If you’re craving something that bursts with flavor, texture, and freshness all at once, the Cos Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese, Crispy Chicken, and Dill Recipe is an absolute showstopper to try. This vibrant salad perfectly balances crisp baby cos lettuces with the punchy creaminess of blue cheese dressing, the satisfying crunch of crispy chicken, and the bright lift from fresh dill and pickled onions. Every bite delivers an exciting harmony of creamy, crunchy, tangy, and savory notes, making this dish an irresistible crowd-pleaser perfect for a quick lunch or an impressive appetizer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to making this salad sing with freshness and flavor. Each component not only adds a vital taste or texture but also creates a beautiful harmony on your plate.
- 1 small red onion: Perfect for quick pickling, it adds a sweet-tart crunch that brightens the salad.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice): Essential for gently pickling the onion and adding acidity to the dressing.
- 6 slices of crispy chicken (grilled or fried): Delivers satisfying crunch and protein to make the salad hearty.
- 4 tablespoons fresh breadcrumbs: Toasted with spice, they add irresistible texture and a hint of savory depth.
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder: Adds subtle warmth and complexity to the breadcrumb mix.
- ½ teaspoon garlic granules: Gives a mild garlicky kick without overpowering other flavors.
- 80g blue cheese, crumbled: This is the creamy, tangy hero of the dressing that ties the whole salad together.
- 150ml buttermilk: Lightens the dressing keeping it smooth and luscious without heaviness.
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise: Adds rich creaminess and body to the dressing.
- Small handful of dill, chopped: A fresh, herbal note that brightens and balances the richness.
- 10 cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy bursts that add color and freshness to every forkful.
- 2 baby cos lettuces: Crisp and sturdy, these form the perfect base for holding all your toppings.
How to Make Cos Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese, Crispy Chicken, and Dill Recipe
Step 1: Pickle the Onion
Start by combining the thinly sliced red onion with apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), a pinch of salt, and a tablespoon of water in a small bowl. Let this sit for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the rest. This quick pickling softens the onion’s sharpness while adding a vibrant tang that wakes up your salad.
Step 2: Cook Chicken and Breadcrumbs
Cook your crispy chicken slices—either grill or fry until golden and tender—then chop them into bite-sized pieces perfect for scattering over the salad. In a frying pan, toast the breadcrumbs with mustard powder, garlic granules, and a pinch of salt until golden brown and fragrant, about 3 minutes. These crispy bits bring a satisfying crunch and a subtle spice that complements the creamy dressing beautifully.
Step 3: Make the Blue Cheese Dressing
In a large jug, whisk together the crumbled blue cheese, buttermilk, mayonnaise, and most of the chopped dill. This creates a silky dressing that’s both tangy and herbaceous, coating every bite of the salad with rich flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Quarter the cherry tomatoes and cut the baby cos lettuces in half lengthwise to create natural “wedges.” Place each wedge, cut-side up, on serving plates and generously pour over the blue cheese dressing.
Step 5: Add the Final Touches
Drain the pickled onions and scatter them over the salad along with the tomatoes, crispy chicken pieces, toasted breadcrumbs, and the remaining fresh dill. This final flourish ensures every bite is packed with layers of flavor and texture that make the Cos Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese, Crispy Chicken, and Dill Recipe so unforgettable.
How to Serve Cos Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese, Crispy Chicken, and Dill Recipe
Garnishes
To really make this salad shine, add a few extra crumbles of blue cheese and a sprinkle of fresh dill on top just before serving. A quick grind of black pepper or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also add a finishing touch that effortlessly elevates the whole dish.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides like grilled asparagus, roasted new potatoes, or crusty bread for mopping up the delicious dressing. For a full meal, try serving alongside a crisp white wine or a sparkling lemonade to balance the richness of the blue cheese and chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, try placing each lettuce wedge inside small ramekins or on a stylish wooden platter. Add edible flowers or microgreens for extra color and a touch of elegance. Whatever you do, keeping the salad’s freshness front and center is the key to presentation success.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To maintain crunch, store the crispy chicken pieces and toasted breadcrumbs separately and add them fresh when serving.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well, especially with delicate ingredients like lettuce and blue cheese dressing. Prepare only what you intend to eat to enjoy the best flavors and textures.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken pieces gently in a pan or microwave until warm, then add back to your freshly dressed salad. Avoid reheating the salad itself to keep the lettuce crisp and the dressing fresh.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this salad?
While blue cheese is key for its tangy creaminess, you can substitute with Roquefort or even a milder feta if you prefer, but it won’t have quite the same punch.
Is it okay to use store-bought crispy chicken?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked crispy chicken can speed up the process without sacrificing taste, just chop it nicely before adding.
How long should I pickle the onions?
About 10 minutes is enough for a light pickle, but you can leave them longer if you prefer a stronger tangy flavor.
Can this salad be made vegetarian?
Skip the chicken and consider adding roasted chickpeas or grilled tofu for protein, which still pairs beautifully with the blue cheese and dill.
What type of lettuce works best?
Baby cos lettuce is ideal for its sturdy leaves and crisp texture, but romaine can be a great substitute if that’s what you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
This Cos Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese, Crispy Chicken, and Dill Recipe is a seriously delicious way to elevate your salad game. It’s perfect for both comforting weeknight dinners and impressing guests at your next gathering. The rich dressing, crunchy chicken, and fresh herbs combine into a dish that’s satisfying and fresh, compelling you to come back for seconds. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a favorite in your kitchen too. Happy cooking!
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Cos Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese, Crispy Chicken, and Dill Recipe
- Prep Time: 15m
- Cook Time: 10m
- Total Time: 25m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A refreshing and flavorful Cos Wedge Salad featuring crisp baby cos lettuces, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crispy chicken pieces, all topped with a creamy blue cheese dressing and a hint of tangy pickled red onion. This salad combines crunchy textures with rich flavors, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
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. Set aside to lightly pickle, allowing the flavors to develop while you prepare the rest of the salad.
- Cook Chicken and Breadcrumbs: Cook the crispy chicken slices by grilling or frying until fully cooked and crispy. Once cooked, chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Toast the Breadcrumbs: Heat a frying pan on medium heat and add the fresh breadcrumbs, mustard powder, garlic granules, and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Dressing: In a large jug, whisk together the crumbled blue cheese, buttermilk, mayonnaise, and most of the chopped dill. Stir until combined and creamy.
- Prepare Salad Ingredients: Quarter the cherry tomatoes and cut the baby cos lettuces in half lengthwise to create wedges.
- Assemble the Salad: Arrange the lettuce wedges on serving plates with the cut-side facing up. Pour the blue cheese dressing generously over the lettuce.
- Garnish and Serve: Drain the pickled red onion and scatter it over the dressed lettuce wedges. Top with the quartered cherry tomatoes, crispy chicken pieces, toasted breadcrumbs, and sprinkle with the remaining chopped dill for a fresh finish.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, ensure the chicken is well dried before cooking.
- Use fresh breadcrumbs for best texture; stale breadcrumbs can be ground bread or panko.
- Adjust the amount of blue cheese in the dressing to your taste preference for a milder or stronger cheese flavor.
- Pickling the onion ahead of time enhances the flavor and softens its sharpness.
- This salad works well as a light main course or a hearty starter.
