The Best Chicken Wedge Salad

Introducing The Best Chicken Wedge Salad, a delightful combination of crisp iceberg lettuce, tender shredded cooked chicken, savory blue cheese crumbles, and crispy roasted chickpeas + juicy cherry tomatoes all drizzled with a tangy blue cheese dressing. This refreshing salad offers the perfect blend of textures, with the perfect crunch that only a wedge salad can offer! Totally Gluten-free + Meatless Option.

What I absolutely adore about a good wedge salad is that crispy, crunchy lettuce. Haha. Sure, chopped salads and TikTok-famous creations like the green goddess salad might be having their moment, but trust me, this classic Best Chicken Wedge Salad is still worthy of your attention. It's perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner, and it seriously packs a punch with the juicy shredded chicken.

This salad is incredibly simple yet packed with flavor, thanks to the tangy blue cheese. But it's also super versatile! Craving bacon? Throw in some candied bacon! Want some more crunch? Add croutons! Feeling lazy? Grab a rotisserie chicken and slice it up. It takes just ONLY 15 minutes to throw everything together! And if you're looking for more chicken salad inspiration, check out my, Best Lemon Pepper Chicken Chopped Salad or Chicken Caesar Salad with Cornbread Croutons recipes next! Trust me they are totally DELICOUS!

What Is Wedge Salad?

Chicken Wedge Salad is an American classic---- likely originating in the mid-20th century, often found in diners and restaurants across the United States. A classic wedge salad typically includes iceberg lettuce cut into wedges, crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, and blue cheese dressing, topped with blue cheese crumbles but I of course put my own twist on it! Adding chicken + chickpeas for some added protein!

How To Make The Best Chicken Wedge Salad

If you prep the ingredients ahead of time, this salad comes together in just 15 minutes! Prep the lettuce by removing the outer leaves and cutting the head into four wedges, discarding the stem. Then, assemble the salad on a plate with the lettuce wedges as the base. Top them off with blue cheese dressing, shredded chicken, tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles, roasted chickpeas, and chopped chives! Voila, it's that easy!

Ingredients

SALAD:

• Iceberg lettuce. Provides a crisp and refreshing crunch to the salad.
• Shredded cooked chicken. You can also use Rotisserie chicken by chopping it up.
• Cherry or grape tomatoes. You can also use my Herb Roasted Tomatoes for extra flavor)
• Roasted chickpeas. This adds such a nice texture and added hit of protein!
• Blue cheese crumbles. A rich and tangy taste that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
• Chives. Adds a subtle onion flavor and a pop of freshness to the dish.
• Blue cheese dressing. Ties everything together with its creamy texture and bold flavor. You can use store brought or homemade!

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR BAKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS SALAD!

Here, I’ve curated a list of baking + cooking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite dishes, especially with The Best Chicken Wedge Salad. Everything from my fave loaf pan, wooden spoons, parchment paper, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

Why You Will LOVE This Chicken Wedge Salad

• Exciting twist with bold blue cheese flavor.
• Quick and simple to make, no-fuss preparation.
• The perfect combo of savory + crunchy textures.
• An epic explosion of taste with every forkful!
• Works as a main meal OR side!
• Easy to customize with your favorite toppings

How To Cut Lettuce For Wedge Salad

Wedge salads typically feature iceberg lettuce due to its tightly packed leaves, providing a crisp and refreshing base ---- To prepare iceberg lettuce for a wedge salad, start by cutting a whole head in half, then quartering it. Rinse each quarter under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Store the quarters in the refrigerator, either on a paper towel-lined plate or in a bag with a paper towel!

Why Add Roasted Chickpeas?

In case you're thinking of making this Chicken Wedge Salad and would love to add a bit of a crunch or extra texture, then I recommend adding roasted chickpeas. It's super easy to do and only requires one (15 oz.) can of chickpeas, a bit of olive oil, and herbs + seasonings and you let the oven work it's magic. Check out my recipe here for easy steps!

