The Prism Burst Salad (Printable Version)

A vibrant, fresh salad with a creamy white center and colorful layers of fruits and vegetables.

# What You'll Need:

→ Central White Base

01 - 1 cup ricotta cheese
02 - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
04 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Red Layer

05 - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 1/4 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper

→ Orange Layer

07 - 1/2 cup thinly sliced orange bell pepper
08 - 1/4 cup shredded carrots

→ Yellow Layer

09 - 1/2 cup thinly sliced yellow bell pepper
10 - 1/4 cup cooked sweet corn kernels

→ Green Layer

11 - 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber
12 - 1/4 cup cooked and shelled edamame
13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or mint)

→ Blue Layer

14 - 1/3 cup blueberries
15 - 1/4 cup finely shredded purple cabbage

→ Violet Layer

16 - 1/2 cup red grapes, halved
17 - 1/4 cup thinly sliced radishes

→ Dressing

18 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
19 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
20 - 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
21 - Salt and pepper, to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Combine ricotta cheese, olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Spoon onto the center of a large platter and gently spread into a small circle to create the white focal point.
02 - Separate each group of vegetables and fruits into individual bowls according to color categories.
03 - Starting from the central base, fan out each color group in sequence—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet—radiating outward in distinct stripes. Use hands or a spoon to keep colors well separated.
04 - Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey or agave syrup, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until combined.
05 - Lightly drizzle the dressing over the entire arrangement just before serving, or serve it alongside.
06 - Sprinkle with fresh herbs and a final touch of black pepper if desired. Serve immediately for optimal freshness.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It's a conversation starter that actually tastes as good as it looks, proving beauty and flavor don't have to be mutually exclusive.
  • No cooking required means you can pull this together in a coffee break, making it perfect for when you want something that feels special without the stress.
  • Every bite delivers multiple textures and tastes at once, keeping things interesting instead of monotonous.
02 -
  • Slice your vegetables and fruits just before assembling unless you're making this an hour ahead—delicate things like cucumber and tomatoes lose their snap if they sit naked too long.
  • The ricotta base is what holds the visual magic together, so don't skip it or turn it into something too thick; it should be creamy enough to spread but not runny.
  • Color separation is everything here, so take your time layering and use a spoon to tuck things neatly instead of just shoving them in there.
03 -
  • Chill your platter for five minutes before spreading the ricotta base—it helps everything stay crisp and organized instead of sliding around.
  • Use a mandoline slicer for the peppers and cucumbers if you want them tissue-thin and uniform, but a sharp knife works just fine if you go slowly and steady.
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