Cape Cod Chicken Salad Recipe – Easy Kitchen Guide

By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on October 14, 2023 | Last Updated on October 14, 2023

Welcome to the heartwarming world of Cape Cod Chicken Salad! This recipe is a delightful blend of savory and sweet, perfect for a refreshing lunch or a light dinner. Inspired by the coastal region of Massachusetts known as Cape Cod, this chicken salad captures the essence of New England cuisine, combining tender chicken, crunchy celery, sweet cranberries, and tangy mayo. It’s a dish that’s as comforting as a cool breeze on a sunny beach day.

Whether you’re looking for a picnic staple, a sandwich filling, or a protein-packed salad, Cape Cod Chicken Salad is an easy-to-make, delicious choice that will transport your taste buds to the charming shores of the Atlantic. Let’s get started on this delightful culinary journey!

What is cape cod chicken salad?

Cape Cod Chicken Salad is a type of salad that originated from the coastal region of Massachusetts known as Cape Cod. It is made with cooked chicken, celery, dried cranberries, and mayonnaise, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

This dish is often served cold and can be eaten on its own or used as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. Moreover, it is a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit different dietary needs and preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Cape Cod Chicken Salad?

There are many reasons to love Cape Cod Chicken Salad! For starters, it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. You can also prepare a large batch ahead of time for meal prepping or to serve at a gathering.

But the real reason you’ll love this salad is its delicious flavor profile. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy celery, sweet cranberries, and creamy mayo creates a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken and add some variety to your meals.

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The Ingredients 

1. Chicken: Chicken is the main protein source in this recipe. It gives the dish its substance and satiety factor. The taste of chicken is also quite versatile, pairing well with both the sweet and savory ingredients in this recipe.
2. Celery: Celery adds a pleasing crunch to the recipe, breaking up the otherwise soft textures. Its slight bitterness also helps to balance out the flavors.
3. Sweetened dried cranberries: These provide a sweet, tangy contrast to the savory chicken and celery. They also add a different texture to the dish, giving it more complexity.
4. Pecans: Toasted pecans give an extra layer of crunchy texture. Their nutty flavor complements the other ingredients well, adding depth to the overall taste of the dish.
5. Mayo: Mayo acts as a binder for all the ingredients, holding them together. It also provides a creamy base that carries the flavors of the other ingredients well.
6. Orange-blossom honey: This particular type of honey has a floral, citrusy sweetness that pairs excellently with the chicken and cranberries. It enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
7. Salt is essential in almost every dish as it heightens all other flavors. This recipe helps to bring out the sweetness of the cranberries and honey, the savoriness of the chicken, and the bitterness of the celery.
8. Pepper: Pepper adds a bit of heat to the dish, providing a nice contrast to the sweetness of some of the other ingredients. It also adds another layer of flavor that makes the dish more interesting.

Step by Step Instructions 

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by cooking the chicken using your preferred method. You have the option to grill, bake, or even use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for added convenience.

If you choose to cook it fresh, ensure the chicken is fully cooked, then allow it to cool before proceeding to shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Prep the Other Ingredients

While the chicken is cooking, take the opportunity to prepare the other ingredients. Begin by chopping the celery into small, bite-sized pieces.

Additionally, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat until they become fragrant and slightly browned. This step enhances the nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the salad.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a separate bowl, create the dressing for the salad. Combine mayonnaise, orange blossom honey, salt, and pepper. The orange blossom honey will infuse a sweet and citrusy note to the dressing, complementing the other flavors in the salad. Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth, well-integrated dressing.

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, bring together all the prepared components. Add the cooked and diced or shredded chicken, the chopped celery, dried cranberries, and the toasted pecans to the bowl. These ingredients will provide a medley of textures and flavors, making the salad both satisfying and delicious.

Next, pour the previously prepared dressing over these ingredients, ensuring that everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap to seal in the flavors and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This step allows the various components to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.

Once adequately chilled, the salad can be served cold, either as a standalone dish or used as a filling for sandwiches or wraps, depending on your preference.

Notes 

• You can use leftover chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute half of the mayo with Greek yogurt.
• Add some diced apples for extra sweetness and crunch.
• For a vegan version, you can replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegan mayo.

Nutrition Information

How to store cape cod chicken salad?

Cape Cod Chicken Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to stir well before serving, as the ingredients tend to settle and the dressing may become slightly absorbed by the other ingredients. Plus, the flavors will have a chance to develop further, making it even more delicious.

Variations 

Cape Cod Chicken Salad is a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit different dietary needs and preferences. Here are some ideas for variations:

• Add Some Herbs: You can add fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme to the salad for added flavor and freshness.
• Try Different Nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can use almonds, walnuts, or cashews instead.
• Make it a Meal: To make this salad more filling and nutritious, you can add some cooked quinoa or brown rice to the mix.
• Use Different Dried Fruits: If cranberries aren’t your thing, try using dried cherries, blueberries, or raisins for a different flavor profile.
• Serve as a Dip: Add some extra mayo or Greek yogurt to the salad and turn it into a delicious dip for crackers, veggies, or pita chips.

FAQs

Wrapping Up

Cape Cod Chicken Salad is a delicious and versatile recipe that captures the essence of New England cuisine. It’s easy to make, customizable, and has a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch option or a dish to impress at your next gathering, this salad will surely become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Serve it cold for maximum enjoyment and be transported to the charming shores of Cape Cod with every bite. Enjoy!

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