Cos Wedge Salad Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping starter or a light, flavor-packed lunch, the Cos Wedge Salad Recipe is about to become your new go-to dish! With crisp Romaine wedges as the canvas, a rainbow of toppings, and a creamy drizzle, every bite is a celebration of texture and freshness. The salty crunch of bacon, the tang of blue cheese, and the juicy pop of tomatoes all come together in minutes—no cooking required! Whether you’re serving it up for a family dinner or a backyard BBQ, this salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I absolutely love about this Cos Wedge Salad Recipe is how a handful of simple, vibrant ingredients work together for maximum impact. Each one is chosen to play its part—adding crispness, creaminess, color, or zesty punch—to make every wedge irresistible.
- Cos (Romaine) lettuce: The hearty, crunchy base that holds up all those luscious toppings—halve lengthwise for those iconic wedges.
- Cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness and juiciness balance the richness of the dressing and bacon.
- Red onion: Thin slices add a sharp, peppery bite and a beautiful pop of color.
- Cooked bacon: Crumbled bacon delivers salty, savory crunch in every forkful.
- Blue cheese crumbles: For a tangy, creamy punch—feel free to swap for feta if you prefer a milder taste.
- Chives: Fresh, chopped chives give a gentle oniony note and a burst of green.
- Blue cheese or ranch dressing: Choose your favorite creamy base to bring all the flavors together—try Greek yogurt-based for a lighter twist.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Just a few twists at the end really wake up all the flavors.
How to Make Cos Wedge Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Lettuce Wedges
Start by washing and drying the Cos (Romaine) lettuce thoroughly. Slice each head lengthwise to create sturdy, boat-like wedges. Arrange them cut-side up on a large serving platter or on individual plates—this makes the perfect base for all your toppings!
Step 2: Dress the Wedges
Generously drizzle each wedge with your chosen dressing. Whether you go for classic blue cheese or a tangy ranch, make sure each crevice gets a little love. For a lighter option, a Greek yogurt-based dressing works beautifully, adding creaminess without weighing the salad down.
Step 3: Add the Colorful Toppings
Now comes the fun part! Scatter those juicy, halved cherry tomatoes and thin slices of red onion over the wedges. Their freshness and crunch are the perfect contrast to the creamy dressing.
Step 4: Sprinkle on the Bacon and Cheese
Top each wedge with plenty of crumbled bacon for a smoky, savory bite. Then, add blue cheese crumbles for that signature tang. If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, feta makes a fantastic, milder alternative.
Step 5: Finish with Chives and Black Pepper
A generous sprinkle of chopped chives adds a fresh, oniony finish. Don’t forget a few grinds of black pepper—it brings all those bold flavors together. Serve the Cos Wedge Salad Recipe immediately while everything is crisp and cold.
How to Serve Cos Wedge Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of extra chives, a few more crumbles of blue cheese, or a final drizzle of dressing make each wedge look irresistible and restaurant-worthy. For extra crunch, try topping with toasted nuts or seeds!
Side Dishes
This Cos Wedge Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roast chicken, or a simple soup. It’s also wonderful alongside crusty bread for a light lunch or as a starter before a heartier main.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, grill the Romaine wedges for a hint of smokiness before assembling. Serve mini wedges on a platter for party-friendly appetizers, or let guests build their own with a DIY salad bar!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have extra salad, store the wedges and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This way, the lettuce stays crisp and the toppings keep their flavor until you’re ready to assemble and enjoy.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this Cos Wedge Salad Recipe, as lettuce and fresh toppings lose their texture and flavor when thawed. Stick to making it fresh for the best results.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this salad—just assemble, chill, and serve! If you prefer warm bacon, cook it just before serving and scatter it on top for a delightful contrast of temperatures.
FAQs
Can I use another type Salad
Absolutely! While Cos (Romaine) gives the sturdiest wedge, you can use iceberg for an extra-crisp bite or even Little Gem for mini wedges. Just be sure to choose a head that holds its shape when sliced.
How can I make this Cos Wedge Salad Recipe vegetarian?
Simply leave out the bacon or swap it for crispy roasted chickpeas or toasted nuts for that crave-worthy crunch. Everything else stays just as delicious!
What’s the best way to slice the lettuce for wedges?
Slice the whole head lengthwise, from root to tip, keeping the core intact. This keeps each wedge together and makes it easier to pick up and eat with a fork and knife.
Can I prepare the salad ahead of time?
You can prep all your toppings and even slice the lettuce in advance, but hold off on dressing and assembling until just before serving. This keeps everything crisp and fresh.
Is there a lighter dressing option for this Cos Wedge Salad Recipe?
Definitely! Greek yogurt-based dressings or a homemade vinaigrette are fantastic lighter alternatives. They add creaminess and tang without extra calories.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a salad that’s as stunning as it is satisfying, the Cos Wedge Salad Recipe delivers every single time. Gather your ingredients and give it a try—the crunch, color, and layers of flavor are sure to win over everyone at the table!
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Cos Wedge Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cos Wedge Salad is a classic American favorite featuring crisp romaine lettuce wedges topped with juicy cherry tomatoes, sharp red onions, smoky bacon, and tangy blue cheese crumbles. Dressed with creamy blue cheese or ranch dressing and garnished with fresh chives and black pepper, it offers a refreshing, flavorful starter or side that’s perfect for a quick, low-carb meal.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 heads of Cos (Romaine) lettuce, halved lengthwise
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 2 tablespoons chives, chopped
Dressing
- 1/2 cup blue cheese or ranch dressing
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Lettuce Wedges: Place the halved Cos (Romaine) lettuce wedges flat side down on a serving platter or on individual plates, ensuring they remain intact to create a neat wedge shape.
- Dress the Wedges: Drizzle each lettuce wedge generously with blue cheese or ranch dressing, allowing the dressing to seep into the leaves for full flavor.
- Add Toppings: Evenly distribute the halved cherry tomatoes and thin red onion slices over the dressed wedges, followed by sprinkling crumbled cooked bacon and blue cheese crumbles on top.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the chopped fresh chives over the salad and finish with a dusting of freshly ground black pepper to taste for added zest.
- Serve: Serve the salad chilled as a crisp, refreshing starter or a side dish to complement your main meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute the dressing with a Greek yogurt-based alternative.
- Try grilling the Cos lettuce wedges briefly for a smoky, charred flavor twist.
- Replace blue cheese with feta for a milder, tangy cheese option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wedge
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
