Cape Cod Chicken Salad
This Cape Cod Chicken Salad is a New England gem—juicy chicken, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans come together in a creamy honey-mayonnaise dressing. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re prepping lunch or wowing guests, this recipe’s got you covered!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white meat chicken shredded or diced, about 2 medium breasts or 1 lb rotisserie chicken
- ½ cup dried cranberries look for unsweetened if you prefer less sugar
- ½ cup pecans chopped, toasted for extra flavor
- 1 celery stalk finely diced, about ¼ cup
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise full-fat for richness, or light for fewer calories
- 1 tablespoon honey adjust to taste—local honey adds a nice touch!
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet, season with salt and pepper, and roast for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (use a meat thermometer!). Cool, then shred with a fork. Short on time? Grab a rotisserie chicken instead.
- Toast the Pecans: Spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, shaking halfway. They’re done when fragrant—don’t let them burn! Cool slightly, then chop.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise and honey until smooth. Taste it—add a bit more honey if you like it sweeter.
- Mix It Up: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and diced celery. Pour the dressing over and stir until everything’s evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This lets the flavors meld—trust me, it’s worth it! Serve cold.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, ~½ Cup)
Based on 6 servings, using full-fat mayo and average ingredient amounts. Values are estimates—adjust for substitutions!
- Calories: 275 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 180mg (varies with salt added)
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 9g (mostly from cranberries and honey)
- Protein: 15g
- Vitamin C: 4% DV (thanks, cranberries!)
- Calcium: 2% DV
- Iron: 6% DV