Last Updated on January 16, 2024
Cape Cod Chicken Salad is a classic American dish that has been around for decades. It’s a simple recipe that is easy to make and can be enjoyed both hot or cold.
The main ingredients are chicken, celery, mayonnaise, and a variety of seasonings. This salad can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or main course. It is a great way to get creative with your meals, while still enjoying a classic.
In this article, we will discuss all you need to know about Cape Cod Chicken Salad. We will cover the ingredients, directions, notes, storage tips, nutrition information, serving suggestions, and other relevant topics. We will also cover what other substitutes you can use in Cape Cod Chicken Salad and answer some frequently asked questions.
What is Cape Cod Chicken Salad?
Cape Cod Chicken Salad is a classic American dish that is made with cooked chicken, celery, mayonnaise, and various seasonings.
It is a simple and easy dish to make and can be served either hot or cold. The chicken is usually shredded or diced, while the celery is finely chopped. The mayonnaise and seasonings are then added to the mixture to give it flavor.
Cape Cod Chicken Salad can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or main course. It can also be served on a sandwich or wrap. It is a great way to get creative with your meals, while still enjoying a classic.
Why You’ll Love This Cape Cod Chicken Salad?
There are many reasons why you will love this Cape Cod Chicken Salad recipe. First, it is a very simple dish to make and requires minimal ingredients.
Second, it is a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken, making it a great way to save time and money.
Third, it can be served both hot and cold, so it is perfect for any time of year. Lastly, it is a great way to get creative with your meals, while still enjoying a classic.
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The Ingredients
The ingredients for Cape Cod Chicken Salad are simple and easy to find. Here is a list of the ingredients you will need:
- 2 Skin-on, bone-in chicken breasts (yields about 2 cups of succulent, hand-shredded meat): Skin-on, bone-in chicken breasts provide succulent and flavorful meat for the chicken salad. The skin and bone contribute to the richness and depth of flavor during cooking.
- 2 Teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil, for a touch of Mediterranean richness: Extra virgin olive oil adds a touch of Mediterranean richness to the chicken breasts, enhancing their flavor and providing a luscious texture.
- 2 Teaspoons of artisanal chicken rub seasoning (e.g., McCormick’s Perfect Pinch Rotisserie Chicken Seasoning): Artisanal chicken rub seasoning, such as rotisserie chicken seasoning, imparts a blend of herbs and spices that enhances the flavor of the chicken, giving it a rotisserie-style taste.
- 1/4 Cup of chopped pecans, toasted to perfection: Chopped and toasted pecans add a nutty and crunchy texture to the chicken salad, providing contrast and depth of flavor.
- 1 Celery rib, meticulously minced to add a delicate crunch: Meticulously minced celery adds a delicate crunch to the salad, contributing a refreshing and crisp texture.
- 1/2 Large scallion, finely minced for a burst of green freshness: Finely minced scallion adds a burst of green freshness and mild onion flavor to the salad, enhancing its overall vibrancy.
- 2/3 Cup of velvety mayonnaise, a creamy binding agent: Velvety mayonnaise serves as a creamy binding agent, bringing the ingredients together and providing a smooth and rich consistency to the salad.
- 2 Tablespoons of golden honey, adding a natural sweetness: Golden honey adds a natural sweetness to the salad, balancing the savory elements and providing a hint of sweetness to complement the overall flavor.
- 1/2 Tablespoon of white wine vinegar, for a subtle tang: White wine vinegar adds a subtle tang to the salad, balancing the richness of the mayonnaise and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- 1/2 Teaspoon of hand-harvested sea salt, enhancing the flavors: Hand-harvested sea salt enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients, ensuring a well-seasoned and balanced chicken salad.
- 1/4 Teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, adding a zesty kick: Freshly ground black pepper adds a zesty and peppery kick to the chicken salad, providing depth and a touch of spice.
Directions
Making Cape Cod Chicken Salad is easy and takes only a few minutes. Here are the steps to make it:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rub the skin-on, bone-in chicken breasts with extra virgin olive oil and artisanal chicken rub seasoning. This ensures a flavorful and well-seasoned chicken. Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Allow the chicken to cool, ensuring it’s perfectly cooked and ready for shredding.
Step 2: Toast Pecans
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped pecans until they are golden and aromatic. Be cautious not to burn them. Toasting enhances the nutty flavor, adding a delightful crunch to the salad. Set aside to cool.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once the roasted chicken breasts are cool enough to handle, remove the skin and bones. Shred the chicken meat into bite-sized pieces, ensuring succulent and tender chicken for the salad. You should have about 2 cups of perfectly hand-shredded chicken.
Step 4: Prepare Vegetables
Meticulously mince the celery rib for a delicate crunch, adding a crisp texture to the salad. Finely mince the half large scallion for a burst of green freshness, enhancing the visual appeal and flavor.
Step 5: Make the Dressing
In a mixing bowl, combine the velvety mayonnaise, golden honey, white wine vinegar, hand-harvested sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined, creating a creamy and tangy dressing that will complement the salad components.
Step 6: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, toasted pecans, minced celery, and minced scallion. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture, ensuring that each component is well coated with the flavorful dressing.