Additional Toppings Ideas For Wedge Salad

While this Chicken Wedge Salad is perfect as is---I definitely wanted to give options for those of you who don't eat meat or want to add more meat. Haha --- or just might make this salad more than once and want to switch things up! Here are a few great ingredients that you can substitute with the chicken + bacon in this delicious salad.

Other ingredient ideas include:

• Avocado
• Olives
• Croutons
• Other cheeses --- parmesan, mozzarella, feta, gorgonzola or goat cheese would work!
• Another meat --- try candied bacon, grilled steak, hot honey baked chicken, and salmon work well!
• Tofu, mushrooms, tempeh, etc. (Great meat alternatives)
• Herb roasted tomatoes
• Nuts + seeds (i.e. pecans, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, etc.)
• Sweet potatoes or roasted butternut squash
• Boiled or poached eggs

Can I Use Another Dressing?

For sure! If you're whipping up this salad more than once and feel like jazzing it up or going to a not-so classic dressing like the blue cheese, trying out different dressings is a great move.

HERE ARE SOME OF MY FAVORITES:

• Vegan Ranch Dressing
• Creamy Lemon Garlic Dressing
• Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing
• Creamy Chipotle Dressing
• Homemade Green Goddess Dressing
• Creamy Ginger Carrot Dressing

How To Eat Wedge Salad?

When it comes to digging into a wedge salad, there's no one right way to do it. Some folks like to slice off pieces from the wedge one at a time, while others prefer to chop it into smaller bits for easier eating. Personally, I find it easiest to break down the wedge and enjoy the salad piece by piece. It's all about finding what works best for you!

The Best Chicken Wedge Salad Q + A's

More Healthy Salad Recipes

Now that you've fallen in love with The Best Chicken Wedge Salad recipe, put to good use your remaining produce with these great salad recipes:

• Best Lemon Pepper Chicken Chopped Salad
• Ultimate Summer BBQ Chopped Kale Salad
• Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad
• Baked Jamaican Jerk Chicken Salad
• Healthy Loaded Kale Salad with Spicy Chickpeas
• Quick + Easy Blood Orange Kale Salad

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried this The Best Chicken Wedge Salad recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram  and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!

The Best Chicken Wedge Salad

March 27, 2024 •

By Shanika

5 from 1 vote

Introducing The Best Chicken Wedge Salad, a delightful combination of crunchy crisp iceberg lettuce, tender shredded cooked chicken, savory blue cheese crumbles, and crispy roasted chickpeas + juicy cherry tomoatoes all drizzled with a tangy blue cheese dressing. This refreshing salad offers the perfect blend of textures, with the perfect crunch that only a wedge salad can offer!

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Total Time: 15 minutes mins

Serves: 4 servings

Units:

US Customary|Metric

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Ingredients

SALAD:

• 1 head Iceberg lettuce, organic
• 1 cup shredded cooked chicken (You can also use Rotisserie chicken by chopping it up)
• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved (You can also use my Herb Roasted Tomatoes for extra flavor)
• 1 cup roasted chickpeas
• 4 Tbsps blue cheese crumble
• 1 tablespoon chives, chopped
• 1 cup Blue cheese dressing

Instructions

PREP THE LETTUCE:

• Prepare the lettuce by removing the outer leaves, chop the head of lettuce in half and then half again, making 4 wedges. Cut the end to remove the stem.

ASSEMBLE:

• Place the lettuce wedges on a plate and top with blue cheese dressing, shredded chicken, tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles, roasted chickpeas, and chopped chives.
• Serve and enjoy!
• Bon Appetit!

Tips & Tricks

STORAGE: You can store the ingredients separately in airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To make ahead, prep all ingredients and store separately the day before. 

Nutrition

Calories: 144kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 682mg | Potassium: 101mg | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 70IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 96mg | Iron: 1mg

DID YOU MAKE THIS recipe?

Tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea

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