Romaine Wedge Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing
Romaine Wedge Salad is a modern update combining two retro recipes into one easy and impressive side dish. Hot bacon dressing, jazzed up with real maple syrup instead of refined sugar, is drizzled over a wedge salad. Only this one uses Romaine lettuce instead of iceberg. It’s a combination of two vintage dishes, and it is absolutely delicious!
Is that nostalgia in the air? Or do I just smell…
BACON!!!
It’s time for some Retro Recipes for #SundaySupper. You know, those recipes that bring us back to mom’s or grandma’s kitchen, or just remind us of a time gone by. This week we are sharing our favorites, either made as we remember them, for the sake of nostalgia and sentimentality, or remixing them to update them to be more modern, whether it is taste, ingredient availability, or healthy and nutrition considerations.
I sort of remixed two recipes in one – the classic lettuce wedge salad, and an old fashioned Pennsylvania Dutch Hot Bacon Dressing.
While not “bad” for you, I think we all know that iceberg lettuce is pretty much void of any nutritional value. Not only for the health benefits, but also for the flavor, I do prefer darker leafys, like romaine, baby spinach, arugula, or mixed greens. There are two places where I will consciously make the choice to get a wedge of iceberg. One is a restaurant near my mom’s, Irish Eyes, in Lewes, DE, where they load up the wedge with blue cheese, bacon, and tomatoes. I usually opt for the blue cheese dressing over their recommended Ranch (since I swear I am one of the few Americans who hates Ranch dressing). This is my meal, it is so huge and tasty!
The other is a great local pub, Tumulty’s, in New Brunswick, NJ with amazing burgers. I have been going there since I was a kid, and actually went for a burger when I was in labor with The Bug (talk about nostalgia!). Their house salad is a plain old wedge, but served with one of their delicious homemade dressings. I usually opt for their pungent honey mustard, or creamy and tangy blue cheese.
Hot Bacon Dressing was first introduced to me in the form of a jar of gloppy stuff from my mother-in-law’s fridge.
It was warmed in the microwave and served over iceberg lettuce. But then I was digging in a box of recipes she had given to The Hubby years ago, and found a recipe for Pennsylvania Dutch Hot Bacon Dressing scrawled on a scrap of paper. I use the term “recipe” loosely, because it was basically a list of ingredients and some vague instructions. So one day, I decided to wing it, and the dressing, in its “original” form, turned out delicious! It is definitely a favorite of The Hubby.
So how did I remix these two classics? Instead of a quarter of a head of iceberg, I gave you half of a romaine heart with some halved grape tomatoes. The dressing is made gluten free by using cornstarch instead of flour, and made without refined sugar, by using super-flavorful real maple syrup. A leaner center cut bacon is also used, though I have made the original recipe with turkey bacon in the past, and have been quite pleased with the results. We also like a little more tang, so I upped the vinegar. Perfection!
I will admit though, hot bacon dressing is quite tasty over plain old iceberg and is lovely with the romaine. But I am thinking it would be perfect to slightly wilt a bed of baby spinach with either some raw button or cremini mushrooms, or some grilled portabellos. Oh, the possibilities! While the leftovers taste fine cold, heating it really does bring out the sweet, sour, smoky, and salty flavors. There really is no need to have anything other than some lettuce and this dressing. Though some blue cheese could never hurt…
No recommendations from The Bug, because while he is a pretty good eater, I cannot do anything to get him to eat anything raw, green, and leafy.
Even if I cover it in sweet, creamy, hot bacon dressing goodness….
Crazy kid! But from The Hubby – big thumbs-up! I also managed to polish off the leftovers for lunches the rest of the week. I will never turn down hot bacon dressing!
Make sure to check out all of the other super-fun Retro Recipes at the bottom of this post!
What is your favorite “retro” dish? Do you like the classic version, or have you updated it?
Please let me know what you think of the maple twist on the hot bacon dressing!
