If you are searching for a fresh, flavorful, and utterly satisfying salad to brighten up your meal, look no further than this Cos Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing and Crispy Chicken Recipe. Combining the crisp crunch of baby cos lettuce with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy tangy blue cheese dressing, and the irresistible texture of golden crispy chicken, this dish delivers a perfect harmony of tastes and textures that will truly excite your palate. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve your guests, making it a versatile favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in crafting a salad that’s bursting with flavor and texture. From the tangy blue cheese dressing to the crunchy breadcrumbs, each element comes together beautifully to create this memorable dish.
- Red onion: Finely chopped and lightly pickled to add a sharp but mellow zing to the salad.
- Apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice): Used to pickle the onion, bringing a bright acidity that balances the richness of the dressing.
- Crispy chicken: Whether grilled or fried, it adds a satisfying crunch and protein punch.
- Fresh breadcrumbs: Toasted with spices for an extra layer of savory, crisp texture.
- Mustard powder: Infuses the breadcrumbs with a subtle heat and complexity.
- Garlic granules: Adds a fragrant depth to the toasted breadcrumb coating.
- Blue cheese: Crumbled to create that signature creamy, tangy dressing.
- Buttermilk: Provides a velvety base for the dressing, making it luxuriously smooth and lightly tangy.
- Mayonnaise: Enriches the dressing with a luscious creaminess that perfectly complements the sharp cheese.
- Fresh dill: Chopped to sprinkle both in the dressing and on top, offering a fresh, aromatic note.
- Cherry tomatoes: Quartered for bursts of juicy sweetness.
- Baby cos lettuces: Cut into wedges, they offer a crisp, refreshing backbone for the salad.
How to Make Cos Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing and Crispy Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Pickle the Onion
Start by tossing finely chopped red onion with apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), a pinch of salt, and a splash of water in a small bowl. Let this mixture sit while you prep the rest of your ingredients. This quick pickle process softens the onion’s sharpness and infuses it with a gentle tang that will lighten every bite of the finished salad.
Step 2: Cook Chicken and Breadcrumbs
Prepare your crispy chicken, whether you choose to grill or fry it, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. In a small frying pan, toast the fresh breadcrumbs with mustard powder, garlic granules, and a pinch of salt over medium heat until they turn a beautiful golden brown, about three minutes. These toasted crumbs will add an unexpected but delightful crunch on top of your salad.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a large jug, whisk together crumbled blue cheese, buttermilk, mayonnaise, and the majority of your fresh chopped dill. This combination creates a rich, creamy dressing that’s packed with the bold flavor of blue cheese but balanced with the freshness of herbs and the smoothness of buttermilk.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Quarter the cherry tomatoes and slice the baby cos lettuces in half lengthwise to form classic wedges. Arrange the lettuce wedges on serving plates, carefully spoon the blue cheese dressing over each wedge, allowing it to cascade over the crisp leaves. Drain the pickled onions and scatter them across the salad alongside the tomatoes, morsels of crispy chicken, the toasted breadcrumbs, and the remaining dill to finish.
How to Serve Cos Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing and Crispy Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance this salad by adding a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a dash of smoked paprika over the top for an extra flavor kick and visual appeal. Fresh chives or finely chopped spring onion can also add a lovely sharpness and a pop of vibrant green.
Side Dishes
This salad shines beautifully alongside grilled steaks or roasted chicken for a hearty meal. If you prefer lighter accompaniments, serve it with warm crusty bread or garlic butter toast to soak up every last bit of that luscious blue cheese dressing.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant presentation, serve the salad in individual shallow bowls or on rustic wooden boards, carefully layering each element to showcase the colorful contrast of greens, reds, and creamy dressing. You can also add edible flowers or microgreens to elevate the look for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store the salad components separately in airtight containers. Keep the dressing and crispy chicken refrigerated, but avoid tossing them with the lettuce until you’re ready to enjoy the salad again to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
This salad is not well suited for freezing, as the fresh lettuce and creamy dressing will lose their texture and taste. However, you can freeze the crispy chicken pieces separately if desired and then thaw them before reheating and assembling the salad.
Reheating
To reheat the crispy chicken, warm it gently in a preheated oven or skillet to bring back some crunch without drying it out. Avoid reheating the salad or dressing to maintain their fresh flavors and textures.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese for the dressing?
Blue cheese is what gives this salad its signature tangy richness, but if you’re not a fan, feta or goat cheese can work as substitutes. Just expect a milder flavor profile.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the chicken and add hearty grilled mushrooms or roasted chickpeas for added texture and protein.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Yes, the dressing can be made up to two days ahead and kept refrigerated. Just give it a good stir before using.
What type of lettuce is best for this salad?
Baby cos lettuce offers the perfect crunch and leaf size for a classic wedge salad. You can substitute romaine if needed, but the texture might differ slightly.
How do I make the chicken extra crispy?
For crispier chicken, coat it in seasoned flour before frying or opt for panko breadcrumbs in your breading. Cooking it on medium-high heat ensures a golden crust while keeping the inside juicy.
Final Thoughts
This Cos Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing and Crispy Chicken Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a sophisticated salad that brings fresh, bold flavors to your table. From its perfectly balanced dressing to the crunchy chicken and vibrant veggies, it’s a dish that always feels like a special treat. I can’t wait for you to try it out—you’ll be hooked from the very first delicious bite!
Print
Cos Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing and Crispy Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: British
Description
A fresh and flavorful Cos Wedge Salad featuring crisp baby cos lettuce, tangy blue cheese dressing, pickled red onions, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crispy chicken bites topped with golden breadcrumbs. This easy-to-make salad combines crunchy textures and creamy elements for a satisfying starter or light meal.
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 6 slices of crispy chicken (grilled or fried)
- 4 tablespoons fresh breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic granules
- 80g blue cheese, crumbled
- 150ml buttermilk
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- Small handful of dill, chopped
For the Salad:
- 10 cherry tomatoes
- 2 baby cos lettuces
Instructions
- Pickle the Onion: In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped red onion with apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), a pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon of water. Stir and set aside to lightly pickle while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Cook Chicken and Breadcrumbs: Cook the crispy chicken by grilling or frying until golden and cooked through. Once done, chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Toast Breadcrumbs: Heat a frying pan over medium heat, then add the fresh breadcrumbs along with mustard powder, garlic granules, and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Dressing: In a large jug or bowl, whisk together the crumbled blue cheese, buttermilk, mayonnaise, and most of the chopped dill until smooth and creamy.
- Prepare the Salad: Quarter the cherry tomatoes and cut the baby cos lettuces in half lengthwise to create manageable wedges.
- Assemble the Salad: Arrange the lettuce wedges on serving plates with the cut side facing up. Drizzle the blue cheese dressing generously over each wedge.
- Add Toppings: Drain the pickled onion and scatter it evenly over the salad, followed by the quartered cherry tomatoes and crispy chicken pieces. Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs and remaining chopped dill on top for extra crunch and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute the blue cheese with gorgonzola or Roquefort depending on preference.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add extra toasted nuts or seeds for protein.
- For a lighter dressing, reduce the mayonnaise and buttermilk quantities.
- The pickled onion can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to one day.
- Use fresh dill for the best flavor; dried dill can be used in a pinch but use less.
