Layered Garden Crunch Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing mix of crisp greens, colorful vegetables, and crunchy seeds, tossed in a bright citrus dressing for a salad that’s as fun to assemble as it is to eat. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber 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.

★ 4.4 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups mixed greens, 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), 1/2 cup cucumber (thinly sliced), 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced), and 1/4 cup shredded carrots, tossing gently to mix all ingredients.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until fully emulsified and smooth.
  3. Step 3: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until all greens are evenly coated and glistening.
  4. Step 4: Top the dressed salad with 1/4 cup sunflower seeds and 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese just before serving to maintain crunch.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Layered Garden Crunch Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette 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 Layered Garden Crunch Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?

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 Layered Garden Crunch Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?

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 Layered Garden Crunch Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette 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 Layered Garden Crunch Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette vegetarian?

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

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