Houzz-Inspired Rainbow Garden Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, color-drenched salad featuring seasonal garden vegetables arranged in a harmonious palette, tossed in a bright lemon-herb dressing. This american-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs Romaine lettuce, Red bell pepper, Yellow bell pepper 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 180 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.0 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon honey, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper until emulsified and smooth.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce, 1/2 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper, 1/2 cup thinly sliced yellow bell pepper, 1 cup sliced cucumber, 1/2 cup sliced radishes, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion.
  3. Step 3: Pour 1/4 cup of the prepared dressing over the salad, tossing gently with tongs until all vegetables are evenly coated and glistening.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley over the top, arranging the vegetables into a visually balanced pattern before serving immediately to maintain crispness.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Houzz-Inspired Rainbow Garden Salad take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 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 Houzz-Inspired Rainbow Garden 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 Houzz-Inspired Rainbow Garden 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 Houzz-Inspired Rainbow Garden 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.

What goes well with Houzz-Inspired Rainbow Garden Salad?

American 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.

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