If you’re craving something that’s fresh, flavorful, and just a little bit special, the Cape Cod Chicken Salad Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This salad strikes a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory, offering a delightful mix of shredded chicken, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans—all brought together with a tangy, honey-kissed dressing. Whether you’re packing lunch or hosting a casual get-together, this recipe will charm your taste buds and impress your friends with its simplicity and bright flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top-down view of several small white bowls and glass containers arranged on a white marbled surface, each holding a different ingredient. At the top right is a large white bowl full of shredded chicken, light beige in color with a fibrous texture. Moving around counterclockwise, there is a small white bowl with bright green chopped celery, next to it a small white bowl with finely chopped sweet onion, and a small white bowl with mixed brown pecans. Near the center are small glass containers holding creamy white mayo, thick white Greek yogurt, and pale yellow honey. Also visible are a small white bowl with light beige garlic powder, a wooden bowl with vibrant red paprika, a rustic bowl with coarse black pepper, another wooden bowl with coarse white salt and a wooden spoon resting inside it, and a medium white bowl with rich red dried cranberries. A very small glass container holds light yellow lemon juice. Each ingredient is clearly labeled with text, and the whole setting is clean and organized. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Creating the perfect Cape Cod Chicken Salad Recipe depends on using simple, wholesome ingredients that each add their own unique flavor and texture. Every item on the list works harmoniously to provide that crisp, sweet, and creamy bite you’re aiming for.

3 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast: The hearty, protein-packed base that keeps the salad satisfying and fresh.
1/2 cup diced celery: Offers a wonderful crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of the dressing.
1/4 cup diced sweet onion: Adds a mild, slightly sweet bite that enhances the overall flavor complexity.
1/3 cup roughly chopped dried cranberries: These bring a tart and chewy pop of sweetness, signature of the Cape Cod style.
1/3 cup chopped pecans: Toasty and crunchy, pecans provide a rich nuttiness that complements the fruits and veggies perfectly.
1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt: A creamy, tangy base for the dressing that keeps it light and healthy.
2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Adds richness and helps bind all the ingredients together.
2 teaspoons honey: Sweetens the dressing naturally and balances the tart cranberries and lemon juice.
2 teaspoons lemon juice: Gives the salad a fresh, citrusy zing that brightens up every bite.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors without overpowering anything.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Lends a subtle savory depth to the mix.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the onion flavor gently without adding extra texture.
1/4 teaspoon paprika: Adds a mild smoky warmth and a hint of color.

How to Make Cape Cod Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

Start by combining the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a large bowl. Whisk everything together until you get a smooth, creamy dressing that’s bursting with flavor. This dressing is the magic that pulls the whole salad together, so take your time to get it perfectly blended.

Step 2: Mix in the Salad Ingredients

Once your dressing is ready, add in the shredded chicken, diced celery, diced sweet onion, dried cranberries, and pecans. Gently fold all the ingredients into the dressing, ensuring that every piece gets a loving coating. The textures and colors contrasting here are what make this Cape Cod Chicken Salad Recipe so visually inviting and delicious.

Step 3: Chill and Serve

For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes—or longer if you can wait—to let the flavors meld together beautifully. Then, it’s ready to serve as a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal or snack.

How to Serve Cape Cod Chicken Salad Recipe

A large white bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with four distinct layers of ingredients arranged side by side. The first layer is shredded pale chicken with a soft texture. Next to it is a pile of small, white chopped onions, followed by a vibrant cluster of red dried cranberries. Adjacent to the cranberries is a section of chopped brown pecans with a rough texture. In front of the bowl, a small white dish holds additional dried cranberries, while above, a small white flower-shaped dish contains more pecans. To the left, there is a clear glass jar with a white creamy ingredient, and to the right, a small wooden bowl filled with coarse salt and a wooden spoon completes the scene. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few extra chopped pecans or dried cranberries on top before serving to add a little flair and crunch. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives also add color and a subtle fresh note that brightens the dish even more.

Side Dishes

This chicken salad pairs wonderfully with crisp lettuce leaves, toasted bread, or your favorite crackers. For a light meal, serve it alongside a fresh green salad or a bowl of chilled soup to balance out the creamy richness with something lighter and refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stuffing the salad inside a pita pocket or wrapping it in a large lettuce leaf for a low-carb option. You can even serve the Cape Cod Chicken Salad Recipe atop avocado halves or cucumber slices for an elegant appetizer that’s sure to impress at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cape Cod Chicken Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days to maintain the freshness and texture of the chicken and crunchy pecans. The salad tends to taste even better the next day as the flavors have time to develop.

Freezing

While the chicken salad is fantastic fresh, it’s not ideal for freezing because the yogurt and mayonnaise can separate when thawed, and the pecans can lose their crunch. For best results, prepare fresh each time or freeze the cooked chicken separately if needed.

Reheating

Since this is a cold salad, reheating is not necessary. If you want to enjoy warm chicken with the salad, gently warm the chicken before mixing it with the dressing, then chill the entire salad before serving.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred it finely and it will blend right in with the other ingredients for that perfect Cape Cod Chicken Salad Recipe.

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt if I don’t have it?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use regular plain yogurt or even sour cream. Just keep in mind this may change the salad’s consistency and tang slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Are there any nut-free variations?

Yes, you can omit the pecans or replace them with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for some crunch without nuts. The salad will still taste fantastic.

Can I make this salad vegan?

To make a vegan version of the Cape Cod Chicken Salad Recipe, swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu, and use vegan mayonnaise and yogurt alternatives. It might not be quite the same but will still be a tasty, plant-based twist.

How long does the salad keep its freshness?

The salad keeps best for up to 3 days refrigerated. After that, the textures and flavors start to decline, especially the pecans and celery, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh.

Final Thoughts

This Cape Cod Chicken Salad Recipe is one of those simple yet irresistible dishes that becomes an instant favorite. Its bright and balanced flavors, combined with the wonderful textures of crunchy pecans and chewy cranberries, make it a perfect meal or snack any time. I promise, once you try this recipe, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and enjoy every delightful bite!

Cape Cod Chicken Salad Recipe