If you love salads that combine sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in one bite, Ina Garten’s Cape Cod Salad is a must-try. This signature Barefoot Contessa recipe brings together fresh greens, tart-dried cranberries, crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and creamy blue cheese—all tossed in a simple homemade vinaigrette. It’s vibrant, refreshing, and perfect for any season.

What is Ina Garten Cape Cod Salad?

Ina Garten’s Cape Cod Salad is a flavorful mix of baby greens, Granny Smith apples, dried cranberries, toasted nuts, and blue cheese, all tossed in a honey mustard vinaigrette. The salad is inspired by the crisp flavors of New England, particularly the combination of apples and cranberries that are staples in Cape Cod cuisine.

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Cape Cod Salad

Balanced flavor profile – Sweet, tangy, savory, and crunchy in each bite
Seasonal favorite – Ideal for fall and holiday tables
Easy to prepare – Quick, with no cooking required
Elegant and versatile – Suitable for everyday meals or special occasions
Customizable ingredients – Easily adapted to dietary preferences
Healthy and satisfying – Full of fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats
Pairs well with many main dishes – From chicken to seafood

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Cape Cod Salad

For the Salad:

6 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula, spinach, or mesclun)
1 large Granny Smith apple, cored and diced (leave the skin on)
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup walnuts or pecans, toasted and chopped
½ cup crumbled blue cheese (or Gorgonzola)

For the Dressing:

¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup olive oil

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Cape Cod Salad

Prepare the dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until the dressing is emulsified and smooth.

Toast the nuts

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts or pecans for 3–5 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool, then chop coarsely.

Assemble the salad

In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens, diced apple, dried cranberries, toasted nuts, and crumbled blue cheese.

Toss with dressing

Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

Serve immediately

Transfer to plates or serve from the bowl. Garnish with a few extra cranberries or cheese crumbles if desired.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Cape Cod Salad

Serve with grilled chicken or turkey – Adds protein and makes it a full meal
Pair with crusty bread or focaccia – Complements the vinaigrette
Add a bowl of soup – Butternut squash or tomato bisque works well
Serve alongside roasted vegetables – Brings out the fall flavors
Offer with white wine – A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio enhances the tang
Use as a starter for holiday meals – Fresh, light, and festive
Enjoy with grilled salmon – The richness pairs beautifully with the sweet-tart balance

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Cape Cod Salad

Use firm, tart apples – Granny Smith is ideal for contrast
Toast the nuts – It boosts flavor and adds crunch
Crumble blue cheese by hand – For better texture and appearance
Dress just before serving – Keeps greens crisp
Balance the flavors – Taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity in the vinaigrette
Chill the dressing if made ahead – Shake before using
Add protein to make it a meal – Grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu works great

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Cape Cod Salad

Swap blue cheese for goat cheese or feta – For a milder, creamy flavor
Use candied pecans – Adds sweetness and crunch
Try dried cherries instead of cranberries – A sweet and tart alternative
Add thinly sliced red onions – For a bit of bite
Toss in roasted squash or sweet potatoes – Makes it heartier
Use pear slices instead of apples – For a softer, sweeter note
Drizzle with balsamic glaze – Adds richness and depth

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Cape Cod Salad

Store dressing separately – Keeps greens from wilting
Keep ingredients chilled – Especially cheese and apples
Use within 1 day once dressed – Best texture and flavor
Prep ingredients ahead – Chop apples last to prevent browning
Leftovers can be eaten next day – But expect some softening of greens

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Cape Cod Salad

No reheating needed – This is a cold, fresh salad
Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature – Enhances flavor
If nuts lose crunch – Toast them briefly again
Refresh with a splash of dressing – Brightens leftovers
Add fresh greens if salad softens – Mix into leftovers for crispness

Nutrition Value (per serving – based on 4 servings)

Calories: 310 kcal
Protein: 7g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 16g
Sodium: 280mg
Cholesterol: 12mg

FAQs

Can I make Cape Cod salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the components a few hours in advance. Keep the dressing separate and toss everything together just before serving to keep the greens fresh and crisp.

What apples are best for Cape Cod salad?

Granny Smith apples work best due to their tart flavor and firm texture, which contrasts nicely with the sweet cranberries and creamy cheese.

Can I substitute the blue cheese in this salad?

Absolutely. Goat cheese or feta are excellent alternatives if you prefer a milder or less pungent cheese.

How do I keep the apples from browning in the salad?

Toss the diced apples in a bit of lemon juice before adding them to the salad. This helps preserve their color and adds a fresh citrus note.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Cape Cod Salad is the perfect balance of textures and flavors—sweet, crunchy, creamy, and tart—all in one refreshing bowl.