Oh, let me tell you about the Cape Cod Salad! This salad is like a little taste of summer, all bright and fresh, inspired by the beautiful shores of Cape Cod. I love how it combines the sweetness of cranberries with the crunch of walnuts, alongside tender shrimp and creamy feta. It feels light yet satisfying, making it a perfect addition to any meal or just as a standalone dish on a sunny day. Trust me, once you toss this together, you’ll be hooked! It’s not just a salad; it’s a delightful twist that brings a burst of flavor and color to your table. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, so you can enjoy a slice of Cape Cod without leaving your kitchen!

Ingredients for Cape Cod Salad

4 cups mixed greens (I love using a mix of baby spinach, arugula, and romaine for extra crunch!)
1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined (Make sure they’re nice and plump—fresh or frozen works just fine!)
1/2 cup cranberries (Dried cranberries add a lovely sweetness; I usually go for the unsweetened ones!)
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (Feel free to toast them lightly for an extra nutty flavor!)
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (The creaminess of feta really brings this salad to life!)
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (Slice them as thin as you can—this way, they won’t overpower the salad!)
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (I like using a mix of colors for a pop of visual appeal!)
1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette (You can use store-bought or homemade, but make sure it’s tangy and delicious!)

How to Prepare Cape Cod Salad

Preparing this Cape Cod Salad is a breeze, and trust me, you’ll have it ready in no time! Let’s break it down step by step so you can enjoy this vibrant dish without a hitch.

Combine the Greens

First things first, grab a large bowl—something like a mixing bowl will work perfectly. Add in those 4 cups of mixed greens. I love using a combination of baby spinach, arugula, and romaine for a delightful crunch and varied textures. Just toss them gently to give them a little fluffiness before we pile on the goodies!

Add the Salad Ingredients

Now it’s time for the fun part! Add in your 1 cup of cooked shrimp, making sure they’re peeking out from under the greens. Next, sprinkle in that 1/2 cup of cranberries for a pop of sweetness. Don’t forget the 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts; if you toasted them beforehand, oh boy, you’re in for a treat! Now, sprinkle in the 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese—this is where the creaminess comes into play! Add the thinly sliced red onion, just 1/4 cup, and the vibrant 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Wow, look at those colors!

Dress the Salad

Time to bring it all together! Drizzle your 1/4 cup of balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. If you’ve got homemade dressing, even better! Just make sure it’s tangy and delicious. Now, here’s the trick: don’t drown it! You want just enough to coat everything beautifully.

Toss and Serve

Gently toss everything together using a pair of salad tongs or two forks—be careful not to squish the shrimp or feta! You want everything to be coated in that lovely dressing. And remember, this salad is best served immediately, so dive in while it’s fresh and vibrant! You’ll love every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s super quick to prepare—literally ready in just 15 minutes!
The fresh flavors will have you feeling like you’re dining by the sea, even if you’re at home.
This salad is gluten-free, making it a great option for everyone at the table.
You can easily customize it! Add grilled chicken or swap in your favorite veggies for a twist.
It’s perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or just a light dinner on a warm evening.

Tips for Success

Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher your ingredients, the better your salad will taste! I always recommend using the freshest greens and shrimp you can find. If you can get local produce, even better!
Adjust the Dressing: Don’t be shy about tasting as you go! If you like a little more tang, add a splash more balsamic vinaigrette. It’s all about what pleases your palate, so trust your taste buds!
Serve Immediately: This salad is best enjoyed fresh! Serve it right after tossing to keep that delightful crunch and vibrant colors. Trust me, nobody wants a soggy salad!
Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to get creative! Add some sliced avocado for creaminess or throw in some bell peppers for an extra crunch. The possibilities are endless!
Think Seasonal: Depending on the time of year, swap in seasonal fruits or veggies. In the summer, fresh peaches or berries would be fantastic additions!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Cape Cod Salad is super simple! If you have any leftovers (which I hope you do, but it’s so good, you might not!), just pop them into an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 2 days, but trust me, the fresher, the better! Just remember, the flavors will mingle a bit, so if you like that vibrant crunch, try to enjoy it sooner rather than later.

And here’s the best part: there’s no reheating needed! This salad is meant to be served cold and fresh, so just grab it from the fridge when you’re ready to eat. If you find it’s lost a bit of its dressing magic, feel free to drizzle on a little more balsamic vinaigrette to perk it right back up! Enjoy every bite!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional data for one serving of this delightful Cape Cod Salad. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary slightly based on the specific ingredients you use, but it gives you a good idea of what you’re enjoying!

Calories: 320
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 500mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 15g

This salad not only tastes amazing but also packs a nutritious punch! Enjoy this fresh and flavorful dish while feeling good about what you’re eating!

FAQ about Cape Cod Salad

What can I substitute for shrimp?
If shrimp isn’t your thing or you’re looking for a different protein, you can swap it out for grilled chicken, canned tuna, or even chickpeas for a plant-based option. They all add a nice texture and flavor!

How can I make it vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the shrimp and feta cheese. You can use avocado for creaminess instead of feta, and add in some roasted chickpeas or tofu for protein. It’ll still be delicious!

What dressing can I use instead of balsamic vinaigrette?
If you’re not a fan of balsamic, no worries! A lemon vinaigrette or a simple olive oil and vinegar mix works beautifully too. You can even try a poppy seed dressing for a sweet twist!

Cape Cod Salad: 5 Burst of Fresh Flavors to Savor

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Tossing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A fresh and flavorful salad inspired by Cape Cod.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups mixed greens
1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup cranberries
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens.
Add the cooked shrimp, cranberries, walnuts, feta cheese, red onion, and cherry tomatoes.
Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette.
Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
Serve immediately.

Notes

Feel free to add grilled chicken for extra protein.
Adjust the dressing amount to your taste.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: Cape Cod Salad, Shrimp Salad, Fresh Salad

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