Healthy Cape Cod Chicken Salad Recipe You’ll Love

Hi there! Naznin here from “Naznin’s Kitchen” with a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite – my Cape Cod Chicken Salad Recipe.

This healthy chicken salad is an easy chicken salad recipe that combines the perfect mix of flavors and textures.

With tender chicken, crisp celery, and sweet cranberries, this dish is both nutritious and delicious. Ready for a quick, satisfying meal? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Cape Cod Chicken Salad Recipe

Recipe Overview

  • Course: Salad
  • Cuisine: American
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes (if cooking chicken from scratch)
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Calories Per Serving: 350

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup apple, diced (Granny Smith works well)
  • 1/3 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Lettuce leaves (optional, for serving)
  • Whole grain bread or croissants (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare The Chicken

If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, start by cooking your chicken breasts. Season them with salt and pepper, then cook in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes per side. Let them cool before dicing or shredding.

Step 2: Mix The Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth. This mixture will serve as the creamy base for our Cape Cod chicken salad.

Step 3: Combine The Ingredients

Add the diced chicken, dried cranberries, celery, red onion, diced apple, and chopped walnuts to the bowl. Gently toss until everything is well coated with the creamy mixture.

Step 4: Season To Taste

Add salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a bit more tang, you can add a little extra lemon juice or mustard.

Cape Cod Chicken Salad Recipe
Cape Cod Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 5: Serve

You can serve this chicken salad on a bed of lettuce leaves for a low-carb option, or make a hearty sandwich using whole grain bread or buttery croissants. It’s also great with crackers or in a wrap.

Tips For The Best Cape Cod Chicken Salad

  • Cook Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken from the grocery store.
  • Variations: Feel free to mix things up by adding grapes instead of cranberries, or pecans instead of walnuts. This recipe is very versatile!
  • Storage: This chicken salad keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Just give it a good stir before serving.

Variations To Try

  • Avocado Chicken Salad: Substitute half of the mayonnaise with mashed avocado for a creamy, healthy twist.
  • Spicy Chicken Salad: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing for a spicy kick.
  • Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version that’s still creamy and delicious.

Conclusion

This Cape Cod Chicken Salad Recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch or a light dinner, this healthy chicken salad is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Remember to add your own twists and modifications in the section below. Happy cooking!

Remember to check out more of my recipes at “Naznin’s Kitchen” for more delicious and healthy meal ideas. Enjoy your culinary journey!

Cape Cod Chicken Salad Recipe

Healthy Cape Cod Chicken Salad Recipe You’ll Love

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast diced or shredded
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup celery finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup apple diced (Granny Smith works well)
  • 1/3 cup walnuts chopped
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a healthier option
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Lettuce leaves optional, for serving
  • Whole grain bread or croissants optional, for serving

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare The Chicken

  • If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, start by cooking your chicken breasts. Season them with salt and pepper, then cook in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes per side. Let them cool before dicing or shredding.

Step 2: Mix The Base

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth. This mixture will serve as the creamy base for our Cape Cod chicken salad.

Step 3: Combine The Ingredients

  • Add the diced chicken, dried cranberries, celery, red onion, diced apple, and chopped walnuts to the bowl. Gently toss until everything is well coated with the creamy mixture.

Step 4: Season To Taste

  • Add salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a bit more tang, you can add a little extra lemon juice or mustard.

Step 5: Serve

  • You can serve this chicken salad on a bed of lettuce leaves for a low-carb option, or make a hearty sandwich using whole grain bread or buttery croissants. It’s also great with crackers or in a wrap.
Keyword Cape Cod Chicken Salad Recipe
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Author & Recipe Developer at Naznin's Kitchen
Hello! I'm Naznin Aktar, the food enthusiast and recipe developer at Naznin's Kitchen. Want to turn everyday ingredients into extraordinary dishes? Explore Naznin's Kitchen for a collection of recipes that are sure to inspire your inner chef and delight your loved ones.
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