Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the Cape Cod Salad! This salad is like a breath of fresh air, bursting with vibrant flavors and textures that remind me of summer days by the ocean. Imagine crisp mixed greens tossed together with juicy shrimp, sweet cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, all topped off with creamy feta cheese. It’s not just a salad; it’s a celebration of everything tasty and fresh!
What I absolutely love about this Cape Cod Salad is how it feels both light and satisfying at the same time. The combination of flavors is simply irresistible! The sweetness of the cranberries perfectly complements the savory shrimp, while the walnuts add a delightful crunch. Plus, it comes together in just 15 minutes, making it an easy go-to for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Cape Cod Salad. Don’t worry, it’s super simple and straightforward!
- 4 cups mixed greens (any blend you love will do!)
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined (the star of the show!)
- 1/2 cup cranberries (dried for a sweet pop)
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (for that perfect crunch)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (creamy goodness)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (for a little zing)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (fresh and juicy)
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette (or to taste, you do you)
How to Prepare Cape Cod Salad
Ready to whip up this incredible Cape Cod Salad? It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll be enjoying a bowl of vibrant flavors in no time. Let’s dive into the steps!
Step 1: Combine the Mixed Greens
First things first! Grab a large bowl and toss in those beautiful mixed greens. I love using a blend of baby spinach, arugula, and romaine for that perfect crunch and flavor. Just take a moment to admire how fresh and green they look — it’s like spring in a bowl!
Step 2: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Now, it’s time to pile on the goodness! Add the cooked shrimp, making sure they’re all peeled and deveined for that delightful bite. Then sprinkle in the cranberries, walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese. The cranberries will add a sweet burst, while the walnuts bring that satisfying crunch. Don’t forget the thinly sliced red onion for a zesty kick and those halved cherry tomatoes for a juicy pop! It’s all coming together beautifully!
Step 3: Drizzle with Dressing
Next up, grab your balsamic vinaigrette. Drizzle it over the top of the salad, but don’t drown it! You want just enough to enhance those flavors without overpowering them. I usually start with about a quarter cup, then you can always add more if you’re feeling fancy!
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Now comes the fun part! Gently toss everything together with your hands or a pair of tongs. Be careful not to squish the tomatoes or crumble the feta too much; we want to keep some texture in there! Once everything is beautifully combined, serve it immediately while it’s fresh and vibrant. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this salad disappears!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the goodness inside this Cape Cod Salad! It’s not just delicious; it’s also packed with nutrients that make it a great choice for a meal. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 15g
- Sodium: 500mg
Keep in mind, these values can vary a bit based on the specific ingredients you use, but it gives you a good idea of what you’re enjoying. So, dig in with confidence knowing you’re fueling your body with something healthy and scrumptious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: This Cape Cod Salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy days!
- Fresh ingredients: Each bite bursts with the vibrant flavors of fresh greens, juicy shrimp, and sweet cranberries.
- Healthy option: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, it’s a nutritious choice that’ll keep you satisfied.
- Versatile: Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients — grilled chicken, avocado, or even a different cheese!
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a picnic delight, it always impresses.
- Gluten-free: This salad is a great option for those with dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Cape Cod Salad turns out absolutely fabulous every time! Here are some of my top tips for success:
- Fresh is best: Always opt for the freshest greens and vegetables you can find. They make a huge difference in flavor and texture!
- Customize to your liking: Don’t hesitate to swap out ingredients! Try adding grilled chicken or tofu for extra protein, or toss in some avocado for creaminess.
- Experiment with dressings: While balsamic vinaigrette is a classic choice, you could also try a citrus vinaigrette or a honey mustard dressing for a different twist!
- Chill your ingredients: For an extra refreshing salad, try chilling your shrimp and greens before combining them. It gives everything a nice, crisp bite!
- Prep ahead: If you’re making this salad for meal prep, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. This way, your greens stay fresh and don’t get soggy!
- Mix up the nuts: If you’re not a fan of walnuts, feel free to use pecans, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for that delightful crunch!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating the best Cape Cod Salad that’s not only delicious but also tailored just for you. Enjoy every bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delightful Cape Cod Salad, and there are some leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store them properly so you can enjoy the deliciousness later.
First off, if you have any salad left, transfer it to an airtight container right away. This helps keep everything fresh and crisp. Trust me, you want to avoid soggy greens! It’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just be mindful that the longer it sits, the more the dressing can get absorbed, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh!
Now, about reheating — here’s the thing: salads are best served cold, so I recommend skipping the microwave. Instead, if you want to enjoy it warm, you can gently heat the shrimp in a pan over low heat until just warmed through, but keep those greens cold! Toss them together right before serving for a lovely contrast of temperatures.
Oh, and if you’re meal prepping, I suggest storing the dressing separately. That way, you can drizzle it over the salad just before you dig in. It keeps everything crisp and vibrant, just the way we love it!
FAQ About Cape Cod Salad
Can I use frozen shrimp for this salad?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and give them a quick rinse under cold water before adding them to the salad. Frozen shrimp can be just as tasty when cooked properly!
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If feta isn’t your thing, no worries! You can use goat cheese for a similar tangy flavor, or even a creamy avocado for a different twist. Both options will add a lovely creaminess to the salad!
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but I recommend waiting to add the dressing until right before serving. This keeps the greens fresh and prevents them from wilting. Just store everything separately in the fridge, and you’ll be good to go!
What if I don’t like walnuts?
No problem at all! You can swap them out for your favorite nuts, like pecans or almonds. If you’re looking for a nut-free option, sunflower seeds work wonderfully too!
How can I make this salad more filling?
If you’re in the mood for something heartier, adding grilled chicken or even quinoa can amp up the protein and make this salad more filling. It’s a great way to turn it into a meal!
Cape Cod Salad: 5 Irresistibly Fresh Flavors to Love
- 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
Description
A fresh and flavorful salad inspired by Cape Cod.
Ingredients
- 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