Tangy Cape Cod Salad Recipe: Ina Garten’s Beachy Fresh Creation

Summers on martha’s vineyard spark memories of fresh, crisp salads that dance with vibrant Ina Garten cape cod salad flavors.

The seaside breeze carries hints of tangy dressing and local produce.

Light, refreshing ingredients blend seamlessly in this coastal-inspired dish.

Crisp vegetables mingle with zesty vinaigrette, creating a perfect warm-weather meal.

Each bite transports you to a breezy New England shoreline.

This simple yet elegant salad captures the essence of relaxed summer dining.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to savor a taste of cape cod charm.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 430 kcal

Servings: 6

What You Need for Ina Garten Cape Cod Salad

• Arugula: Peppery green that adds a zesty kick and vibrant color to the salad.
• Apple: Crisp, sweet fruit that provides a refreshing crunch and balances other flavors.
• Walnuts: Toasty, rich nuts that bring a satisfying texture and nutty depth.
• Cranberries: Tart dried berries that introduce a burst of tangy sweetness.
• Blue Cheese: Creamy, sharp cheese that adds a bold and luxurious flavor profile.

• Bacon: Crispy, smoky meat that delivers a savory, indulgent element to the salad.

• White Vinegar: Bright, tangy liquid that helps balance and lift the dressing's flavors.
• Orange Zest: Fragrant citrus peel that infuses a fresh, aromatic essence.
• Orange Juice: Sweet, citrusy liquid that adds brightness and natural sweetness.
• Dijon Mustard: Zesty condiment that provides a subtle heat and helps emulsify the dressing.
• Maple Syrup: Rich, natural sweetener that brings a smooth, woodsy undertone.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances and balances all other flavors.
• Black Pepper: Warm, spicy seasoning that adds subtle heat and complexity.
• Olive Oil: Smooth, fruity oil that creates a silky base for the dressing and helps blend ingredients.

Equipment Guide for Ina Garten Cape Cod Salad

• Baking Rack: Essential for evenly cooking bacon and allowing fat to drip away.
• Sheet Pan: Supports the baking rack and catches bacon drippings.
• Large Bowl: Perfect for mixing salad ingredients and tossing with dressing.
• Whisk: Crucial for creating smooth, well-blended salad dressing.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping bacon and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Helps chop bacon into large pieces and slice other ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate salt and seasoning measurements.
• Measuring Cup: Useful for measuring olive oil and other liquid ingredients.
• Zester or Grater: Helps create orange zest for the dressing.

How to Assemble Ina Garten Cape Cod Salad

Cape Cod Symphony

• Bacon Transformation

Crisp bacon becomes the star by roasting on a rack until golden and delightful. The oven works its magic, creating perfectly crunchy strips that will elevate the entire salad experience.

• Salad Canvas

Combine a vibrant mix of peppery arugula, sweet apple chunks, crunchy walnuts, tart cranberries, and creamy blue cheese. These ingredients dance together, creating a harmony of flavors and textures.

• Zesty Liquid Magic

Whisk a tangy dressing that blends orange essence, maple sweetness, and mustard kick. Drizzle olive oil slowly to create a smooth, emulsified coating that will bring every ingredient to life.

• Final Flourish

Crumble the cooled bacon over the salad and gently toss with just enough dressing to kiss each ingredient. Sprinkle a touch of salt to heighten the overall flavor profile. Serve immediately to capture the salad’s peak freshness and vibrant character.

Salad Tips for Ina Garten Cape Cod Salad

• Use a baking rack over a sheet pan to let bacon fat drip away, creating extra crispy and evenly cooked bacon without greasy mess.
• Swap blue cheese for crumbled goat cheese, feta, or sharp cheddar to match your taste preferences or dietary needs.
• Add grilled chicken, seared salmon, or roasted turkey breast to turn this refreshing salad into a hearty main course perfect for lunch or dinner.
• Toast walnuts lightly in a dry skillet before adding to intensify their flavor and create a deeper, more robust nutty profile for the salad.
• Replace apples with pears in autumn, fresh berries in summer, or mandarin orange segments in winter to keep the salad exciting and aligned with seasonal produce.

Plating Ideas for Ina Garten Cape Cod Salad

• Serve Chilled and Fresh: Enjoy this Cape Cod salad right after tossing to maintain the crisp texture of arugula and the crunch of walnuts.
• Pair with Crusty Bread: Complement the salad's bold flavors with a slice of warm, rustic sourdough or a fresh baguette for a complete meal.
• Wine Companion: Match the salad's tangy and sweet notes with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to enhance the dining experience.
• Protein Boost Option: Transform this salad into a hearty main course by adding grilled chicken, seared salmon, or roasted shrimp for extra protein and substance.

Saving Leftover Ina Garten Cape Cod Salad

• Prep Ahead Strategy: Chop ingredients like apple and bacon separately, storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator up to 1 day before serving to save time.
• Smart Dressing Storage: Keep salad dressing in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to blend and develop more depth.
• Quick Salad Assembly: Combine dry ingredients just before serving to maintain crisp textures and prevent wilting of arugula and nuts.
• Separate Ingredient Technique: Store bacon, cheese, and nuts in individual containers to maintain crunchiness and prevent moisture buildup, ensuring maximum freshness when you're ready to enjoy the salad.

Elegant Ina Garten Cape Cod Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Fresh summer Cape Cod salad combines crisp greens with succulent seafood, creating a delightful coastal-inspired dish. Guests will savor New England’s bright flavors and elegant simplicity in this refreshing culinary experience.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz (226 g) thick-cut bacon, such as Niman Ranch
• 6 oz (170 g) blue cheese, such as Roquefort, crumbled
• 8 oz (226 g) baby arugula
• 1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled and diced
• ½ cup (60 g) toasted walnut halves, coarsely chopped
• ½ cup (75 g) dried cranberries
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 tsp grated orange zest
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 2 ½ tsps Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) pure maple syrup
• Kosher salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ⅔ cup (160 ml) olive oil

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Instructions

1. Bacon Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F with rack centered. Line baking sheet with wire rack and arrange bacon slices in single layer without overlapping. Roast for 18-22 minutes, rotating midway, until bacon turns deep golden-brown and crisp.
2. Bacon Cooling: Transfer bacon to paper towel-lined plate, allowing excess fat to drain and bacon to cool completely before chopping into rustic pieces.
3. Salad Assembly: In large mixing bowl, combine arugula, diced apple, chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, and crumbled blue cheese.
4. Vinaigrette Creation: Whisk red wine vinegar, orange zest, orange juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, kosher salt, and black pepper. Gradually stream in olive oil while whisking to create smooth, emulsified dressing.
5. Final Tossing: Add chopped bacon to salad ingredients. Drizzle with prepared vinaigrette, gently tossing to ensure light, even coating. Sprinkle additional salt, toss once more to distribute flavors thoroughly.
6. Serving: Present salad immediately to preserve crisp textures and vibrant taste profile.

Notes

• Bacon Baking Technique: Use a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet for perfectly crisp bacon that drains excess fat while roasting evenly.
• Vinaigrette Emulsion Secret: Slowly stream olive oil while whisking continuously to create a smooth, well-blended dressing that coats salad ingredients beautifully.
• Salad Assembly Tip: Toss ingredients gently to prevent bruising delicate arugula and maintain the salad’s fresh, crisp texture.
• Serving Recommendation: Serve immediately after dressing to preserve the salad’s vibrant flavors and prevent wilting of greens.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg