If you are craving a salad that combines crunch, creaminess, and a burst of fresh flavors, then you will absolutely love this Cos Wedge Salad Recipe. It’s a brilliant way to enjoy crisp romaine, juicy cherry tomatoes, and savory bacon, all drizzled with a luscious homemade dressing that brings each bite to life. This salad feels indulgent yet light and makes a perfect starter or a satisfying side for any meal. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or just want a fresh, wholesome dish on the table in under 30 minutes, this Cos Wedge Salad Recipe will quickly become a new favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this salad is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role either to add texture, enhance flavor, or brighten up the plate with vibrant colors. From the crispy bacon to the tangy dressing, these components come together effortlessly to create something truly special.
- 2 heads cos (romaine) lettuce, cut lengthwise into quarters: Provides the fresh, crunchy base that defines the wedge salad.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Adds sweet juiciness and pops of red color.
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Brings smoky, savory notes and crunchiness.
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced: Offers a mild sharpness to cut through the richness.
- ½ cup blue cheese crumbles: Adds creamy tang and depth of flavor.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh chives: Gives a fresh herbal punch and lovely green flecks.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup sour cream: Creates a rich, creamy base with a slight tang.
- ¼ cup mayonnaise: Adds smoothness and body to the dressing.
- ¼ cup buttermilk (or milk for a thinner consistency): Lightens and makes the dressing pourable.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Gives a fresh brightness and subtle acidity.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a gentle savory warmth.
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the depth without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To perfectly season the dressing.
How to Make Cos Wedge Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by combining sour cream, mayonnaise, and buttermilk in a medium bowl. Whisk in the lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Taste your dressing and adjust any seasoning as you like. Pop it into the fridge to chill while you prep the rest of the salad—it only tastes better when nicely chilled.
Step 2: Prep the Lettuce
Take your two heads of cos lettuce and cut each lengthwise into quarters. Give them a thorough rinse to remove any dirt, then pat them dry really well. Drying is important to ensure your dressing sticks to the leaves instead of sliding off. Arrange each wedge nicely on a large platter or on individual plates for an impressive presentation.
Step 3: Add the Toppings
Generously drizzle the homemade dressing over each lettuce wedge. Then sprinkle on halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled crispy bacon, thin slices of red onion, and blue cheese crumbles. Finish by scattering chopped fresh chives across the salad for a final pop of color and flavor. A light sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper brings everything perfectly together. Serve immediately for that glorious crunch and freshness.
How to Serve Cos Wedge Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an added flourish, consider topping your wedges with a few extra crumbles of blue cheese or even a handful of toasted nuts for crunch. A little freshly chopped parsley or extra chives can also brighten the look and taste. The garnishes are not only pretty but also elevate the flavor profile, making the salad even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a refreshing side alongside juicy grilled steaks, roasted chicken, or even a hearty seafood dish like salmon. It lightens up richer meals beautifully and keeps your plate colorful and interesting. It’s also fantastic paired with crusty garlic bread or a steaming bowl of soup for a casual but impressive lunch or dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Try serving each wedge on a small plate, drizzled with dressing and garnishes, alongside a delicate glass of chilled white wine. Alternatively, place the wedges in individual shallow bowls so everyone can pile on their own toppings. For a fun twist, grill the lettuce wedges briefly until char marks appear before dressing them — it adds a smoky note that’s out of this world.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers after enjoying your Cos Wedge Salad Recipe, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Keep the lettuce wedges dry and the bacon crispy by wrapping them carefully. Combine everything just before serving to keep that fresh crunch intact.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The lettuce and fresh toppings will lose their texture and freshness once frozen and thawed, which would detract from the experience of this crisp, vibrant salad.
Reheating
Since this is primarily a raw salad with no cooked components (except the bacon), reheating isn’t necessary. If you prepare the bacon in advance, simply reheat it in a pan or microwave until crispy before crumbling it atop your salad.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of lettuce for Cos Wedge Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! While cos or romaine is classic for its firm texture and crunch, you can experiment with iceberg or butterhead lettuce. Just keep in mind that different lettuces vary in firmness and water content, which may slightly change the salad’s overall feel.
Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?
Yes! The bacon can be omitted or replaced with plant-based bacon bits or smoked tempeh for a vegetarian-friendly option without losing the smoky flavor that balances this salad beautifully.
What can I substitute for blue cheese if I don’t like it?
Feta cheese is a fantastic substitute that still provides a creamy and tangy punch but is milder than blue cheese. Goat cheese also works well if you prefer a softer, tangy taste.
How long can I keep the dressing in the fridge?
The homemade dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Give it a good stir before using, especially if it has thickened a bit.
Can I make this salad vegan?
To make a vegan version, use a dairy-free mayo and sour cream alternative, skip the blue cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute, and replace bacon with smoked tempeh or crispy chickpeas. The salad will still be hearty and flavorful!
Final Thoughts
This Cos Wedge Salad Recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something delightful with just a little effort. It’s fresh, flavorful, and versatile – perfect for a quick meal or an elegant starter. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how easy it is to bring that classic wedge salad experience right into your home kitchen. Trust me, once you make this, it will become a staple you’ll want to share with all your friends.
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Cos Wedge Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A refreshing and classic Cos Wedge Salad featuring crisp romaine lettuce quarters topped with cherry tomatoes, crumbled bacon, red onion, blue cheese, and fresh chives, all drizzled with a creamy, tangy dressing made from sour cream, mayonnaise, and buttermilk. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish, with options to customize for vegetarian or lighter versions.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 heads cos (romaine) lettuce, cut lengthwise into quarters
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup blue cheese crumbles
- ¼ cup chopped fresh chives
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Dressing
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup buttermilk (or milk for a thinner consistency)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, buttermilk, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Chill the dressing in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Prepare the Lettuce: Cut each head of cos lettuce into quarters lengthwise, rinse under cold water to clean, and then pat dry thoroughly to prevent sogginess.
- Assemble the Salad: Arrange the lettuce wedges on a large serving platter or individual plates. Drizzle the dressing evenly over each wedge.
- Add Toppings: Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled bacon, thinly sliced red onion, blue cheese crumbles, and chopped fresh chives over the dressed wedges.
- Season and Serve: Finish the salad with a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp freshness and creamy textures.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or substitute with plant-based bacon bits.
- If desired, substitute the dressing with ranch or a lighter yogurt-based dressing for a lighter option.
- Grilling the lettuce wedges briefly on a grill or skillet can add a smoky flavor and slight char for variation.
