Sticky Finger Salad (Recipe)

Are you looking for an easy and delicious finger food salad recipe that is perfect for summer gatherings? Look no further than Sticky Finger Salad! This quick and tasty salad is a crowd-pleasing dish that will impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or a casual get-together, this finger food salad is sure to be a hit.

The Sticky Finger Salad features breaded chicken tenders coated in a delicious sticky sauce, complemented by crisp romaine lettuce, sweet craisins, tangy cheddar cheese, and juicy cherry tomatoes. The combination of flavors and textures creates a mouthwatering salad that will leave you wanting more.

But don’t worry, making Sticky Finger Salad at home is easier than you might think. With just a few simple steps, you can recreate the flavors of your favorite restaurant dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to impress their guests with a flavorful and easy-to-make salad.

So, if you’re ready to dive into the world of finger food salad and learn how to make Sticky Finger Salad, let’s get started with this simple and delicious recipe.

Key Takeaways:

• Sticky Finger Salad is a quick and tasty finger food salad that is perfect for summer gatherings.
• This salad features breaded chicken tenders coated in a sticky sauce, along with romaine lettuce, craisins, cheddar cheese, and cherry tomatoes.
• The dressing is a homemade buttermilk ranch, but you can use your favorite ranch dressing.
• This recipe is easy to make and tastes just like the restaurant version.
• Get creative with variations by trying different dressings and adding additional toppings to customize the salad to your liking.

Ingredients for Copycat Winger’s Sticky Finger Salad

To make the copycat Winger’s Sticky Finger Salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

These ingredients can be easily found at your local grocery store. The combination of crunchy romaine lettuce, dried cranberries, shredded carrots, cheese, and sticky chicken fingers creates a delectable flavor profile.

Here’s an image that showcases the deliciousness of the Copycat Winger’s Sticky Finger Salad.

Sticky Chicken Fingers and Sauce

The star of the Sticky Finger Salad is the sticky chicken fingers, which are coated in a delicious sauce. To make this mouthwatering sauce, you’ll need a few key ingredients:

• Copycat Winger’s Amazing Sauce
• Frank’s Original Hot Sauce
• Brown sugar
• Baked chicken tenders

Creating the sticky sauce is a breeze. In a saucepan, heat the Copycat Winger’s Amazing Sauce, Frank’s Original Hot Sauce, and brown sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved. This combination of flavors gives the chicken fingers a tangy and sweet taste that perfectly complements the salad.

While the sauce is heating up, follow the package instructions to bake the chicken tenders until they are golden and crispy. Once they’re done, toss them in the sticky sauce, ensuring that each tender is coated generously. The result is irresistibly flavorful chicken fingers that will make your taste buds dance.

Now that you have the sticky chicken fingers ready, it’s time to move on to the next step. But before we do, let’s take a moment to appreciate the deliciousness of this dish.

“These sticky chicken fingers are the epitome of finger-licking goodness. The combination of Copycat Winger’s Amazing Sauce, Frank’s Original Hot Sauce, and brown sugar creates a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, enhancing the flavor of the baked chicken tenders. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!”

Are you ready to continue with the assembling process? Great! Let’s dive right in and bring this Sticky Finger Salad to life.

Assembling the Salad

Assembling the Sticky Finger Salad is a breeze. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you put together this delicious salad:

Step 1: Dividing the lettuce

Start by dividing the hearts of romaine evenly onto four plates. Make sure each plate has a generous serving of crispy lettuce.

Step 2: Topping with craisins and cheese

Next, top each salad with a handful of sweet craisins and a generous sprinkling of cheddar cheese. The combination of the tangy craisins and the savory cheese adds a burst of flavor to the salad.

Step 3: Adding tomatoes

To add a refreshing element to the salad, slice grape or cherry tomatoes and add them on top of each plate. The juicy tomatoes provide a burst of freshness and vibrant color.

Step 4: Cutting up sticky fingers

Now it’s time to cut up the sticky chicken fingers into bite-sized pieces. These flavorful chicken tenders will be the highlight of the salad. Place the pieces on top of each salad, evenly distributing them.

Step 5: Preparing the ranch dressing

The final touch is the creamy and tangy ranch dressing. In a small bowl, mix together the buttermilk ranch dressing mix, buttermilk, and milk. Drizzle the dressing over each salad, ensuring every bite is coated in the delicious ranch flavor.

And there you have it, a visually appealing and delicious Sticky Finger Salad ready to be enjoyed!

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to make your Sticky Finger Salad even more exciting:

TIP: For an extra crunch, you can sprinkle some toasted almonds or walnuts over the salad.

TIP: If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add a few dashes of hot sauce to the ranch dressing.

Sticky Finger Salad Variations:

• Try using different types of lettuce or mixed greens for added variety.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or blue cheese, for a unique flavor profile.
• Add sliced avocado, red onions, or croutons for extra texture and flavor.