Romaine “Wedge” Salad with Hot Maple Bacon Dressing
Ingredients
For the dressing:
- 2 c water
- 1/4 c real maple syrup or 1/3 c sugar
- 2 T cornstarch
- 1 egg or 1/4 c egg substitute
- 1/2 t salt
- 1/4-1/3 c cider vinegar
- 6 slices well-cooked crumbled bacon (I used center cut. Regular bacon or turkey bacon works fine, as well)
For each salad:
- Half of a romaine heart
- 5 or 6 grape tomatoes halved
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
For the dressing:
- In a small saucepan, whisk together the water, syrup, cornstarch, egg, and salt.
- Heat over medium low heat to a simmer, then cook, whisking frequently, until it is hot and starts to thicken.
- Increase the heat and allow to boil slightly to thicken completely.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the vinegar and crumbled bacon.
- Serve while still warm, or reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
For each salad:
- Lay the romaine heart on a plate, cut side up.
- Top with the tomatoes, pepper, and a few spoonfuls of the warm dressing.
Enjoy!
Sunday Supper Retro Appetizers:
- Irish Cheddar-Whiskey Fondue by girlichef
- She Devils: Beet Pickled Deviled Eggs by Ruffles & Truffles
Sunday Supper Retro Salads:
- Coca-Cola Salad by Magnolia Days
- Salmon Salad | Retro Tuna Salad by Family Foodie
- Ambrosia Salad by Simply Gourmet
- Romaine “Wedge” Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Carrot & Raisin Salad by The Roxx Box
- Sweet & Smoky Broccoli Salad by In The Kitchen with KP
Sunday Supper Retro Breads and Sandwiches:
- Italian Style Bread by The Meltaways
- Creamed Chipped Salmon Jerky on Toast by Pescetarian Journal
- Grown-Up Tuna Melts by Home Cooking Memories
- English Muffin Pizzas by Comfy Cuisine
- Patty Melt, Hand Cut Fries, & a Shake by Mooshu Jenne
- Grown-Up Grilled Cheese With Tomato Soup by Catholic Foodie
- Toast Topper #16: Grandma’s Mock Apricot Jam by What Smells So Good?
SundaySupper Main Dishes:
- Chicken Pot Pie Topped With Bacon Cheddar Biscuits by Chocolate Moosey
- Tuna Noodle Casserole by Country Girl in the Village
- Nana’s Marinated Beef Roast by Supper for a Steal
- Chorizo Scotch Eggs by The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
- Chicken Maryland by Vintage Kitchen Notes
- Mushroom Stroganoff by Small Wallet Big Appetite
- Dairyfree Toast Hawaii by Galactosemia in PDX
- Porcupine Meatballs by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Chicken Kiev by The Urban Mrs.
- Salmon Quiche with Preserved Lemon by Shockingly Delicious
- Steak Diane by Crispy Bits & Burnt Ends
- Fried Chicken only in the Oven by In the Kitchen with Audrey
- Hambak Steak a.k.a. Salisbury Steak by Kimchi Mom
- Retro-Redo: Homemade TV Dinner by The Little Ferraro Kitchen
- Kicked Up Meatloaf by Curious Cuisiniere
- Shrimp Scampi (a lighter version) by Kudos Kitchen
- Old-Fashioned Pork Chops by My Trials in the Kitchen
- Jägerschnitzel by Sustainable Dad
- Healthier Hamburger-Corn Noodle Casserole by The Weekend Gourmet
- Inspired by Tuna Noodle Casserole by Cookistry
- Chicken-N-Biscuits Pot Pie Casserole by The Messy Baker Blog
- Souper Pork Chops with Mashed Potatoes by Mama.Mommy.Mom
- Meatloaf that will make you swoon and Datz the truth by Midlife Roadtrip
- Spaghetti with Currywurst Sauce by Masala Herb
- Tator Tot Casserole by NeighborFood
Sunday Supper Retro Sides and Veggies:
- Smokey Braised Red Cabbage by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Classic Corn Casserole by The Foodie Army Wife
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Balsamic by Dinners, Dishes and Desserts
- Classic Green Bean Casserole Redux by The Wimpy Vegetarian
- Mem’s Broccoli Casserole by Momma’s Meals
Sunday Supper Retro Desserts and Cocktails:
- Peachy Keen Tutti-Frutti Jello by La Cocina de Leslie
- Old School Boozy Rum Cake by Webicurean
- Individual Baked Alaskas by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Rainbow Jello by Cravings of a Lunatic
- Pineapple Upside Down Cake by Noshing with the Nolands
- Pineapple Bars by Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Creamy Dairy Free Fresh Orange Julius With Coconut Milk by Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
- Refrigerator Strawberry Cheesecake by There and Back Again
- Frozen Pineapple Upside-Down Cake by Juanita’s Cocina
- Boston Cream Pie by Gotta Get Baked
- Coca-Cola Cupcakes by Daily Dish Recipes
- Jello Poke Cake by Flour On My Face
- Devil’s Food Cake by Maroc Mama
- Bread Pudding with Pecans by Basic and Delicious
- Victoria Sponge Cake by The Lovely Pantry
- A Chocolate Twist on the Classic Japanese Strawberry Shortcake by Ninja Baking
- Post War Apple Pudding by My Cute Bride
- Layered Mini Chocolate Banana Cakes by Big Bears Wife
- Raspberry Jam Cakes by Pippis in the Kitchen Again
- Cocktail: Moscow Mule by Crazy by Crazy Foodie Stunts
Christmas Image Download says
I’ve never had a warm dressing, but this definitely sounds delicious and would be something I would try!
