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If you’re on the hunt for a salad experience that’s simple yet bursting with flavor, then the Creamy Feta Dressing with Iceberg Wedges Recipe is calling your name. This delightful dish combines crisp, refreshing iceberg lettuce with a luxuriously creamy, tangy feta dressing that feels indulgent without being complicated. It’s perfect for when you want a quick, satisfying side or a light meal that still impresses. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed plain iceberg without it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for the Creamy Feta Dressing with Iceberg Wedges Recipe is easier than you might think. Each one plays a starring role: from the crisp crunch of iceberg lettuce to the rich, tangy notes of soft feta, and the zing of fresh lemon juice that brightens the entire dressing. These simple essentials come together to create a wonderfully balanced dish that’s as pleasing on the eyes as it is on the palate.
- Iceberg Lettuce: The crisp, juicy base for holding all that creamy, flavorful dressing perfectly.
- Crumbled Feta (preferably Danish or soft): Brings a tangy creaminess that’s easy to mash into a luscious dressing.
- Whole Egg Mayonnaise: Adds richness and smooth texture, binding the ingredients beautifully.
- Plain Yoghurt: Offers a subtle tang and lightens the richness for a fresh finish.
- Milk: Used to reach the perfect dressing consistency, whether thick or pourable.
- Juice of Half a Lemon: Injects a bright, citrusy pop that elevates the feta and balances flavors.
- Garlic (crushed or garlic powder): Gives an aromatic kick without overpowering the other elements.
- Fresh Oregano: Provides a herbaceous touch that lifts the dressing to another level.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, enhancing each ingredient’s unique flavor.
How to Make Creamy Feta Dressing with Iceberg Wedges Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Iceberg Wedges
Start with the star of the show—the iceberg lettuce. Cut the head into 8 even wedges, making sure to slice straight through the core so each wedge stays intact. This keeps the presentation neat and gives you a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Step 2: Mash the Feta and Mayonnaise
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the crumbled feta and whole egg mayonnaise. Use a fork to mash them into a smooth, creamy paste. If you use a softer feta like Danish, this step becomes even easier and produces a velvety base for your dressing.
Step 3: Whisk in Yoghurt, Milk, Lemon, Garlic, and Oregano
Add the plain yoghurt, half the milk, lemon juice, garlic, and chopped oregano to the feta mixture. Whisk vigorously to combine everything into a smooth, homogenous dressing that is bursting with flavor and perfect thickness at this stage.
Step 4: Adjust the Consistency
Pour in the remaining milk little by little to achieve your desired consistency. Personally, I love my Creamy Feta Dressing with Iceberg Wedges Recipe on the thicker side so it clings to the lettuce beautifully. If you prefer a looser dressing, go ahead and thin it out—it’s fantastic tossed through salads too.
Step 5: Season to Taste
Now is the time to taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Remember, the feta and mayonnaise add their own saltiness, so season carefully to ensure your dressing hits just the right note.
Step 6: Plate and Drizzle
Arrange 1 or 2 iceberg wedges on each serving plate and generously drizzle the creamy feta dressing over the top. This final touch transforms simple lettuce into a dish that’s both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.
How to Serve Creamy Feta Dressing with Iceberg Wedges Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like parsley or dill on top. A few cracked black peppercorns or a dusting of smoked paprika can also add depth and a pop of color, making this classic presentation even more tempting.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or seafood, balancing heavier mains with a crisp, refreshing bite. Try it alongside a juicy steak, lemon herb chicken, or even vegetarian dishes to brighten the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve the wedges on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra dressing for dipping. Or, cut the wedges into bite-sized chunks, toss with the dressing, and serve as a salad on a platter for a fun, shareable appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover dressing, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving to recombine any ingredients that may have separated.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t recommended for the dressing since dairy textures can change, the iceberg wedges themselves should always be served fresh to maintain their signature crunch and freshness.
Reheating
This recipe is best enjoyed cold, so no reheating is necessary. If you want a warm meal, pair your wedges with a hot dish, letting the cool, creamy feta dressing provide a refreshing contrast.
FAQs
Can I use other types of lettuce besides iceberg?
While iceberg is ideal for its crisp texture and ability to hold wedges together, you can substitute with romaine or butter lettuce, which also work well with creamy dressings, though the presentation will differ slightly.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for this dressing?
To make a dairy-free version, swap out the feta and yoghurt for plant-based alternatives like cashew cheese and coconut yoghurt; however, the flavor profile will change, losing some of the signature tanginess of the original.
Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making the dressing a few hours before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated and give it a good whisk before drizzling over your wedges.
How do I make the dressing thinner for a salad?
Simply add more milk gradually while whisking until you reach a pourable consistency perfect for tossing through leafy greens instead of drizzling on wedges.
What can I use instead of fresh oregano?
If fresh oregano isn’t available, dried oregano is a fine substitute—just reduce the quantity slightly since dried herbs tend to be more potent.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about simple ingredients coming together to make a dish that feels so special. The Creamy Feta Dressing with Iceberg Wedges Recipe perfectly balances fresh crunch with rich, tangy creaminess, turning everyday lettuce into a star salad. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it your new go-to for effortless, delicious meals!
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Creamy Feta Dressing with Iceberg Wedges Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and tangy feta dressing perfectly paired with crisp iceberg lettuce wedges, creating a refreshing and flavorful salad that’s easy to prepare and ideal for a light meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 iceberg lettuce
Creamy Feta Dressing
- 1/2 cup (packed) crumbled feta (preferably Danish or another soft feta)
- 1/2 cup whole egg mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain yoghurt
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup milk (use to adjust consistency)
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1/2 clove garlic, crushed (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut Iceberg Wedges: Cut the iceberg lettuce into 8 wedges, being careful to cut evenly through the centre of the core to keep each wedge intact for easy serving.
- Mash Feta and Mayonnaise: In a medium bowl, combine the crumbled feta and mayonnaise. Use a fork to mash them into a smooth paste; a creamier feta, like Danish, makes this step easier.
- Mix Dressing Ingredients: Add the yoghurt, half of the milk, lemon juice, crushed garlic, and chopped oregano to the feta mixture. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Adjust Consistency: Gradually add the remaining milk to achieve your desired dressing thickness. For a thick dressing that clings to the lettuce, add less milk; for a thinner dressing suitable for salad tossing, add more.
- Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper last, adjusting carefully, since the saltiness from feta and mayonnaise varies between brands and batches.
- Serve: Place 1 or 2 iceberg wedges on each plate and generously drizzle with the creamy feta dressing. Serve immediately for best texture and freshness.
Notes
- For a smoother dressing, use a hand blender or food processor to blend the feta and other dressing ingredients.
- If fresh oregano is unavailable, substitute with 1 tsp dried oregano.
- Adjust garlic intensity based on personal preference; garlic powder can replace fresh for convenience.
- The dressing can also be used as a dip or tossed through other salad greens for variety.
- Keep lettuce wedges chilled until ready to serve to maintain crispness.
