Ina Garten Cape Cod Salad Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

The Cape Cod Salad is a refreshing and colorful dish that brings together a delightful mix of textures and flavors. With each bite, you experience the crunch of the apples and nuts, the sweetness of dried cranberries, and the creaminess of blue cheese. This salad is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a light meal. It’s also a fantastic way to incorporate fresh and nutritious ingredients into your diet.

How to Make Cape Cod Salad

Ingredients

• 6 cups mixed salad greens
• 1 large Granny Smith apple, diced
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup toasted walnuts or pecans, chopped
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or Gorgonzola
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup olive oil

Directions

1. In a bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until they are well combined and emulsified.
2. Toast the nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring often, then chop them once they have cooled.
3. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, diced apple, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, and crumbled cheese.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad, toss gently to combine, and serve immediately.

How to Serve Cape Cod Salad

Serve the Cape Cod Salad as a side dish at a barbecue or as a main dish for a light lunch. You can also pair it with grilled chicken or fish to make it a more filling meal. It looks beautiful on the table and is sure to impress your guests.

How to Store Cape Cod Salad

If you have leftover salad, store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve to prevent the greens from wilting. The salad is best eaten within a day or two, as the ingredients are fresh and can lose their texture over time.

Tips to Make Cape Cod Salad

• Use a variety of salad greens for added flavor and nutrition.
• For a sweeter touch, consider adding a handful of fresh berries.
• If you prefer a different cheese, goat cheese works well too.
• When making the dressing, feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey.

Variation

You can customize the Cape Cod Salad by adding protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal. Furthermore, adding other fruits, such as diced pears or mandarin oranges, can provide different flavors.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dressing in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing ahead of time. Store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week.

2. Can I use different nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute walnuts or pecans with almonds, cashews, or even sunflower seeds.

3. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in the Cape Cod Salad are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe option for those with gluten sensitivities.

Cape Cod Salad

A refreshing and colorful salad featuring mixed greens, tart apples, sweet cranberries, crunchy nuts, and creamy blue cheese, perfect for summer gatherings or light meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Salad Ingredients

• 6 cups mixed salad greens A variety of salad greens is recommended.
• 1 large Granny Smith apple, diced Adds a tart flavor.
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries Provides sweetness.
• 1/2 cup toasted walnuts or pecans, chopped Choose your preferred nut.
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or Gorgonzola Can substitute with goat cheese.

Dressing Ingredients

• 1/4 cup orange juice Freshly squeezed is ideal.
• 2 tbsp lemon juice For added acidity.
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey Adjust for sweetness as desired.
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup olive oil To emulsify the dressing.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until they are well combined and emulsified.
2. Toast the nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring often, then chop them once they have cooled.

Assembly

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, diced apple, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, and crumbled cheese.
2. Drizzle the dressing over the salad, toss gently to combine, and serve immediately.

Notes

Store leftover salad in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent wilting. Best eaten within a day or two.