Mortadella Wedge Salad

A wedge of iceberg, the nearly flavorless but crisp as can be lettuce, can be dolled up with more than the iconic steakhouse trio of tomatoes, bacon, and blue cheese dressing. Here a similar balance between refreshing acidity and meaty richness comes from pickled jalapeños, fresh herbs, a tangy-creamy buttermilk dressing, and slices of mortadella tucked between the lettuce layers. The result is a wedge salad with flavor and zip all the way to its core. It would also taste (and look) great with torn green olives, toasted pistachios, and/or thinly sliced shallots softened in pickled jalapeño brine. —Ali Slagle