Rainbow Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette and Toasted Nuts

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

A rainbow-colored salad with crisp vegetables, tangy citrus vinaigrette, and toasted nuts. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 25 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 320 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 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 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced cucumber, 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion, 1 cup julienned carrots, 1 diced avocado, 1 cup orange segments, and 1 cup grapefruit segments.
  2. Step 2: In a small jar, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Shake until emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with 1/3 cup toasted walnuts and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Rainbow Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette and Toasted Nuts take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Rainbow Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette and Toasted Nuts?

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 Rainbow Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette and Toasted Nuts?

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 Rainbow Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette and Toasted Nuts 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 Rainbow Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette and Toasted Nuts 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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