These Lettuce Wedge Bites are a fun and fresh twist on salad! Crisp lettuce is topped with your favorite goodies like tomatoes, cheese, and dressing for a tasty bite-sized snack.
They’re perfect for parties or a light lunch. I like to serve them with ranch dressing, and I can never eat just one—so easy to munch on while chatting with friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lettuce: Romaine is a great choice for its crispness, but iceberg works well too! If you want to go for a healthier option, try using spinach or kale, but remember they won’t be as crunchy.
Bacon: I love using thick-cut bacon for extra flavor. If you’re looking for alternatives, turkey bacon is a leaner option, or you can skip it entirely and go for crispy chickpeas for a vegetarian treat!
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a burst of sweetness! If you have grape tomatoes or even regular tomatoes, feel free to use those instead. Just dice them smaller.
Parmesan Cheese: While Parmesan is rich and tasty, you can swap it for other cheeses like feta for a tangy kick or cheddar for a classic flavor. Nutritional yeast can be a good vegan substitute!
Ranch Dressing: Creamy ranch dressing is delightful, but if you’re not a fan, try using a vinaigrette or tzatziki for something different. Homemade versions with yogurt can also be scrumptious!
How Do I Get Perfectly Grilled Lettuce Wedges?
Grilling gives lettuce a unique flavor, but it can be tricky. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Preheat your grill or pan to medium-high heat. This ensures you get that nice char on the lettuce.
- Brush your lettuce wedges lightly with olive oil. This helps prevent sticking and adds flavor.
- Grill cut side down for 1-2 minutes. Watch closely—this is where you’ll get those beautiful grill marks!
- Flip them gently and grill for another minute. You want them slightly wilted but still crunchy.
- Remove and let them cool slightly before dressing them up. This makes it easier for toppings to stick!
With these tips, you’ll have delicious grilled lettuce wedges that are sure to impress! Enjoy making your tasty Lettuce Wedge Bites!
How to Make Lettuce Wedge Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bites:
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce (or iceberg for crunch), cut into bite-sized wedges
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted breadcrumbs (optional, for crunch)
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and an additional 5 minutes for grilling. Overall, you’ll need about 15 minutes from start to finish. Quick and perfect for a delightful appetizer or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Grill:
First things first, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, lightly brush each lettuce wedge with a little olive oil to help with grilling and add flavor.
2. Grilling the Lettuce:
Once your grill is nice and hot, place the lettuce wedges cut side down on the grill. Grill for about 1-2 minutes, just enough time to get those nice grill marks and a slight char. Carefully flip each wedge and grill for another minute. When done, remove from the heat and set aside.
3. Assembling Your Wedge Bites:
Now it’s time to arrange the grilled lettuce wedges on a serving platter. This is where the fun starts! Sprinkle the crumbled crispy bacon over each wedge, followed by the diced cherry tomatoes. Don’t forget the grated Parmesan and the toasted breadcrumbs if you’re using them.
4. Adding the Finishing Touches:
Drizzle your ranch or blue cheese dressing generously over the tops of the wedges. A little sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper will bring all the flavors together. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for some beautiful color and a hint of freshness!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
These delicious Lettuce Wedge Bites are best served immediately while they’re still warm and fresh. Enjoy them as an appetizer or a light snack that everyone will love!
These easy-to-make Lettuce Wedge Bites combine smoky bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and creamy dressing in every bite. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Different Types of Lettuce?
Absolutely! While romaine is a great choice for its crisp texture, you can use iceberg for extra crunch. If you’re looking for something lighter, spinach or even arugula can work, but keep in mind they won’t have the same crunch as the sturdier varieties.
Can I Make These Lettuce Wedge Bites Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make these bites vegetarian! Simply omit the bacon and substitute it with crispy chickpeas or roasted nuts for added texture. You can also switch the dressing to a vegan option like tahini or a homemade vinaigrette.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftover Lettuce Wedge Bites, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to avoid sogginess. To revive them, you can re-grill the lettuce briefly or enjoy them cold.
Can I Prepare These Wedge Bites in Advance?
While grilling the lettuce ahead of time is possible, they’re best served fresh. You can prep all the toppings in advance and store them separately. Just grill the lettuce and assemble right before serving to maintain the crunch!
