Star-Spangled Red, White, and Blue Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fresh, vibrant salad featuring layers of red bell peppers, creamy mozzarella, and blueberries tossed in a zesty citrus dressing. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs mixed baby greens, large red bell pepper, thinly sliced, fresh blueberries 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 210 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 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified and bright.
  2. Step 2: Place 5 cups mixed baby greens in a large salad bowl. Add 1 large thinly sliced red bell pepper, 8 oz halved fresh mozzarella balls, and 1 cup fresh blueberries.
  3. Step 3: Pour the citrus vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds on top for crunch and serve immediately for a refreshing, colorful side dish.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Star-Spangled Red, White, and Blue 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 Star-Spangled Red, White, and Blue 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 baby greens from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Star-Spangled Red, White, and Blue 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 Star-Spangled Red, White, and Blue 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 Star-Spangled Red, White, and Blue Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?

Mediterranean 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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