Classic Wedge Salad

Today, we're diving into the world of salads. Now, we know that sometimes the thought of eating salad might not make you jump for joy, but we're here to tell you that salads can be delicious. This classic wedge salad recipe features a variety of ingredients, including vegetables, protein, dairy, fats, and grains, ensuring a well-rounded meal.

Building Trust

Salads aren't just a plate of greens; they're an opportunity for creativity and learning. When you involve your child in the salad-making process, you're giving them a sense of ownership over their food, and you're also building trust.

Choice and Control

Let your child make choices about what goes into their salad. Provide a variety of colorful ingredients like different types of greens, veggies, fruits, and even fun additions like nuts or croutons. When they have a say in what's on their plate, they'll feel more in control and less fearful of the meal.

As you and your child assemble the salad, talk about the nutritional value of the ingredients. Explain how each component benefits their body – from vitamins and fiber in the veggies to healthy fats and protein in the nuts or cheese. This educational aspect can make the salad-making process engaging and informative.

Encourage your child to experiment with different textures, colors, and flavors. Let them taste each ingredient on its own and in combination with others. This exploration can be a fun adventure, and it can help demystify the idea of salads being boring or intimidating.

Preparing salads together can also strengthen your bond with your child. It's an opportunity for quality family time, where you can chat, laugh, and create something beautiful and delicious together.

Recipe

Ingredients for Wedge Salad

1 head of Iceberg Lettuce

8 slices of Bacon

1/2 cup of Red Onion, chopped

Pistachios, pecans, or walnuts (crumbled, optional)

Ingredients for Blue Cheese Dressing

1 cup of light Sour Cream

½ cup of Mayonnaise

3 tablespoons of Buttermilk

3 teaspoons of Red Wine Vinegar

½ teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce

1/4 teaspoon of Garlic Salt

1/2 teaspoon of Freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)

4 ounces of Blue Cheese (but save a few spoonfuls for garnish)

Direction

Making the Dressing

1. In a bowl, mix the sour cream, mayonnaise, buttermilk, red wine vinegar, worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, and pepper until it's nice and smooth.

2. Crumble most of the blue cheese into the dressing, but save a little bit for later.

3. Give it all a good stir, and your blue cheese dressing is ready!
   

Prep Salad

1. Cook your bacon slices in a pan over medium heat until it crisps. Once they have cooked, remove to from the pan and line them on a plate with paper towels. Allow them to cool down.

2. Once your bacon has cooled down, finely chop the bacon into pieces and set aside.

3. Dice your red onion and set aside.

4. Cut the iceberg lettuce in half and then cut each of the halves again in half or thirds (depending on how big the ice berg lettuce head is), to create "wedges". Place wedges on individual plates. With one of the wedges you can finely chop it for your child's salad.

5. To serve, pour the dressing over the wedge and then sprinkle the bacon crumbles, red onion, nut crumbles, and blue cheese crumbles on top.