Cosi Signature Salad Recipe | Sherry Shallot Vinaigrette

This Cosi Signature Salad Recipe features a colorful mix of fresh fruits, crunchy nuts, and creamy cheese. The special sherry shallot vinaigrette, made with ingredients like vinegar and mustard, enhances the deliciousness even more. Plus, it's incredibly nutritious too, packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Whether you're seeking a satisfying starter, a flavorful side dish, or a hearty main course, this copycat Cosi Signature Salad is the perfect choice. 

This copycat of Cosi's Signature Salad:

• is easy to make with items found at your local grocery store.
• can be made into a complete meal by adding your choice of protein.
• is versatile. Feel free to modify the ingredients to suit your preferences.

1. Mixed Greens:
   • Mixed greens like spinach, kale, and arugula are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, which support immune function, vision health, and bone strength.
   • The antioxidants found in mixed greens, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, help reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, lowering the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.
   • I love the Simple Nature Organic Spring Mix package that is found at Aldi!
2. Pistachios:
   • Pistachios are a good source of healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and may help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
   • They are rich in protein, fiber, and antioxidants like vitamin E, which support muscle repair, satiety, and skin health.
   • Pistachios also contain plant compounds like carotenoids and phytosterols, which have been linked to improved blood sugar control and reduced inflammation.
3. Red Grapes:
   • Red grapes are packed with antioxidants like resveratrol, quercetin, and catechins, which have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.
   • They are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and other minerals, which support immune function, blood pressure regulation, and heart health.
   • Red grapes contain natural sugars like fructose and glucose, providing a quick energy boost and satisfying sweet cravings without causing a spike in blood sugar levels.
4. Gorgonzola Cheese (vegan cheese, parmesan cheese, blue cheese, fresh mozzarella, or goat cheese can be substituted):
   • Gorgonzola cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, and vitamin B12 (if not vegan), which are essential for bone health, muscle function, and nerve health.
   • It contains probiotics, beneficial bacteria that promote gut health and digestion.
5. Dried Cranberries:
   • Dried cranberries are rich in antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic acids, which protect cells from oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.
   • They contain dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes satiety, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
   • Dried cranberries also provide vitamins C and E, which support immune function and skin health, as well as manganese and other minerals essential for metabolism and bone health.
6. Pears:
   • Pears are an excellent source of dietary fiber, particularly soluble fiber like pectin, which helps regulate cholesterol levels, promotes digestive health, and prevents constipation.
   • They are rich in vitamins C and K, as well as antioxidants like quercetin and kaempferol, which have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.

1. Sherry Vinegar (red wine vinegar can be substituted):
   • Sherry vinegar contains acetic acid, which has been linked to various health benefits, including improved blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity.
   • It contains antioxidants like polyphenols, which help reduce inflammation and protect against oxidative stress, lowering the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
   • Sherry vinegar may aid in digestion by promoting the production of digestive enzymes and supporting gut health.
2. Shallot:
   • Shallots are rich in flavonoids and organosulfur compounds, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
   • They contain allicin, a sulfur compound also found in garlic, which may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
   • Shallots are a good source of vitamins C and A, as well as minerals like potassium and manganese, which support immune function and bone health.
3. Dijon Mustard:
   • Dijon mustard contains mustard seeds, which are rich in antioxidants like flavonoids and carotenoids, known for their anti-inflammatory properties and potential cancer-fighting effects.
   • It contains turmeric, the spice responsible for its vibrant yellow color, which contains curcumin, a compound with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
4. Honey or Maple Syrup (for vegan option):
   • Honey is a natural sweetener that contains antioxidants and antibacterial properties, which may help boost immune function and promote wound healing.
5. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil:
   • Extra-virgin olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid, which has been associated with reduced inflammation, improved heart health, and lower risk of chronic diseases.
   • It contains antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols, which protect cells from oxidative damage and may help reduce the risk of age-related diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
   • Wash the mixed greens thoroughly and spin them dry in a salad spinner or pat them dry with paper towels.
   • Shell the pistachios if they're not already shelled and roughly chop them for easier eating.
   • Halve the red grapes, crumble the gorgonzola cheese and roughly chop the pears.
2. Make the Sherry Shallot Vinaigrette:
   • In a small bowl or glass jar, combine the sherry vinegar, finely minced medium shallot, Dijon mustard, and honey.
   • Gradually drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil while whisking vigorously or shaking the jar to emulsify the vinaigrette.
   • Season the vinaigrette with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more vinegar, mustard, or sweetener to achieve the desired balance of flavors.
3. Assemble the Salad:
   • In a large bowl, combine the salad ingredients.
4. Dress the Salad:
   • Just before serving, drizzle the prepared Sherry Shallot Vinaigrette over the salad.
   • Use salad tongs or clean hands to toss the salad gently until the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.
5. Serve:
   • Transfer the dressed salad to a serving bowl or individual plates.
   • Garnish with additional toppings, if desired, such as extra crumbled cheese, a sprinkle of chopped pistachios, or a few whole grapes.

