The Casa Wedge Salad: A Tex-Mex Twist on a Classic Favorite

Few salads are as iconic as the wedge salad—crisp, refreshing, and loaded with bold toppings. Traditionally, it features iceberg lettuce, creamy dressing, and crispy bacon, making it a popular choice in steakhouses and home kitchens alike. However, this version takes a Tex-Mex approach, incorporating bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a creamy avocado dressing.

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The Casa Wedge Salad is a fantastic option for those looking to elevate their salad game while keeping things simple. This recipe swaps traditional blue cheese for Cotija, a milder yet equally flavorful cheese commonly used in Mexican cuisine. The avocado dressing adds a rich, creamy texture with a hint of spice from fresh jalapeño, while toppings like tomatoes, red onion, and crispy beef or chicken provide balance and depth.

What makes this recipe ideal for beginners is its minimal cooking, simple assembly, and versatility. You do not need advanced knife skills or specialized equipment to create this dish. It is quick to prepare, packed with nutrients, and an excellent way to incorporate fresh vegetables into your meals.

Ingredients and Substitutions

For the Creamy Avocado Dressing:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 small jalapeño, seeded
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Salad:

• 2 heads baby iceberg lettuce, cut into quarters through the root
• ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
• ⅓ cup crumbled Cotija cheese (or feta cheese as an alternative)
• 4 slices cooked beef bacon or grilled chicken breast, chopped
• 3 Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Ingredient Alternatives:

• Lettuce: Iceberg lettuce provides a crisp texture, but you can use romaine or butter lettuce for a softer bite.
• Dressing: If you prefer a lighter dressing, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
• Cheese: Cotija has a slightly salty and crumbly texture. If unavailable, feta or Parmesan can work as alternatives.
• Protein: Traditional wedge salads use pork bacon, but this version uses beef bacon or grilled chicken for those avoiding pork. You can also use turkey bacon or seasoned ground beef for variety.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Avocado Dressing

1. Slice the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a blender or food processor.
2. Add the seeded jalapeño, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, mayonnaise, and olive oil.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick, add a tablespoon of water to adjust the consistency.
4. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Transfer to a bowl and set aside in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Step 2: Cook the Protein

1. For Beef Bacon: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the beef bacon slices and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Once cooled, chop into small pieces.
2. For Chicken: If using chicken breast, season it with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of chili powder for extra flavor. Heat a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil and cook the chicken over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Remove, let it rest for 5 minutes, then chop into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Prepare the Lettuce

1. Remove any damaged outer leaves from the iceberg lettuce heads.
2. Cut each head into quarters, ensuring that the core remains intact to hold the leaves together.
3. Rinse each wedge under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. Place each lettuce wedge on a serving plate.
2. Drizzle the creamy avocado dressing generously over the top.
3. Evenly distribute the sliced red onion, chopped Roma tomatoes, and crumbled Cotija cheese.
4. Sprinkle the crispy beef bacon or grilled chicken pieces over the salad.
5. Finish with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for enhanced flavor.

Beginner Tips and Kitchen Notes

How to Tell if the Chicken is Cooked Through

For beginners who may be unsure about cooking chicken, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part. If you do not have a thermometer, slice through the thickest part—there should be no pink in the center, and the juices should run clear.

Preventing Overly Spicy Dressing

Jalapeños vary in heat levels. If you prefer a milder dressing, remove all the seeds and membranes before blending. For an extra mild version, you can substitute the jalapeño with poblano pepper or green bell pepper.

How to Keep Lettuce Crisp

• Keep iceberg lettuce refrigerated until you are ready to prepare the salad.
• After cutting, soak the wedges in ice water for 10 minutes for extra crispness.
• Dry the leaves thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from diluting the dressing.

Alternative Preparation Methods

If you want to save time, you can prepare components in advance:

• Dressing: Can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
• Protein: Cook and chop the beef bacon or chicken the day before and keep it refrigerated.
• Vegetables: Chop the onions and tomatoes ahead of time for quick assembly.

Serving Suggestions

This Casa Wedge Salad pairs well with a variety of dishes, making it a great addition to any meal.

Complementary Main Dishes

• Grilled Steak: The richness of steak complements the creamy dressing and crisp lettuce.
• Tacos or Quesadillas: Serve the salad alongside chicken, beef, or vegetarian tacos for a complete meal.
• Grilled Fish: A light and fresh option like grilled tilapia or salmon balances the bold flavors.

Side Pairings

• Cornbread or Tortilla Chips: Adds texture and enhances the Tex-Mex flavors.
• Mexican Rice: A flavorful and filling side dish.
• Black Beans: A protein-rich option that complements the salad well.

Storage Tips for Leftovers

• Lettuce: Store any extra wedges in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb moisture. Use within 2 days for the best texture.
• Dressing: Keep in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before using.
• Toppings: Store cooked beef bacon or chicken separately to maintain freshness.

Conclusion

The Casa Wedge Salad is a fantastic beginner-friendly recipe that delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. Its crisp iceberg lettuce, creamy avocado dressing, and savory toppings make it a standout dish for any occasion. Whether you serve it as a starter, a side, or even a light meal, this Tex-Mex-inspired twist on the classic wedge salad is sure to impress.

For those new to cooking, this recipe is a great introduction to balancing flavors, preparing fresh ingredients, and making homemade dressings. The simple steps ensure that anyone can confidently create a dish that looks and tastes restaurant-quality.

Give this recipe a try, and feel free to experiment with different toppings or proteins to make it your own. Let us know in the comments how your version turned out, or share any variations you enjoyed. Happy cooking!