All Recipes - Zesty Rainbow Crunch Salad

Zesty Rainbow Crunch Salad

Name: Zesty Rainbow Crunch Salad
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 0.75 cup walnuts; 0.5 tsp smoked paprika; 6 cups romaine lettuce; 1 bell peppers diced; 1 cucumber sliced; 6 tbsp sunflower seeds; 14 oz baked tofu cubed; pepper to taste; 1 large avocado; 6 tbsp quick pickled red onions or just red onions; 0.75 cups Greek yogurt, nonfat; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 0.5 tsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp parsley finely chopped; 2 tsp apple cider vinegar; 0.5 tsp onion powder; salt to taste

This Zesty Rainbow Crunch Salad is a vibrant, nutrient-packed celebration of color, flavor, and texture—perfect for energizing your lunch routine or serving as a filling, brain-healthy dinner salad. Inspired by the MIND diet’s emphasis on leafy greens, nuts, and colorful vegetables, this salad brings together romaine, bell pepper, cucumber, pickled onion, and avocado with a satisfying crunch from toasted walnuts and sunflower seeds. The creamy Greek yogurt-based ranch dressing adds a tangy, herby kick that pulls it all together. It’s easy to make, full of satisfying fiber and healthy fats, and colorful.

Servings: 6

Ingredients

3/4 cup walnuts
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
6 cups romaine lettuce
1 bell peppers, diced
1 cucumber, sliced
6 tbsp sunflower seeds
14 oz baked tofu, cubed
pepper, to taste
1 large avocado
6 tbsp quick pickled red onions, or just red onions

Zesty Ranch Dressing

3/4 cups Greek yogurt, nonfat
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
2 tsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp onion powder
salt, to taste

Instructions

Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat with smoked paprika for 2–3 minutes, stirring often. Let cool.
Mix dressing ingredients in a small bowl and chill. Thin out with water as needed.
Toss lettuce, veggies, seeds, nuts, and protein in a large bowl.
Drizzle with dressing just before serving and toss gently.

Published: May 01, 2025