Hey y’all! Darian here from County Mama Cooking. I’ve got an easy yet delicious salad recipe to share with you today – my turkey bacon ranch wedge salad. It’s one of my favorite fresh, filling lunches to whip up on a busy week.
As I’ve mentioned before, I’m a mama of three adorable kiddos – Zoey, Scarlette, and Dain. They keep me running around but also inspire me daily with their curiosity and zest for life. And of course my loving, supportive husband is always my willing taste tester.
Cooking nourishing meals for my family is one of my greatest joys. I love finding tasty recipes that come together quickly but still feel special. This salad definitely fits the bill! The combo of crispy greens, savory turkey bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and crunchy toppings makes for a very satisfying lunch.
Turkey Bacon Ranch Wedge Salad
Equipment
- 1 medium-sized skillet
Ingredients
- ½ head Iceberg lettuce
- 3 slices Turkey deli meat
- ½ cup Bacon crumble/pieces
Instructions
- Prep your lettuce. Chop off the core, and slice the head of lettuce in half. Place one half in the fridge and the other half on a plate.
- Using a medium-sized skillet, fry up your bacon (approximately 4-6 slices of bacon).
- Once fried, pat dry the grease off of the bacon and sprinkle it over top of the lettuce wedge.
- Chop up the deli turkey meat, and toss it over top of the lettuce wedge.
- Pour ranch salad dressing over the entire lettuce wedge o your liking.
Video
Notes
Serving Your Turkey Bacon Ranch Wedge Salad
Here are some serving suggestion ideas for a Turkey Bacon Ranch Wedge Salad:
- Serve it as an appetizer by cutting the lettuce wedges into smaller bite-sized pieces and providing toothpicks. It’s easy for guests to grab and eat.
- For a light lunch, serve it as is with a side of soup or fresh fruit. The salad is filling enough on its own.
- Make it a hearty dinner salad by adding some grilled or roasted chicken breast on top. The protein takes it to the next level.
- Top the salad with crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs for some extra crunch.
- Drizzle the top with an extra dose of ranch dressing or blue cheese crumbles for even more flavor.
- Add some shredded cheese like cheddar or parmesan on top for more richness.
- Serve it with garlic breadsticks or over bread as a wedge salad sandwich.
- Garnish with extra chopped bacon pieces and fresh chives or green onion for color.
- A side of roasted potatoes or fries complements the salad nicely in place of croutons.
- For a restaurant-style presentation, serve the wedge intact and dress it tableside with the toppings.
The crisp iceberg lettuce, savory bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and blue cheese make this salad a crowd-pleaser on its own. But adding a protein or extra toppings elevates it to the next level. Have fun dressing it up to suit your meal!
Tips for Salad Success
I’ve made this Turkey Bacon Ranch Wedge Salad countless times, so here are some of my best tips:
- Use iceberg lettuce for its perfect wedge shape and crunch factor
- Look for thick-cut turkey bacon for the best texture
- Make the salad wedges bite-sized for easier eating
- Drizzle the ranch dressing on top rather than dunking for maximum coverage
- Let kids customize their wedge with their favorite toppings
- Sprinkle everything with a little extra fresh cracked black pepper – it really makes the flavors pop
FAQs
I know you guys will have some great questions about this recipe, so here are some common FAQs:
What about blue cheese crumbles?
Definitely add them if you love that extra tang! I omit for the kids but sprinkle them on my own.
Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Absolutely! The turkey just lightens it up a bit but regular bacon is delicious too.
What kind of ranch dressing do you recommend?
I like to use a thicker, creamier bottled ranch for better coverage on the lettuce.
How long will the Turkey Bacon Ranch Wedge Salad last in the fridge?
All the components hold up well for 2-3 days. Dress right before eating for maximum freshness.
Can I prepare the Turkey Bacon Ranch Wedge Salad in advance?
Chop ingredients ahead of time but wait to assemble the wedges until ready to eat so the lettuce stays crispy.
What other add-ins work well?
Some of my other faves are avocado, cucumber, bell pepper, tomato, red onion, sunflower seeds, croutons – get creative!
Alright y’all, that wraps up my full recipe and tips for putting together this fresh and filling turkey bacon ranch wedge salad. It truly is one of my favorite weekday lunch recipes.
I love the crunch of the crisp lettuce paired with the creaminess of the ranch dressing and the salty savoriness of the turkey bacon. Then being able to customize it with so many fun toppings makes it different every time.
Let me know if you give this Turkey Bacon Ranch Wedge Salad a try! I always love seeing your beautiful creations. And if you have any special add-ins or tweaks, make sure to share. I’m all about modifying recipes to suit your tastes.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to enjoy a wedge salad for lunch! But first I have to go make sure my kiddos clean their rooms. Wish me luck! Until next time, stay fresh and flavorful out there.