Spectrum Rainbow Salad

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

A vibrant mix of colorful vegetables and citrus dressing, bursting with fresh flavors and a light, refreshing crunch. 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 205 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 Mediterranean cuisine 205 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, 1/2 cup diced cucumber, and 1/2 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper, tossing gently to mix.
  2. Step 2: Whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and 1/4 tsp salt in a small bowl until fully emulsified and slightly thickened.
  3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until every vegetable is evenly coated and glistening with the bright, tangy dressing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spectrum Rainbow 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 Spectrum Rainbow 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 mixed greens from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spectrum Rainbow 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 Spectrum Rainbow 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.

Is Spectrum Rainbow Salad 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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