Rainbow Salad with Citrus Dressing

Name: Rainbow Salad with Citrus Dressing
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups mixed greens; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 1 avocado, cubed; 1 carrot, grated; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; Juice of 2 oranges; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Everyday Simple Recipes

I absolutely love creating colorful dishes, and this Rainbow Salad with Citrus Dressing is a vibrant example that truly excites my palate. With every bite, I can taste the freshness of the vegetables, complemented by the zesty citrus dressing that brings it all together. It's a fantastic way to get in my daily servings of vegetables while enjoying a burst of flavors. Whether I’m looking for a light lunch or an impressive side for dinner, this salad never disappoints!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-13T13:27:31.163Z

When I first experimented with creating this salad, I wanted to showcase as many colors and textures as possible. The result was not only visually stunning but also incredibly tasty! The crunch from the bell peppers and carrots paired with the soft avocado and refreshing cucumber makes for a beautiful harmony of flavors.

This dish shines with the citrus dressing, which I made using fresh oranges and a bit of honey. The acidity balances out the fresh vegetables perfectly, and I found that letting the salad sit for a few minutes before serving helps all the flavors mingle beautifully.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Vibrant colors that brighten up any meal
Light and refreshing, perfect for warm weather
Versatile – great as a side or a light main dish

      

Building a Flavorful Base

The foundation of the Rainbow Salad lies in the mixture of fresh vegetables. Start with mixed greens as your base; they not only provide a variety of textures but also contribute essential vitamins. I recommend using a combination of arugula and spinach for a peppery taste and smooth texture. Whenever possible, opt for organic vegetables as they retain more nutrients and flavor. Be sure to wash your greens thoroughly to remove any residual grit or dirt.

Each vegetable plays a key role in enhancing the salad's flavor profile. Red and yellow bell peppers add sweetness and crunch, while the rich creaminess of avocado balances out the acidity of the dressing. Grated carrots bring both color and a subtly sweet taste, and cherry tomatoes add juiciness. When assembling, aim for a colorful presentation, arranging the ingredients in layers or sections for visual appeal.

Mastering the Citrus Dressing

The citrus dressing is what elevates this salad, bringing all the components together with its bright and zesty flavor. Freshly squeezed orange juice should be your first choice; it has the best flavor and aroma compared to store-bought alternatives. If oranges are not available, you can substitute with a combination of lemon and lime juice, adjusting the sweetness with more honey if needed.

When making the dressing, whisking it thoroughly is key to achieving a smooth, emulsified consistency. Start by combining the orange juice and honey first, allowing the honey to dissolve completely before adding the olive oil. This method helps prevent separation. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or pepper as desired. I find that allowing the dressing to sit for a few minutes helps the flavors to meld beautifully.

Ingredients

Gather the following fresh ingredients to prepare this delightful salad:

Salad Ingredients

2 cups mixed greens
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1 avocado, cubed
1 carrot, grated
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

Citrus Dressing

Juice of 2 oranges
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best taste!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Rainbow Salad:

Prepare the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, avocado, grated carrot, and red onion.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, honey, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create the dressing.

Toss and Serve

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately or let it chill in the fridge for about 10 minutes for enhanced flavor.

Enjoy your fresh and colorful salad!

Pro Tips

To enhance the flavor even further, consider adding some nuts or seeds for an extra crunch!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This Rainbow Salad can be prepped in advance, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or potlucks. You can chop the vegetables and store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve, which prevents sogginess and maintains crispness. I usually pack my separate servings in jars for easy grab-and-go lunches.

If you're planning to store leftovers, be aware that the avocado may brown when mixed into the salad. To prevent this, consider adding diced avocado only as you serve. An alternative is to drizzle lemon juice over the cut avocado before adding it to the salad, which can help maintain its vibrant green color.

Creative Variations

One of the best parts about this Rainbow Salad is its versatility. You can easily customize it based on what you have at home. For example, substituting kale for mixed greens will give the salad a heartier base and excellent crunch. You could also add nuts or seeds, such as sunflower seeds or sliced almonds, for added texture and protein.

To make it a more substantial main dish, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas for some extra protein. Roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus can also be a wonderful addition when you want to switch things up, bringing in warmth and depth of flavor. Experimenting with different dressings—like a balsamic vinaigrette—can also refresh this dish and keep it exciting!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days.

→ Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it's great for meal prepping, just keep the dressing separate until serving.

→ Can I make the dressing in advance?

Definitely! You can make the dressing a day ahead and store it in the fridge.