If ever there was a salad that begged to be loved and devoured, it’s the Loaded Southwestern Wedges. Honestly, I’ve never had a wedge salad. Sure, I have seen them in magazines, most likely Martha Stewart Living, but I’d never been at the same table as this seemingly prim-and-proper pre-dinner course much less consumed one.
That is, until now. Topped with a spicy southwestern ranch dressing, this wedge salad is a delightful first course or even a light main dish.
Loaded Southwestern Wedges
While the thought of iceberg lettuce with its lack of nutrition may seem a bit boring, cut into wedges and covered in spicy southwestern sauce, it takes on a much more enticing appearance. Not to mention, it’s quite tasty with all the loaded toppings. I’ve had salads that looked great but lacked flavor. This really is a salad that can be turned into just about anything depending what you add to it.
I was inspired by this pin from The View from Great Island. If you haven’t checked out this site, you’re missing out. It’s FILLED with delicous looking recipes and great pictures.
I love having all the ingredients prepped before hand to put this together quickly. All the ingredients are foods we eat on a regular basis so it’s easy to prep them on Sunday and store in the refrigerator to use during the week.
Toppings for my loaded southwestern wedges:
- black beans
- roasted corn
- tomatoes
- red onion
- jalapeños
- red pepper
- cucumber
- cilantro
- southwestern ranch dressing
- tortilla strips
Putting together this salad is as easy as washing and drying a head of iceberg lettuce, cutting it into wedges, and layering on the toppings. Don’t forget the dressing!
Spicy Southwestern sauce
I don’t know about you, but I hate having a million bottles of dressing in the ‘fridge especially since we don’t eat a lot of salad. Ranch dressing is something I always on hand, though.
It’s easy to turn plain ranch dressing into a southwestern sauce with just a few ingredients.
- For the Loaded Wedge Salad:
- Iceberg lettuce, washed, dried & cut into wedges
- black beans
- roasted corn
- red onion, diced
- cucumber, diced
- red pepper, diced
- jalapeños
- tortilla strips
- For the Easy Southwestern Sauce:
- 8 tablespoons ranch dressing
- 4 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 dashes onion powder
- 4 dashes garlic powder
- 4 dashes cumin
- Place wedges on serving platter or plate individually.
- Top with suggested ingredients, adding or subtracting for your personal taste.
- Drizzle with Easy Southwestern Sauce.
- For the Easy Southwestern Sauce:
- Mix all ingredients until thoroughly combined.
There are so many options with a wedge salad. You could even set out all the ingredients and have your family or guests customize their own wedge salads to their preferences.
Have you ever had a wedge salad? I’ve love to hear about it! Comment below or join in the conversation over at the Desperately Seeking: Inspiration for Creative Living Facebook Page.
And don’t forget to PIN THIS for later!
