Iceberg Wedge with Warm Bacon and Blue Cheese Dressing

INGREDIENTS

• Buttermilk (optional)
• 1/2 red onion, very thinly sliced
• 1 cup coarsely crumbled blue cheese
• 1 large head of iceberg lettuce, cut into 6 wedges, each with some core attached
• 1 tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
• 1/2 pound thick-cut bacon, cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces