?

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Store the spicy ranch dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Lettuce: It’s best to serve the grilled lettuce immediately. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but be aware that they may lose some of their crispness.
• Reheating: Reheating the lettuce is not recommended. It is best enjoyed fresh off the grill.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the lettuce from falling apart while grilling?

Make sure to cut the lettuce into thick wedges, leaving the core intact. This will help hold the leaves together during grilling. Brush the cut sides with olive oil to create a barrier and prevent the lettuce from sticking to the grill.

Can I use a different type of lettuce?

While iceberg lettuce is traditional for a wedge salad, you can experiment with other crisp lettuce varieties like romaine or butter lettuce. Keep in mind that different types of lettuce may require slightly different grilling times.

Can I make the spicy ranch dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making the dressing ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together and intensifies the spice. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

How do I adjust the spice level of the dressing?

Start with a small amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper, and then add more to taste until you reach your desired level of spiciness. You can also use different types of hot sauce to customize the flavor.

What other toppings can I add to the salad?

The possibilities are endless! Some popular additions include crispy fried onions, bacon alternatives, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, croutons, and different types of cheese.

Can I grill the lettuce on an indoor grill pan?

Yes, you can use an indoor grill pan if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill. Just make sure the grill pan is preheated to medium-high heat before adding the lettuce wedges.

Nutritional Information

• Serving Size: 1 wedge
• Calories: Approximately 180
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Protein: 6g

Note: Exact nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. Use a nutrition calculator for precise details.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more vibrant and exciting salads? Here are a few other recipes you might enjoy:

• Thai Cabbage Chicken Salad – A light and refreshing salad with a flavorful peanut dressing.
• Watermelon Salad with Feta – A summery salad that perfectly combines sweet and savory flavors.
• Peach Burrata Salad – An elegant and delicious salad with creamy burrata and juicy peaches.

Conclusion

The Grilled Wedge Salad with Spicy Ranch Dressing is fast, flavorful, and a definite crowd-pleaser. It elevates a simple salad into something truly special. Whip it up tonight and tag us with your culinary masterpiece! Share this recipe with your friends and family who would love it! Join our vibrant community on Facebook and Pinterest for daily recipe inspiration, cooking tips, and more tasty ideas! Happy cooking! Let us know how it goes—comment below!

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