Looking for a fresh, easy salad that brings all the summer vibes to your table? Ina Garten’s Cape Cod Chopped Salad is exactly what you need! It’s packed with crispy bacon, crunchy greens, sweet cranberries, and tangy blue cheese—a perfect harmony of flavors that’s simple to put together and looks fantastic. Let’s jump in and see how you can make this delicious salad your new favorite.
Key Ingredients You’ll Want for the Perfect Cape Cod Chopped Salad
To make this salad just right, here’s what you’ll want to grab from the store:
- Crisp romaine lettuce
- Baby spinach or kale for extra greens
- Juicy cherry tomatoes
- Sweet dried cranberries for that signature Cape Cod twist
- Rich, crumbled blue cheese
- Crunchy cooked bacon (because bacon always makes things better!)
- A bit of red onion for a little kick
- Fresh cucumbers for a cool, crisp bite
- Toasted walnuts or pecans for some nutty crunch
- A simple homemade Dijon vinaigrette dressing to bring it all together
Pro tip: Try to pick fresh, organic produce when you can—it makes a big difference in flavor and nutrition.
Simple Steps to Make Ina Garten’s Cape Cod Chopped Salad Like a Pro
Ready to get chopping? Follow these steps, and you’ll have a bowl full of deliciousness in no time!
- Wash and dry all your veggies really well—no one likes soggy salad!
- Chop the romaine, spinach, cucumbers, onion, and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the bacon until it’s crispy, then crumble it up.
- Lightly toast your walnuts or pecans in a pan for a few minutes to bring out their flavor.
- Toss all the chopped veggies, bacon, nuts, cranberries, and blue cheese together in a big bowl.
- Pour over your homemade Dijon vinaigrette, toss gently, and enjoy right away!
The Dressing That Makes It All Pop: Ina Garten’s Zesty Dijon Vinaigrette
This dressing is the magic behind the salad’s amazing flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- ½ cup olive oil
- tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- tablespoon Dijon mustard
- teaspoon honey or maple syrup (to balance the tanginess)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Whisk everything together until smooth. Want a little extra punch? Add a minced garlic clove. This vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the bacon and cheese while playing nicely with the sweet cranberries. Delicious!
Keep Your Salad Crunchy with These Handy Tips
- Use a salad spinner to get rid of extra water—dry greens mean crunchier salad.
- Dress the salad just before serving so nothing gets soggy.
- If you’re prepping ahead, keep salad ingredients and dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.
- Always use fresh nuts and toast them lightly for a perfect crunch.
- Add the crispy bacon last, right before digging in.
And one more thing: chilling the salad after dressing can make it even more refreshing on hot days!
Fun Ways to Serve This Salad and Shine at Your Next Meal
- Turn it into a full meal by adding grilled chicken or shrimp.
- For parties, serve it in mini mason jars—super cute and super shareable.
- This salad pairs beautifully with grilled fish or BBQ favorites like ribs.
- Perfect for a picnic—just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.
Why This Salad Is a Healthy Winner
- Loaded with fiber from the mixed greens and nuts
- Healthy fats from olive oil and nuts support heart health
- Antioxidants from cranberries and tomatoes give you a boost
- Protein from bacon and cheese keeps things satisfying (or add grilled chicken for extra protein)
- It’s naturally low-carb and gluten-free!
Your Most Common Questions About This Salad, Answered
Can I make this salad vegan?
Definitely! Leave out the bacon and blue cheese, swap in roasted chickpeas or tofu, and use a vegan-friendly vinaigrette.
How long does the salad keep?
It’s best fresh, but if you’re prepping ahead, store the salad and dressing separately in the fridge for up to two days.
Can I swap ingredients?
For sure! Feel free to switch up the nuts, cheese, or greens based on what you love or have on hand.
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Salad
Ina Garten's Cape Cod Chopped Salad strikes the perfect balance between easy, tasty, and fresh—everything you want in a salad. Its flexibility and crowd-pleasing flavors make it a go-to for lunch, dinner, or gatherings. Once you try it, trust me, you’ll want to make it again and again!
