The Ultimate Wedge Salad Upgrade
Ready to take the classic steakhouse wedge salad to a whole new level? This recipe swaps traditional bacon for luxuriously crispy pork belly, creating an unforgettable explosion of flavor and texture. The cool, crisp iceberg lettuce is the perfect canvas for a creamy dairy-free ranch, juicy tomatoes, and a savory kick from Everything Bagel Seasoning. It’s a simple, elegant, and incredibly satisfying dish that comes together in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
• 1 large head iceberg lettuce, quartered
• 1 cup / 240 ml dairy-free ranch dressing, store-bought or homemade
• 12 ounces / 340 g precooked pork belly, cooked crisp and chopped
• 12 grape tomatoes, halved
• 3 tablespoons chopped red onions or Pickled Red Onions
• A few sprigs of fresh dill, for garnish
• 2 tablespoons Everything Bagel Seasoning
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Prepare the Pork Belly: If it isn’t already crispy, slice the precooked pork belly and pan-fry it in a dry skillet over medium-high heat until golden and crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and chop into bite-sized pieces.
3. Assemble the Base: Place each of the four iceberg lettuce wedges onto individual serving plates, cut-side up.
4. Dress the Salads: Generously drizzle each wedge with ¼ cup (60 ml) of the dairy-free ranch dressing, allowing it to seep into the layers.
5. Add the Toppings: Evenly distribute the crispy pork belly, halved grape tomatoes, and chopped red onions over the four salads.
6. Garnish and Serve: Finish with a garnish of fresh dill sprigs and a generous sprinkle of Everything Bagel Seasoning. Serve immediately for the best crunch.
Nutritional Information
• PER SERVING
• CALORIES: 152
• FAT: 10g
• PROTEIN: 8.5g
• TOTAL CARBS: 5g
• FIBER: 2.5g
• NET CARBS: 2.5g
Pro Tips
• for the Perfect Wedge
• For a major time-saver, use precooked pork belly, like the one from Trader Joe’s. Simply slice and pan-fry in a dry skillet until crisp.
• To prep the lettuce, remove the outer leaves, cut the head into quarters through the core, then rinse each wedge under cold water and pat thoroughly dry. Keeping the core intact helps the wedge hold its shape.
• You can prep all the toppings ahead of time. Store the chopped pork belly, tomatoes, and onions in separate airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
• Don’t have pork belly? Crispy bacon, grilled chicken, or even roasted chickpeas make excellent protein substitutes. Feel free to add other toppings like avocado or crumbled feta.
FAQ
Q: What makes this wedge salad different from a classic one
A: This ultimate wedge salad recipe upgrades the classic by swapping traditional bacon for luxuriously crispy pork belly. It also adds a modern twist with a savory kick from Everything Bagel Seasoning for extra flavor and texture.
Q: Can I make this wedge salad ahead of time
A: Yes, you can prep the toppings in advance. Store the crispy pork belly, halved tomatoes, and chopped onions in separate airtight containers in the fridge. To keep the lettuce perfectly crisp, assemble the salad just before serving.
Q: What can I use instead of pork belly in this recipe
A: If you don’t have pork belly, classic crispy bacon is an excellent substitute. You could also use grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian protein option.
Q: Is this pork belly wedge salad keto-friendly
A: Yes, with only 2.5g of net carbs per serving, this recipe is a great keto-friendly and low-carb meal. Just ensure the dairy-free ranch dressing you use is also low in sugar and carbs to fit your dietary needs.
