Safety Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

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

A vibrant, nutrient-packed salad featuring a zesty citrus dressing that's both refreshing and safe for all dietary needs, packed with colorful vegetables. This American-inspired salad recipe, 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 220 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 Serves 4 American cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup lemon juice, 1/2 cup orange juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 6 cups mixed greens, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup diced cucumber, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/2 cup shredded carrot, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced radish.
  3. Step 3: Pour the citrus vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until all vegetables are evenly coated and the dressing clings to the leaves.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Safety 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 Safety 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 Safety 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 Safety 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.

What goes well with Safety Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?

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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