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I think you will enjoy the warm bacon dressing!
blogginggyan.com says
What a great post & fantastic pictures :))) the romaine wedge sounds divine. Awesome post.In this post, every think described well manner. Thanks for sharing this great post:)
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thank you so much!
techlazy.com says
My dad loved ambrosia salad. It was his favorite thing to find at potluck dinners at his church. My mom would make it occasionally. What memories I have with this. Thanks for sharing yours.
Regards
https://www.crazyask.com
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I’m so glad that the recipe could bring you some happy memories of your dad. 🙂
Amanda @ MarocMama says
Ohhhhh this sounds heavenly – love it!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thanks! So yummy!
[email protected] and Back Again says
I remember my mother making what she called wilted salad with a hot bacon dressing…and I loved it! This one sounds great, and I love the idea of using Romaine instead of iceberg, though it may be hard to give up the blue cheese dressing I love!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
You know what, when I had leftovers for lunch during the week, I sprinkled some blue cheese on top! Yum!
Sarah says
who doesn’t love warm bacon dressing? I would love to just devour this salad right now. I would love to try this recipe with kale or spinach. Yummy!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Yes, I want to try with spinach next time. Kale is a great idea, too!
Brandie (@ Home Cooking Memories) says
I’ve never had a warm dressing, but this definitely sounds delicious and would be something I would try!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
It really is a nice combo and contrast!
Carla says
Im with you on the whole iceberg lettuce thing. I might as well not even bother eating a salad because when I do, I barely eat the lettuce! However, I do love other leafy greens and of course bacon, so I can eat this and call it healthy right 😉
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I love salads, and I’ll eat the iceberg if I am at a restaurant and that’s what I get, but give me some mesclun greens or arugula or baby spinach anyday. And this is TOTALLY healthy!
Nancy @ gottagetbaked says
I love eating lettuce and it saddens me that there’s so little nutritional value. Oh well – greens are greens in my opinion! And this hot maple bacon dressing sounds to die for! I’d eat any salad if it were smothered…er, I mean, lightly drizzled with this dressing 😉
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I have come to prefer the mixed greens and romaines, but this is yummy on anything.
Susan says
I’m absolutely loving your rendition of a wedge salad! Since I can’t stand blue cheese, I never order it, but this! This I could eat all day long.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thanks! Truthfully, I like this WITH some blue cheese 🙂
Bea says
What a great post & fantastic pictures :))) the romaine wedge sounds divine. We have not had iceberg in years and we also love dark, greens over the barely green iceberg 🙂
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thank you, Bea!
The Kitchen Edition says
Wow – what a great combination. I love making homemade dressings and this one is making my mouth water. I had an amazing salad years ago that plagues my memory. It combined bacon with blue cheese, and I’m trying to imagine if this dressing would work with blue cheese… thanks for the inspiration.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Yeah, I totally had some of this on a salad with blue cheese for lunch last week. Definitely works! Although I think pretty much anything works with blue cheese, so maybe I am not the best judge 🙂
Faye Leong says
The dressing looks interesting and delicious! Love the change by using baby spinach…lovely!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I think it would be awesome with spinach!
