Ingredients

  • 2 cups mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 3 tablespoons ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
  • 2 small yellow onions, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • 4 medium heads of iceberg lettuce, each cut through the core into 6 wedges

Method

  • In a medium bowl, whisk the mayonnaise with the buttermilk, ketchup, sweet pickle relish and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Season with the salt, pepper and cayenne and refrigerate until chilled.
  • In a medium bowl, cover the onions with the buttermilk and let stand for 10 minutes.
  • In a shallow dish, generously season the flour with salt and pepper.
  • In a medium cast-iron skillet, heat 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350?.
  • Drain the onions in a colander, then dredge them in the seasoned flour.
  • Transfer the onions to a strainer and shake off the excess flour.
  • Working in 3 to 4 batches, fry the onions in the hot oil until golden brown, about 2 minutes per batch.
  • Using a wire skimmer, transfer the fried onions to paper towels to drain.
  • Season with salt.
  • Arrange the iceberg wedges on 2 large platters.
  • Top each wedge with a generous tablespoon of the dressing and crispy onions and serve immediately.