Step 7: Mix Well
Gently toss all the ingredients together until the chicken is evenly coated with the dressing, and the vegetables and pecans are distributed throughout. This step ensures a harmonious blend of flavors in every bite.
Step 8: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Cape Cod Chicken Salad for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Chilling enhances the taste and texture of the salad, making it more refreshing when served.
Step 9: Garnish (Optional)
Garnish with additional chopped pecans or scallions before serving for an extra touch of texture and freshness. This step adds a visual element and additional layers of flavor to the salad.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Cape Cod Chicken Salad on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or with your favorite crackers. Enjoy the delicious blend of flavors and textures, savoring the unique combination of succulent chicken, crunchy pecans, and crisp vegetables!
Storage Tips
Cape Cod Chicken Salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. You can also freeze the salad for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information
Cape Cod Chicken Salad is a healthy and nutritious dish. One serving (1 cup) contains:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 9.2g
- Carbs: 4.1g
- Protein: 16.3g
- Fiber: 1.2g
Serving Suggestions
Here are some delicious ways to serve Cape Cod Chicken Salad:
- On a sandwich or wrap
- In a lettuce wrap
- As an appetizer with crackers
- As a topping on a salad
- As a side dish with grilled chicken
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Cape Cod Chicken Salad?
If you don’t have all of the ingredients for Cape Cod Chicken Salad, there are some substitutes you can use:
- Instead of chicken, you can use shredded turkey or tuna.
- Instead of celery, you can use diced bell peppers or cucumbers.
- Instead of mayonnaise, you can use Greek yogurt.
- Instead of lemon juice, you can use lime juice.
- Instead of parsley, you can use fresh dill or cilantro.
- Instead of onion, you can use shallots or chives.
Ingredients
- 2 Skin-on bone-in chicken breasts (yields about 2 cups of succulent, hand-shredded meat)
- 1/2 Large scallion finely minced for a burst of green freshness
- 2/3 Cup of velvety mayonnaise a creamy binding agent
- 1/2 Tablespoon of white wine vinegar for a subtle tang
- 2 Teaspoons of artisanal chicken rub seasoning e.g., McCormick’s Perfect Pinch Rotisserie Chicken Seasoning
- 1 Celery rib meticulously minced to add a delicate crunch
- 2 Teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil for a touch of Mediterranean richness
- 1/4 Cup of chopped pecans toasted to perfection
- 2 Tablespoons of golden honey adding a natural sweetness
- 1/4 Teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper adding a zesty kick
- 1/2 Teaspoon of hand-harvested sea salt enhancing the flavors
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rub the skin-on, bone-in chicken breasts with extra virgin olive oil and artisanal chicken rub seasoning. Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Allow the chicken to cool.
Toast Pecans:
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped pecans until they are golden and aromatic. Be cautious not to burn them. Set aside to cool.
Shred the Chicken:
- Once the roasted chicken breasts are cool enough to handle, remove the skin and bones. Shred the chicken meat into bite-sized pieces. You should have about 2 cups of succulent, hand-shredded chicken.
Prepare Vegetables:
- Meticulously mince the celery rib for a delicate crunch. Finely mince the half large scallion for a burst of green freshness.
Make the Dressing:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the velvety mayonnaise, golden honey, white wine vinegar, hand-harvested sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, toasted pecans, minced celery, and minced scallion. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture.
Mix Well:
- Gently toss all the ingredients together until the chicken is evenly coated with the dressing, and the vegetables and pecans are distributed throughout.
Chill and Serve:
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Cape Cod Chicken Salad for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. This salad is best when served chilled.
Garnish (Optional):
- Garnish with additional chopped pecans or scallions before serving for an extra touch of texture and freshness.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Cape Cod Chicken Salad on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or with your favorite crackers. Enjoy the delicious blend of flavors and textures!
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Cape Cod Chicken Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can easily make Cape Cod Chicken Salad ahead of time. Simply prepare the salad, store it in an airtight container, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days.
2. Can I freeze Cape Cod Chicken Salad?
Yes, you can freeze Cape Cod Chicken Salad for up to 3 months. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag.
3. Is Cape Cod Chicken Salad healthy?
Yes, Cape Cod Chicken Salad is a healthy and nutritious dish. It is high in protein and low in fat and carbs.
4. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative and will still give the salad a creamy texture.
5. Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use either fresh or dried parsley in this recipe.
6. Can I make Cape Cod Chicken Salad vegan?
Yes, you can make Cape Cod Chicken Salad vegan by using a plant-based protein and vegan mayonnaise.
7. Is Cape Cod Chicken Salad gluten-free?
Yes, Cape Cod Chicken Salad is naturally gluten-free.
Conclusion
Cape Cod Chicken Salad is a classic American dish that is easy to make and can be enjoyed both hot or cold. The main ingredients are chicken, celery, mayonnaise, and a variety of seasonings. This salad can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or main course. It is a great way to get creative with your meals, while still enjoying a classic.
If you don’t have all of the ingredients for Cape Cod Chicken Salad, there are some substitutes you can use. You can also store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. It is a healthy and nutritious dish that is high in protein and low in fat and carbs.
We hope this article has been informative and has helped you learn all you need to know about Cape Cod Chicken Salad. We wish you luck in making your own delicious Cape Cod Chicken Salad!