Calico Salad
Calico Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that beautifully combines the crispness of fresh greens with the sweetness of oranges and the creaminess of avocado. Perfect for a light lunch or as a colorful side dish, it's ideal for gatherings and will please anyone seeking a healthy yet delicious option.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash radishes, spinach, and lettuce; chill in refrigerator. Save 2 or 3 radishes for 'roses;' crisp with ice cube.
- Tear spinach leaves and lettuce into bite-size pieces in a salad bowl. Slice 5 or 6 radishes thinly.
- Add sliced radishes to greens.
- Peel oranges and cut into sections.
- Cut avocado into bite-size chunks or slices. Reserve 8 to 10 large onion rings.
- Add remaining ingredients to the salad.
- Just before serving, add dressing and toss lightly.
- Garnish with onion rings and radish 'roses.'
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant Calico Salad, use fresh, crisp vegetables. Substitute any seasonal greens like arugula for spinach or romaine for iceberg lettuce if desired. You can replace oranges with tangerines or grapefruits for a different citrus flavor. Ensure radishes are firm and colorful; they add crunch and visual appeal. For added richness, consider drizzling with a balsamic vinaigrette.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Calico Salad as a refreshing starter or side dish, perfect for summer barbecues or picnics. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish. Consider serving it alongside other light dishes like Vegetable Rice Salad for a complete meal. Garnish with additional fresh herbs or nuts for extra texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Calico Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The greens may wilt, so it's best to keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. If you need to reheat the salad, avoid microwaving; instead, enjoy it cold or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Calico Salad contains roughly 128 calories, with 2g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Calico Salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance. Wash and chop the vegetables, but store them separately. Combine them just before serving to maintain their freshness. This makes it a great option for meal prep or gatherings.
What dressing goes well with Calico Salad?
A light vinaigrette works best with Calico Salad. You can make a simple lemon-olive oil dressing or try a citrus-based dressing to complement the oranges. Avoid heavy dressings that may weigh down the fresh ingredients.
Is Calico Salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, Calico Salad is naturally vegan, as it consists entirely of plant-based ingredients. You can enhance it with nuts or seeds for added protein. Just ensure any dressing used is also vegan-friendly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).