This Easy Wedge Salad Dip is a fun twist on a classic! It combines creamy dressing, crispy bacon, crunchy lettuce, and fresh tomatoes for a tasty party treat.
You can serve this dip with chips or veggies—perfect for sharing! I love how simple it is to make, so I can whip it up in no time and impress my friends. Bring on the chips! 🥓🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Iceberg Lettuce: Crisp and cool iceberg is perfect for this dip. If you want a bit more flavor, you might consider using romaine lettuce or a mix of greens instead. Just chop them finely so they layer nicely!
Cream Cheese: This is what gives the dip its creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you could use Greek yogurt or reduced-fat cream cheese to keep it rich but less heavy.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds crunch and flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try using roasted chickpeas or crispy fried shallots for that crunch without meat.
Blue Cheese: This adds a tangy kick to your dip. If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, feel free to substitute it with feta cheese or even cheddar for a milder flavor.
Sour Cream & Mayonnaise: These provide the classic creamy richness. You can swap out the mayo for avocado for a lighter, healthier alternative, as it still adds creaminess!
How Do I Layer for the Best Presentation?
For a stunning dip, it’s all about the layers! Start with your creamy base, ensuring it’s spread evenly. Here’s how to do it:
- Spread the cream cheese mixture in your serving dish, smoothing it out to the edges. This prevents the next layer from mixing in.
- Carefully add the chopped lettuce, making sure to distribute it evenly to create a nice green layer.
- Gently place the quartered tomatoes on top. The more colorful, the better!
- Sprinkle the crumbled bacon delicately on the tomatoes for an even layer.
- Finish by adding the blue cheese and chives on top to create a beautiful garnish that will make everyone want to dig in!
This helps maintain the separate flavors and looks great when served, making it a real crowd-pleaser!
Easy Wedge Salad Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- Tortilla chips or crackers, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing this Easy Wedge Salad Dip will take about 15 minutes! It’s a quick and fun recipe that does not require any cooking except for cooking your bacon, if not pre-cooked. After making it, you can serve right away, but it’s also great to let it chill in the refrigerator for a short while to enhance the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Creamy Base:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. This creamy mixture will be the base of your dip!
2. Spread the Base:
Take a shallow serving dish (an 8-9 inch round dish works great) and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly across the bottom. It should form a nice even layer.
3. Add the Greens:
Next, evenly layer your chopped iceberg lettuce over the creamy base. This crispy layer adds a refreshing crunch that is classic to a wedge salad.
4. Top with Tomatoes:
Now, scatter the quartered cherry tomatoes over the lettuce. Spread them out evenly, so each bite has a bit of that juicy freshness.
5. Sprinkle the Bacon:
Add a delicious layer by sprinkling the crumbled cooked bacon over the tomatoes. This savory addition brings a fantastic flavor contrast!
6. Finish with Cheese:
Next, sprinkle the blue cheese crumbles evenly on top of everything. If you are not a blue cheese fan, feel free to substitute it with feta or another cheese of your liking!
7. Garnish:
Finally, garnish your dip with the freshly chopped chives for a pop of color and a bit of extra flavor!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Easy Wedge Salad Dip immediately with tortilla chips or crackers for dipping. Gather your friends and enjoy this delightful party treat!
This dip is a fun fusion of flavors inspired by the classic wedge salad that everyone will love at your next gathering! 🥗🥓
FAQ for Easy Wedge Salad Dip
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cream cheese mixture and layer the dip up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Add the garnishes right before serving to keep them fresh!
What Can I Substitute for Blue Cheese?
If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, you can easily substitute it with feta cheese for a milder taste. Cheddar cheese or even goat cheese works well too, depending on your preference!
Can I Use Different Lettuce?
Yes! While iceberg is traditional for that crispiness, you can use romaine lettuce or even mixed greens if you prefer. Just chop them finely to maintain a good texture in the dip!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, it’s best to keep the tortilla chips separate until you’re ready to serve the dip again!