Cindys Recipes says
Great job Brianne (coming from a PA dutch girl!)
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Now THAT is a compliment 🙂
Jenne says
Love BACON! I am going to definitely bookmark this to try this dressing.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thanks, I hope you enjoy it!
Natalie says
This looks really delicious!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thanks! It is quite good!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says
I am so making this dressing! It sounds wonderful. The trick will be remembering to put lettuce underneath it before I drink it…
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Um, I may have licked a few spoons while making salads last week!
Chris Baccus says
We rarely buy salad dressing. They are just so easy to make. This one looks like a good addition.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I try not to buy it too much anymore, either, though my hubby likes French, and I don’t so haven’t made it. I stick to vinaigrettes, and it is so not worth buying them!
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen says
This dressing would be great over arugula. It all sounds interesting with the maple syrup, so very retro! Lettuce is so plain it really needs bacon!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Oh yes, it would contrast nicely with the peppery flavor of the arugula!
Karen Hartzell (@InTheKitchenKP) says
Sweet, tangy, bacony, goodness = heaven in my eyes! I love hot bacon dressing from up North! YUM! Gorgeous photos too!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thanks! It is soo good!
Hezzi-D says
That dressing sounds amazing! I love wedge salads.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
It really is so unique!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts says
I love this salad! What a great updated version, the dressing sounds fabulous!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thanks! It is a fun recipe!
Conni Smith says
This looks delicious! I think wedge salads are making a comeback, because I have seen a lot of them in the past couple years. And you seriously can’t go wrong with BACON!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I don’t eat tons of bacon, but I love using a bit to really amp up the flavor!
Tara says
Nice job on combining two traditional salads together. It looks wonderful!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thanks Tara!
Anne @ Webicurean says
oh YUM! I love wedge salad, and I love the idea of changing it up with a hot bacon dressing!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
The hot dressing is such a delicious surprise!
Liz says
My hubby and I would both give this salad our thumbs up! It looks delish!!!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thanks! It is a great one!
DB-The Foodie Stuntman says
I don’t eat many salads but I may start looking at this!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Bacon dressing can convert any non-salad-person!
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
I meant ‘GREAT’ make-over… 🙂
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
I love your approach to the wedge salad! Really creative and a get make-over for health and flavor!!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thanks, I really hate that so many salads are so terrible for you!
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
I completely agree!
Sarah says
That looks so much better than any Caesar-ish thing I’ve had!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thanks! I am not a huge Caesar person to tell you the truth.
Susan 30A EATS says
Looks delicious! I also like the non-nutritional iceberg, slathered with blue cheese and bacon with tomato wedge on the side. very 50’s-70’s old steakhouse. You are too young to remember! 😉 Think I will try your version tonight!! YUM!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I have been to one of those old school steakhouses in NYC that still essentially has the same menu, and the tradition endures!
Katie says
Oooh, this dressing sounds incredible!!! I love that it’s warm…kind of a nice little twist!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
The warm creamy dressing play nicely against the cold, crunchy lettuce.
Amy Kim says
I absolutely love the update! That dressing sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thank you!
Lane @ Supper for a Steal says
I love how you combined the too hot bacon dressing and the wedge. I have seen a romaine wedge a few times now, but never tried. I think I need to see because simple salads like this are often my favorite.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I tried making that grilled romaine wedge over the summer. Very tasty, too! I think that would be good with this dressing.
Jen @JuanitasCocina says
That crazy kid…I’ll eat his portion!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Well, he’ll eat slices of bacon, but put anything leafy green in there, and forget it!
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
You had me at bacon. This is one gorgeous salad.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thanks! Yeah, bacon is a pretty common hook 🙂
BusyWorkingMama says
Bacon makes everything better!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
The funny thing is, I tend to use it in small amounts, almost as a “seasoning”, but the flavor has a huge impact.
Renee says
Bacon, bacon, bacon! Seriously though…It sounds like a wonderful salad. Homemade dressings rule!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I agree about homemade dressings! I don’t eat a tone of bacon, but here it is perfect!
Shannon @VillageGirlBlog says
This dressing looks and sounds amazing!! I am so excited to try this out. Thanks for sharing it.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thanks, it is very tasty!