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    Chopped Wedge Layer Salad

    Modified: May 27, 2025 · Published: Jul 18, 2022 by smallfarmbiglife · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    This easy recipe for chopped wedge layer salad is made with chopped iceberg lettuce and ranch dressing. It is a healthy option for parties and barbecues. This is the best wedge salad variation made without blue cheese.

    a glass trifle dish of chopped wedge layer salad next to a stack of white plates.

    Wedge salads are a popular light meal and this option makes them easy to serve to a crowd. Instead of individual wedges of iceberg lettuce it is chopped and layered. I used my Gluten Free Homemade Ranch to top this salad.

    The Chopped Wedge Layer Salad is a visually striking and flavor-packed dish that takes the traditional wedge salad and reimagines it in a layered, trifle-style presentation.

    Perfect for gatherings and parties, this salad combines crisp iceberg lettuce with a medley of fresh vegetables and toppings, all arranged in distinct, colorful layers.

    It's a crowd-pleasing, make-ahead option that showcases the satisfying crunch and refreshing taste of a classic wedge salad while offering a modern twist suitable for larger servings.

    You may also enjoy my Gluten Free Pesto Pasta Salad, this Gluten Free BLT Pasta Salad or my Gluten Free Green Goddess Pasta Salad. All are great summer lunch options!

    a white plate of chopped wedge layer salad.
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Substitutions
    • Supplies
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More Recipes You Might Enjoy
    • Chopped Wedge Layer Salad
    • Storage

    Ingredients

    • Iceberg Lettuce
    • Black Beans
    • Sweet Onion
    • Roma Tomatoes
    • Cheddar Cheese
    • Ranch Dressing

    Instructions

    This is the easiest salad to put together! I've variated from a classic wedge salad and added beans, onion, tomato and cheese. You can omit any of these ingredients, but they make for a delicious salad.

    I used a glass trifle serving bowl for this salad, but you could use any large serving bowl. This clear serving bowl would also be really pretty.

    Simply chop up the lettuce, onion and tomato. Then drain and rinse the beans. Shred the cheddar cheese and then layer all of the ingredients into the bowl. Top with my Homemade Ranch Dressing or a dressing of your choice. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

    Substitutions

    • Black Beans - you can omit the black beans, use kidney beans or another bean of your choice to add some protein to this recipe.
    • Sweet Onion - you can use a white onion, yellow onion or red onion in this recipe.
    • Roma Tomatoes - vine ripened tomatoes or cherry tomatoes cut in half would also work nicely.
    • Cheddar Cheese - you can omit the cheese all together or you could substitute with Monterey Jack cheese or another variation of cheese.

    Supplies

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I prepare lettuce for a chopped wedge salad?

    Remove the outer leaves and any brown spots from the head of iceberg lettuce. Cut the core and stem from the head of lettuce. Rinse the lettuce under cold water and flip with the open core facing down to let drain. Shake any excess water off.

    On a cutting board cut the head of lettuce in half. Slice the half into long rows and then chop those into squares. Repeat for the second half. If there is still too much water from rinsing place the chopped lettuce in a salad spinner to dry.

    More Recipes You Might Enjoy

    • Seven Layer Salad
    • Southwestern Style Coleslaw
    • Gluten Free Caesar Dressing
    • Gluten Free Kale Caesar Salad

    I get a lot of my ingredients from Thrive Market. Thrive Market has been a game changer for me eating gluten free. They have so many options I can't get at my rural grocery stores! Use this link to get 40% off your first order!

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    Chopped Wedge Layer Salad


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    • Author: Elaine VanVleck
    • Total Time: 15 minutes
    • Yield: 6 servings 1x
    • Diet: Gluten Free
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    Description

    This easy recipe for chopped wedge layer salad is made with chopped iceberg lettuce and ranch dressing. It is a healthy option for parties and barbecues. This is the best wedge salad variation made without blue cheese.


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 1 head Iceberg Lettuce, cleaned and chopped
    • 15.5 ounce can Black Beans, drained and rinsed
    • 1 large Sweet Onion, chopped
    • 4 Roma Tomatoes, seeded and chopped
    • 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded
    • 1 cup Ranch Dressing

    Instructions

    Clean and chop the lettuce, onion and tomatoes. Shred the cheddar cheese. Make my gluten free ranch dressing or use store bought ranch dressing.

    In a trifle serving bowl or large serving bowl add the chopped lettuce, the beans, the chopped onion, the chopped tomatoes and the shredded cheese in layers. Top with ranch dressing.

    Serve immediately or refrigerate after assembly for up to 4 hours.

    Notes

    Since the dressing is already on this salad it will get soggy if left in the refrigerator for too long.

    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Category: Side Dish, Salads
    • Method: Chopped
    • Cuisine: Gluten Free

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @smallfarmbiglife on Instagram and hashtag it #smallfarmbiglife

    Storage

    The ingredients for this salad can be chopped up ahead of time. You can either store them separately in sealed containers in the refrigerator or place the lettuce, beans, onion and tomatoes in the trifle dish. Wait to add the cheese and dressing until right before serving so the salad doesn't get soggy.

    Once the dressing has been added the salad is only good for a day. If you have leftovers you can place them in an air tight container in the refrigerator, but they will only be good for about 24 hours.

    More Gluten Free Recipes

    • Gluten Free Blueberry Coffee Cake
    • Gluten Free Chocolate Sourdough Bread
    • Gluten Free Valentine's Day Recipes
    • Gluten Free Frog Eye Salad

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