With these tips and variations, you can customize the Sticky Finger Salad to your liking and create a salad that is truly your own.

Tips and Variations

Looking to add your own twist to the Sticky Finger Salad? Here are some tips and variations to make this recipe truly yours!

Dressing Options

While the classic buttermilk ranch dressing perfectly complements the flavors of the Sticky Finger Salad, feel free to try different dressings to suit your taste. Here are some options:

• Raspberry Vinaigrette
• Poppy Seed
• Your favorite store-bought ranch dressing

Additional Toppings

Get creative and enhance the flavors and textures of the salad by adding additional toppings. Consider these options:

• Sliced avocado for a creamy touch
• Thinly sliced red onions for a tangy kick
• Crunchy croutons for added texture

Don’t be afraid to mix and match dressing options and toppings to create unique variations of the Sticky Finger Salad. The possibilities are endless!

Enjoy the freedom to explore new flavor combinations, and let your taste buds guide you in creating a personalized version of this finger-licking good salad!

Kitchen Tools and Gadgets Needed

To make the Sticky Finger Salad, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools and gadgets. Having the right equipment will make preparing this delicious salad a breeze. Here’s a list of the necessary items:

• Saucepan
• Baking sheet
• Large bowl
• Tongs
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Salad plates

With these basic kitchen tools, you’ll be able to handle every step of the recipe efficiently. The saucepan is essential for heating and mixing the sticky sauce for the chicken fingers. The baking sheet is perfect for baking the chicken tenders to crispy perfection. A large bowl is necessary for tossing the salad ingredients together. Tongs make it easy to handle the chicken fingers and assemble the salad. A sharp knife and cutting board are essential for cutting up the sticky chicken fingers and preparing the salad. Finally, make sure you have enough salad plates for serving the Sticky Finger Salad to your guests.

Before you start making the recipe, ensure that you have all the necessary equipment on hand. This will save you time and make the cooking process more enjoyable. So gather your kitchen tools and gadgets, and let’s get started on this mouthwatering Sticky Finger Salad!

Recipe Source and Inspiration

The inspiration for the Sticky Finger Salad comes from Winger’s restaurants, where it is a popular menu item. This recipe is a copycat version that allows you to recreate the same flavors at home. The creator of the recipe was inspired by their family’s love for the salad and their desire to enjoy it outside of the restaurant. By sharing this recipe, they hope to bring the deliciousness of the Sticky Finger Salad to more people.

When dining out, Winger’s restaurants are known for serving flavorful dishes that satisfy cravings. The Sticky Finger Salad is no exception, combining the irresistible combination of crispy chicken tenders, tangy sauce, and fresh vegetables. The recipe creator used their dining experience as a starting point to develop a copycat recipe that brings the same mouthwatering flavors to your home kitchen.

To create this recipe, the creator meticulously tested different ingredients and methods to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures. They also paid attention to details such as the dressing and the presentation to ensure that the homemade version closely resembles the restaurant original. Whether you’re a fan of Winger’s restaurants or simply looking for a tasty and unique salad option, this copycat Sticky Finger Salad recipe is sure to impress.

Expert Cooking Insight:

“Taking inspiration from beloved restaurant dishes and recreating them at home is a fantastic way to elevate your cooking skills and enjoy your favorite flavors anytime. The Sticky Finger Salad, inspired by the menu at Winger’s restaurants, is a prime example of how copycat recipes can showcase your culinary prowess and satisfy your cravings from the comfort of your own kitchen.”

The recipe creator’s goal in sharing this copycat recipe is to offer a taste of Winger’s restaurants to those who might not have access to a nearby location or prefer the convenience of homemade meals. By sharing their expertise and culinary journey, they hope to inspire others to try their hand at recreating their favorite restaurant dishes. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can enjoy the Sticky Finger Salad’s delectable combination of flavors and experience the same satisfaction as dining out at Winger’s restaurants.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Sticky Finger Salad is a homemade finger food salad that is both easy to make and incredibly delicious. This recipe is perfect for summer gatherings, as it offers a refreshing and flavorful option that will impress your guests. The combination of crunchy romaine lettuce, tangy dried cranberries, savory cheddar cheese, and sticky chicken fingers coated in a sweet and spicy sauce creates a mouthwatering taste sensation.

What sets this salad apart is the addition of the creamy and tangy buttermilk ranch dressing, which perfectly complements the other ingredients. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or as a quick and tasty meal, the Sticky Finger Salad is sure to become a new favorite.

With this easy and delicious recipe, you can enjoy the restaurant flavors of the Sticky Finger Salad in the comfort of your own kitchen. So why not give it a try? Whip up this homemade finger food salad and impress your family and friends with a tantalizing dish that’s perfect for any summer occasion.