Census Crunch Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing salad with crisp textures and bold flavors, symbolizing the richness of U.S. cultural diversity. This american-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 35 minutes pairs mixed greens, sliced grilled chicken breast, medium, sliced cucumber for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

★ 3.9 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups mixed greens, 1 sliced cucumber, 1 thinly sliced red onion, and 1 diced avocado.
  2. Step 2: In a separate small bowl, whisk 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Toss the salad dressing with the greens and vegetables until evenly coated.
  4. Step 4: Top with 1 lb sliced grilled chicken breast and 1/4 cup chopped walnuts. Serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Census Crunch Salad take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Census Crunch 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 mixed greens from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Census Crunch 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 Census Crunch Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

Is Census Crunch Salad vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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