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Cos Salad with Chipotle Dressing and Warm Queso Fresco

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 17 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This vibrant vegetarian salad offers a delightful play on textures and temperatures, combining crisp romaine lettuce with oven-warmed cheese. The smoky chipotle dressing provides a gentle heat that cuts through the richness of the queso fresco, while the oregano-spiced cornflake crust adds a satisfying crunch to every bite. It is a sophisticated yet simple dish that elevates seasonal greens into a substantial starter or a light main course.

Ideal for casual entertaining or a quick midweek meal, this dish is both healthy and comforting. The salty, softened cheese makes a delicious alternative to traditional croutons, providing plenty of protein. For the best results, serve the salad immediately while the cheese is still warm from the oven, perhaps with a side of warm corn tortillas or a squeeze of fresh lime to brighten the flavours.

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Ingredients for Cos Salad with Chipotle Dressing and Warm Queso Fresco

  • 80ml plus 45ml extra-virgin olive oil

  • 2 teaspoons bottled chipotle hot sauce

  • 1/2 teaspoons sugar

  • 400g cornflakes, finely crumbled

  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano

  • 30g round Mexican queso fresco cheese, cut into 12 wedges

  • 1 very large head of cos lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces

How to make Cos Salad with Chipotle Dressing and Warm Queso Fresco

Whisk 80ml oil, hot sauce, and sugar in small bowl to blend. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper.

Brush baking sheet with olive oil. Mix cornflakes and oregano in medium bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Brush cheese wedges on all sides with 3 tablespoons oil. Dip cheese wedges in cornflake mixture, coating completely. Place on prepared baking sheet. (Dressing and cheese wedges can be made 4 hours ahead. Let dressing stand at room temperature; cover and chill cheese.)

Preheat oven to 204°C. Bake cheese wedges until hot and softened but not melted, about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, toss lettuce with dressing in large bowl. Divide among 6 plates. Top each salad with 2 hot cheese wedges.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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