1. As a Side Dish: Serve the salad alongside grilled chicken breast, salmon, or tofu for a complete and balanced meal. 
2. With Soup or Sandwiches: Pair the salad with a warm bowl of soup, such as tomato basil soup or butternut squash soup, for a comforting and satisfying meal. Alternatively, serve it alongside sandwiches or wraps for a light and refreshing lunch or dinner option.
3. At Summer Barbecues or Picnics: Bring the salad to summer gatherings, barbecues, or picnics as a vibrant and nutritious side dish. Try this High Protein Vegan Burger!
4. As a Main Course: Add protein-rich toppings such as grilled chicken breast, shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas to the salad to turn it into a hearty and satisfying main course. The combination of fresh fruits, nuts, cheese (or vegan cheese), and greens makes it a complete and nutritious meal.
5. For Entertaining: Serve the salad as astarter or appetizer at dinner parties or special occasions. It's a favorite salad that will impress your guests and set the tone for a memorable meal.

Red onions are a close substitute for shallots in terms of flavor and texture. They have a slightly stronger taste than shallots but still provide a similar flavor profile. Finely mince or dice the red onion to use in place of shallots in the vinaigrette.

While sherry cooking wine and sherry vinegar are both made from sherry, they serve different purposes in recipes and have distinct flavors and acidity levels. Sherry cooking wine is typically used for its rich flavor and aroma in cooking dishes such as sauces, stews, and marinades, whereas sherry vinegar is used primarily as a condiment or in salad dressings for its acidity and tangy flavor. I would recommend using a different vinegar (such as red wine vinegar) if you cannot find sherry vinegar.

Cosi Signature Salad Recipe with Sherry Shallot Vinaigrette

This Cosi Signature Salad Recipe features a colorful mix of fresh fruits, crunchy nuts, and creamy cheese (or a vegan option). The special sherry shallot vinaigrette, made with ingredients like vinegar and mustard, enhances the deliciousness even more. Plus, it's incredibly nutritious too, packed with vitamins and goodness. Whether you're seeking a satisfying starter, a flavorful side dish, or a hearty main course, this copycat Cosi Signature Salad is the perfect choice. 

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Course Salad

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

  

• 6 ounces mixed greens
• ½ cup pistachios shelled
• ½ cup red grapes halved
• ½ cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese omit for vegan option or substitute with vegan cheese
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• 2 pears ripe and roughly chopped
• ¼ cup sherry vinegar
• 1 shallot finely minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup for vegan option
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, shelled pistachios, halved red grapes, crumbled gorgonzola cheese (if using), dried cranberries, and chopped pears.
• In a small bowl, prepare the Sherry Shallot Vinaigrette by whisking together the sherry vinegar, finely minced shallot, Dijon mustard, and honey or maple syrup. Slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil while whisking continuously until the vinaigrette is emulsified and well combined. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
• Just before serving, drizzle the Sherry Shallot Vinaigrette over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss the salad gently to coat the ingredients evenly with the dressing.

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