Salinas Valley Harvest Salad with Citrus Dressing

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

A vibrant salad featuring crisp local greens, ripe tomatoes, and cucumbers tossed in a bright citrus vinaigrette. This california-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes blends mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 2 California cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp orange juice, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups mixed salad greens, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup cucumber, 1/4 cup red onion, and 1/2 avocado.
  3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated and the avocado is distributed.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Salinas Valley Harvest Salad with Citrus Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Salinas Valley Harvest Salad with Citrus Dressing?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Salinas Valley Harvest Salad with Citrus Dressing?

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 Salinas Valley Harvest Salad with Citrus Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Salinas Valley Harvest Salad with Citrus Dressing?

California 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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