Spectrum Vegetable Stir-Fry with Citrus-Herb Dressing

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

A vibrant medley of colorful vegetables stir-fried until crisp-tender and tossed in a bright dressing that highlights the natural hues of the visible spectrum. This general-inspired vegetarian ready in about 25 minutes blends tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, medium, thinly sliced red bell pepper 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 180 calories and feeds 4, 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 Cook: 10 min Serves 4 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup sliced red bell pepper, 1 cup sliced yellow bell pepper, and 1 cup julienned carrot to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup broccoli florets and 1/2 cup shredded red cabbage, stirring to combine. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until broccoli is crisp-tender.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 tablespoons chopped dill, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Pour the dressing over the cooked vegetables and toss to coat evenly. Cook for 1 more minute to heat through, then serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spectrum Vegetable Stir-Fry with Citrus-Herb Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Spectrum Vegetable Stir-Fry with Citrus-Herb 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 Spectrum Vegetable Stir-Fry with Citrus-Herb 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 Spectrum Vegetable Stir-Fry with Citrus-Herb Dressing 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 Spectrum Vegetable Stir-Fry with Citrus-Herb Dressing?

General vegetarian 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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