This Ina Garten Cape Cod Salad Recipe is a fresh and tangy salad, which includes crisp apples and dried cranberries. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in just 15 minutes.
Jump to RecipeIna Garten Cape Cod Salad Ingredients
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)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted and chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (or Gorgonzola)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup olive oil

How To Make Ina Garten Cape Cod Salad
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together orange juice, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until emulsified and smooth.
- Toast the nuts: Place walnuts or pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3–5 minutes until fragrant, then let cool and chop.
- Build the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, diced apple, cranberries, toasted nuts, and crumbled blue cheese.
- Dress and toss: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately: Plate the salad or serve directly from the bowl. Garnish with extra cranberries or cheese if desired.

Recipe Tips
- Can I prep this ahead of time?: Yes, prep all components ahead, but combine and dress just before serving.
- What’s a good apple substitute?: Try Honeycrisp or Pink Lady for a sweet-tart crunch.
- Can I make it dairy-free?: Omit the cheese or use a plant-based crumble.
- How to keep apples from browning:: Toss diced apples with a bit of lemon juice before adding to the salad.
- Is there a nut-free version?: Skip the nuts or use roasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead.
What To Serve With Cape Cod Salad
This crisp and flavorful salad pairs well with:
- Roasted chicken or turkey
- Grilled salmon
- Butternut squash soup
- Crusty artisan bread
- A light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc

How To Store Cape Cod Salad
Refrigerate: Store undressed salad components in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
Dressing: Keep the dressing in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. Shake well before using.
Cape Cod Salad Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 370mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 17g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Total Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 5g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and preparation.
FAQs
Can I use bottled juice instead of fresh?
Fresh juice is best, but bottled works in a pinch. Just avoid added sugars if possible.
What’s the best cheese for this salad?
Blue cheese or Gorgonzola adds bold flavor, but goat cheese is a milder alternative.
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes, store ingredients separately and toss together right before eating.
Can I make this for a crowd?
Yes, double or triple the ingredients and serve in a large bowl or on a platter.
Try More Recipes:
- Ina Garten Roasted Beet Salad Recipe
- Ina Garten Salad With Warm Goat Cheese Recipe
- Ina Garten Dill Potato Salad Recipe
Ina Garten Cape Cod Salad Recipe
Course: SaladsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes320
kcalA crisp, tangy salad featuring apples, dried cranberries, toasted nuts, and a zesty citrus dressing.
Ingredients
-
6 cups mixed salad greens
-
1 large Granny Smith apple, diced
-
1/2 cup dried cranberries
-
1/2 cup toasted walnuts or pecans, chopped
-
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or Gorgonzola
- Dressing:
-
1/4 cup orange juice
-
2 tbsp lemon juice
-
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
-
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
-
1 tbsp honey
-
1/2 tsp kosher salt
-
1/4 tsp black pepper
-
1/2 cup olive oil
Directions
- Whisk together all dressing ingredients until emulsified.
- Toast the nuts and chop once cooled.
- Combine salad greens, apple, cranberries, nuts, and cheese.
- Drizzle with dressing, toss gently, and serve immediately.
