Chopped Iceberg Wedge Salad (The Mermaid Oyster Bar)

I remember the first time I truly appreciated a simple wedge salad. It wasn’t at some stuffy steakhouse, but at a lively oyster bar downtown during a sweltering summer evening. The crisp, cold iceberg lettuce, the tangy dressing, the salty bacon – it was the perfect antidote to the heat and the briny oysters we had just devoured. The Mermaid Oyster Bar’s version, with its perfectly balanced flavors and textures, instantly became a classic in my book, and I’ve been recreating it ever since.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (light mayonnaise is fine)
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon horseradish
• 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
• Kosher salt (or seasoning salt, or Old Bay seasoning), to taste
• 6 thick strips smoked bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 head iceberg lettuce
• 5 cherry tomatoes, halved
• 4 scallions, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Equipment Needed

• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Skillet
• Slotted spoon
• Paper towels
• Large serving bowl

Instructions

1. First, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. Season with kosher salt to taste. Set aside. Allowing the dressing to rest for an hour or two really allows the flavors to meld.

2. Next, cook the bacon. Place the bacon pieces in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until crisp, about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.

3. Once the bacon is crispy, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Let the bacon cool slightly, then set aside.

4. Prepare the iceberg lettuce. Roughly chop the iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces.

5. In a large serving bowl, toss the chopped lettuce with some of the prepared dressing. Be careful not to overdress – you want the lettuce to be lightly coated, not swimming in dressing.

6. Top the dressed lettuce with the halved cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced scallions.

7. Scatter the crispy bacon pieces and crumbled blue cheese evenly over the salad.

8. Season generously with freshly ground black pepper.

9. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the salad as a final touch.

10. Serve immediately with extra dressing on the side, if desired.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick, try using a smoky horseradish in the dressing.
• If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, substitute with crumbled feta or shredded cheddar cheese.
• To prevent the lettuce from becoming soggy, dress it just before serving.
• Crispy bacon is key to this salad. Ensure that you cook the bacon long enough so it gets nice and crunchy. Avoid overcrowding the pan while cooking the bacon to get that optimal crispiness.
• For a lighter version, use light mayonnaise and turkey bacon.
• If you are preparing the salad ahead of time, keep the lettuce, dressing, bacon, and other toppings separate and assemble them just before serving to prevent the lettuce from wilting.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Chopped Iceberg Wedge Salad immediately after assembling. It’s best enjoyed fresh, as the lettuce can become soggy if it sits for too long.

If you have leftovers, store the undressed lettuce and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The dressing can also be stored in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator. The bacon is best stored in an airtight container as well.

The dressed salad is not recommended for long-term storage, as the lettuce will wilt and the ingredients will lose their freshness. Consume leftovers within 1-2 days for the best quality.

Reheating is not recommended for this salad. It’s best enjoyed cold and fresh.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	350 kcal	18%
Total Fat	28g	43%
Saturated Fat	10g	50%
Cholesterol	45mg	15%
Sodium	700mg	29%
Total Carbohydrate	10g	3%
Dietary Fiber	2g	7%
Sugars	6g	–
Protein	12g	24%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian: Omit the bacon and add toasted walnuts or pecans for a crunchy element. You can also use a vegetarian “bacon” substitute.
• Vegan: Use vegan mayonnaise, omit the blue cheese (or substitute with a vegan blue cheese alternative), and use vegan bacon or toasted nuts.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing or use a spicy horseradish.
• Herby: Add other fresh herbs like chives, dill, or tarragon to the salad for a more complex flavor profile.
• Different Cheese: Instead of blue cheese, you can use crumbled gorgonzola, feta, or even a sharp cheddar.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, the dressing benefits from sitting for at least an hour or two to allow the flavors to meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I use a different type of lettuce?
A: While iceberg lettuce is traditional for a wedge salad, you could experiment with romaine or butter lettuce. However, iceberg provides a unique crispness that’s hard to replicate.

Q: How do I prevent the bacon from becoming soggy?
A: Ensure the bacon is thoroughly cooked and drained on paper towels to remove excess grease. Add the bacon to the salad just before serving.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
A: Feel free to add other veggies like cucumber, radishes, or bell peppers for added crunch and flavor.

Q: What can I substitute for horseradish if I don’t have it?
A: If you don’t have horseradish, you can use a small amount of Dijon mustard for a similar tangy flavor. Start with a teaspoon and adjust to taste.

Final Thoughts

This Chopped Iceberg Wedge Salad from The Mermaid Oyster Bar is a delightful reminder that simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something truly special. The cool, crisp lettuce, the tangy dressing, and the salty bacon create a symphony of flavors and textures that is both refreshing and satisfying. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and substitutions to make it your own. I hope you enjoy this classic salad as much as I do. Please share your feedback and any creative twists you come up with! This salad pairs perfectly with grilled steak or salmon.