5 PM Office Camera Salad
A vibrant salad representing the moment security cameras stop working, featuring bright colors and crisp textures. This general-inspired salads ready in about 12 minutes pairs romaine lettuce, bell peppers, kalamata olives into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 240 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 cups romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup bell peppers
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup chickpeas
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/8 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Wash and chop 3 cups romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 2: Slice 1/2 cup bell peppers into thin strips and add to lettuce.
- Step 3: Rinse and drain 1/2 cup chickpeas, then add to the bowl.
- Step 4: Pit and slice 1/4 cup kalamata olives and scatter over the salad.
- Step 5: Whisk 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 tsp dried oregano, and 1/8 tsp salt in a small bowl until combined.
- Step 6: Pour dressing over salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Step 7: Let sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does 5 PM Office Camera Salad take to make?
Total time is about 12 minutes (12 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover 5 PM Office Camera Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep romaine lettuce from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in 5 PM Office Camera Salad?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale 5 PM Office Camera Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with 5 PM Office Camera Salad?
General salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
