Cos Wedge Salad Recipe
If you are looking for a fresh, crisp, and satisfying salad to brighten up your meal times, this Cos Wedge Salad Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. With tender romaine lettuce cut into wedges and loaded with crunchy bacon, tangy blue cheese, and juicy cherry tomatoes, every bite sings with bold and balanced flavors. It’s a simple yet elegant salad that feels both hearty and refreshing, perfect for a quick lunch or as a stunning side dish at dinner. Whether you’re a salad lover or just getting started, this Cos Wedge Salad Recipe offers the perfect mix of textures and tastes that invite you to dig right in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a critical role in crafting the mouthwatering character of the dish. From the crisp crunch of fresh romaine to the savory punch of bacon and the creamy richness of blue cheese, every component contributes a unique layer of texture and flavor.
- 2 heads cos (romaine) lettuce, halved lengthwise: The star base providing a fresh crunch and sturdy wedges to hold toppings.
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Adds juicy bursts of sweetness and a pop of color to brighten the plate.
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced: Brings a sharp, tangy contrast to the creamy and smoky elements.
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Introduces a smoky crunch that elevates the salad’s flavor profile.
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese or feta: Offers a rich, tangy creaminess that beautifully balances the smoky bacon.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives: Adds a mild oniony freshness to lift and brighten every bite.
- ½ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing: The perfect creamy coating that ties all the flavors together.
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste: Provides subtle heat and depth, finishing the salad with a little kick.
How to Make Cos Wedge Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Lettuce Wedges
Start by rinsing your cos lettuce heads thoroughly and drying them well; this keeps the salad crisp and prevents sogginess. Then carefully cut each head in half lengthwise, turning two heads into four sizable wedges. These wedges form the stunning foundation of the salad and perfectly hold all the toppings that come next.
Step 2: Arrange and Dress the Wedges
Place each lettuce wedge on individual plates or set them on a large platter for sharing. Drizzle the ranch or blue cheese dressing generously over each wedge. Let the dressing seep into the layers so every bite is lightly coated, enhancing the romaine’s natural freshness without overwhelming it.
Step 3: Add the Toppings
Now comes the fun part—building your salad with vibrant toppings! Scatter halved cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced red onions over the dressed wedges. Then sprinkle on the crumbled bacon and blue cheese for bursts of smoky and savory richness. Finish with the chopped fresh chives to add a fresh, green note that brightens each bite.
Step 4: Final Touches
Give the entire salad a final grind or two of freshly ground black pepper. This simple addition adds a subtle heat that lingers lightly on the palate, enhancing the overall flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. Your Cos Wedge Salad Recipe is now ready to enjoy, crisp and chilled.
How to Serve Cos Wedge Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an eye-catching presentation, garnish your salad with a few extra chives or some microgreens to add a delicate layer of texture. A light sprinkle of smoked paprika on top can also introduce a gentle smoky aroma that complements the bacon beautifully.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or steak for a robust meal, or alongside a warm bowl of soup for contrast. Its light yet satisfying nature makes it a perfect side to heavier mains, balancing out flavors and textures on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to jazz up the presentation, try serving the wedges on a wooden board with all the toppings artistically scattered around, inviting guests to build their own salad bites. Alternatively, grilling the romaine wedges for a minute or two adds a lovely smoky char and softens the lettuce just enough to create a more complex flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because this salad is best when crisp and fresh, it’s ideal to eat it immediately. If you have leftovers, store the lettuce wedges and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble just before serving to keep the greens from wilting.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended due to the fresh lettuce and creamy dressing, which can separate and become watery when thawed.
Reheating
Since this salad is served cold and features fresh ingredients, reheating is unnecessary and could ruin the textures and flavors. Enjoy it fresh and chilled for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use another type of lettuce for the Cos Wedge Salad Recipe?
While cos (romaine) lettuce is traditional for this recipe due to its sturdy texture and crispness, you can experiment with other crunchy lettuces like iceberg. Just keep in mind that softer greens may not hold the toppings as well.
Is there a vegetarian option for the bacon in this salad?
Absolutely! Swap out the bacon for crispy roasted chickpeas or toasted sunflower seeds. These alternatives add a satisfying crunch and a boost of flavor without any meat.
What dressing works best for the Cos Wedge Salad Recipe?
Ranch and blue cheese dressings are classic companions, perfectly complementing the cheese and bacon’s richness. For a lighter twist, a yogurt-based dressing with herbs works beautifully and keeps the salad fresh.
Can I grill the lettuce for extra flavor?
Yes! Grilling the romaine wedges for 1 to 2 minutes cut side down adds a smoky layer that enhances the salad’s complexity. Just be sure not to overcook so the lettuce remains crisp inside.
How long does this salad stay fresh after assembly?
Once assembled, the salad is best enjoyed within a few hours. The lettuce tends to wilt, and the dressing can make the leaves soggy if left too long.
Final Thoughts
This Cos Wedge Salad Recipe is one of those rare dishes that’s both simple and show-stopping. The combination of crisp lettuce, savory bacon, tangy cheese, and fresh vegetables creates a harmonious salad that feels special without being fussy. Whether you’re putting it together for a quick lunch or making it a part of a weekend dinner spread, this salad will win you over with every satisfying bite. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite salad!
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Cos Wedge Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Cos Wedge Salad is a classic American salad featuring crisp romaine lettuce wedges topped with juicy cherry tomatoes, red onion, crispy bacon, crumbled blue cheese, and fresh chives, all drizzled with creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing. It’s a quick, easy, and flavorful salad perfect as a starter or a light meal, with options for grilling the lettuce for added smokiness or making it vegetarian-friendly.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 heads cos (romaine) lettuce, halved lengthwise
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese or feta
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Dressing
- ½ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Lettuce: Rinse and dry the romaine lettuce thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Slice each head in half lengthwise to create four distinct wedges.
- Plate the Wedges: Place each romaine wedge on individual serving plates or on a large platter, ensuring they are spaced apart for easy topping.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle the ranch or blue cheese dressing evenly over each wedge, allowing it to trickle through the layers of the lettuce for maximum flavor.
- Top the Salad: Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled bacon, and blue cheese or feta over the dressed lettuce wedges.
- Garnish and Season: Sprinkle the chopped fresh chives on top and finish with freshly ground black pepper to taste for a slight kick.
- Serve: Serve the salad chilled immediately. For a smoky twist, optionally grill the lettuce halves cut side down for 1–2 minutes before assembling.
Notes
- For a lighter dressing alternative, substitute ranch or blue cheese dressing with a yogurt-based dressing.
- Grill the romaine halves for 1–2 minutes cut side down before assembling for a smoky flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, replace bacon with sunflower seeds or crispy chickpeas to maintain the crunch and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
