Sweet and Savory Cape Cod Chicken Salad
Cape Cod Chicken Salad combines tender white meat chicken, dried cranberries and pecans with a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise and Greek yogurt. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it an excellent choice for meals or snacks.
Why you will love this recipe
- Easy – This is one of those zero stress recipes that delivers maximum, flavor. Just toss the ingredients into a large bowl and in minutes, you’ve got a flavorful chicken salad to enjoy.
- Sweet and savory perfection – Dried cranberries add a touch of sweetness which goes perfectly with the savory dressing.
- Versatile – Serve it however you like! Scoop it into sandwiches, wrap it in lettuce, or pile it on crackers!
- Healthier – Traditional Cape Cod Chicken Salad is made with a mayonnaise dressing. Instead, this recipe uses half mayo and half yogurt for an extra dose of protein.
What you will need
Ingredient list
- Cooked chicken (boneless chicken breast or rotisserie)
- Mayonnaise
- Greek yogurt (plain, regular or Icelandic will work too)
- Pecans or walnuts
- Dried cranberries
- Celery
How to make Cape Cod chicken salad
STEP 1: Place all of the ingredients into a mixing bowl.
STEP 2: Use a wooden spoon to gently stir to combine the ingredients.
Tips for making the best chicken salad
- Chop it Right – For the perfect bite every time, make sure all of the ingredients are finely chopped or shredded into similar-sized pieces.
- Boost the Flavor – A splash of lemon juice or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard takes the dressing good to amazing.
- Storage Tip – If you are serving it later, cover the salad tightly and refrigerate. Allowing the flavors to blend for a few hours can enhance ce the taste even more.
How to serve Cape Cod chicken salad
One of the best things about Cape Cod Chicken Salad is that it plays well with everything. Here are some tasty ways to enjoy it.
Lettuce wraps – If you are looking for a light and fresh way to enjoy Cape Cod chicken salad, keep it light and refreshing by wrapping it in crisp, crunchy lettuce leaves. Romaine and butter lettuce work perfectly.
Sandwich – Pile it between two slices of soft bread for a hearty Cape Cod Chicken salad sandwich, or scoop it onto your favorite crackers for an easy, satisfying snack.
Garden Salald – Serve it alongside or on top of a fresh leafy green salad for a complete packed with flavor and texture.
Fresh Fruit – The sweet-tart combination is next-level! Try it with grapes, apple slices or citrus like orange segments for a vibrant, colorful plate.
Stuffed Veggies – Get creative! Spoon the chicken salad into bell pepper halves, hollowed-out cucumber halves, zucchini, or even a halved avocado for a nutritious twist.
How to store Cape Cod chicken salad and keep it fresh
- Use an airtight container – This locks in the freshness and prevents air from sneaking in, which helps maintain both flavor and texture. After serving, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
- Follow the two-hour rule – Always refrigerate leftovers within two hours of making them to keep things safe and delicious.
Easy ways to switch it up
Grapes– Swap the dried cranberries for fresh grapes or use both for an extra juicy bite!
Dairy-free – Swap in plant-based yogurt and amyo to maintain creaminess while making it dairy-free.
Vegan – Swap out the chicken for one of these tasty options: tofu, chickpeas, vegan chicken.
Nuts– Instead of pecans, try walnuts, almonds or cashews.
Recipe FAQs
Cape Cod chicken salad features white meat chicken, cranberries, and pecans. The cranberries are the signature ingredient that give it the Cape Cod name. Regular chicken salad, on the other hand, is more of a blank canvas, with recipes varying widely. Some versions lean on celery, onions, and fresh herbs, while others might include nuts, fruits, or even a tangy dressing to mix things up.
Yes, you can use all mayonnaise in this recipe. Just swap the Greek yogurt for an equal amount of mayo, and you’re good to go!
It’s best not to freeze leftover chicken salad. Freezing can cause the mayonnaise to separate, leading to a watery, unappetizing texture once it is thawed. For the best taste and consistency, enjoy it fresh!
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Cape Cod Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup Chopped chicken breast approximately 5 ounces
- 1/4 cup Chopped celery
- 1/4 cup Dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup Chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a mixing bowl, and stir to combine.
