Ina Garten Cape Cod Salad Recipe
Ina Garten Cape Cod Salad Recipe is fresh, colorful and full of bright flavor. It feels light yet still very satisfying.
Ingredients
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 2 cups diced cooked chicken
- 1 large Granny Smith apple diced
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup walnuts or pecans toasted
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese or feta
For the dressing
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Toast the nuts
- Place nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir slowly until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove and cool completely before adding.
Cook or prepare chicken
- Use leftover roasted chicken or cook fresh pieces. Dice into small bites. Keep them tender and juicy for better salad texture always.
Chop the apple
- Wash and dice the apple into small even cubes. Leave skins for color and fiber. Toss with little lemon juice to prevent browning.
Make the dressing
- Whisk vinegar, orange juice, honey, mustard, salt and pepper. Slowly add olive oil. Keep whisking until dressing looks smooth and blended.
Mix salad base
- Add greens, chicken, apple, cranberries and nuts to a large bowl. Toss gently to combine ingredients evenly without crushing delicate leaves.
Add cheese
- Sprinkle blue cheese or feta over the salad. Keep chunks visible. They add creamy texture and strong flavor that balances sweetness nicely.
Pour dressing
- Drizzle dressing over the salad right before serving. Toss lightly so everything gets coated. Avoid overdressing to keep greens fresh and crisp.
Serve and enjoy
- Serve salad immediately for best crunch and flavor. Enjoy with bread or soup. Share this bright healthy meal with friends or family.
Notes
- Use fresh crisp apples for best crunch
- Toast nuts for deeper flavor
- Add dressing only before serving
- Dry greens well after washing
- Use good quality olive oil
- Taste dressing and adjust seasoning