Words & Brush Recipe Corner: Garden rainbow salad with cocoa vinaigrette

 

Garden rainbow salad with cocoa vinaigrette

By Henny Shor, Jerusalem Post, October 18, 2025

https://www.jpost.com/food-recipes/article-870676

Garden rainbow salad with cocoa vinaigrette. (credit: pixelsbypessi@gmail.com)

A feast for the eyes and the taste buds, this colorful salad layers crisp greens, roasted vegetables, and sweet-potato fries for a mix of freshness, sweetness, and crunch. The real surprise comes from the chocolate vinaigrette – rich, glossy, and perfectly balanced with balsamic vinegar for a touch of depth and sophistication. For a little extra texture, you can sprinkle the salad with cocoa nibs or roasted nuts.

Yields Six Servings.

Ingredients:

Fresh greens

Cucumber discs

Roasted zucchini slices

Colorful peppers, sliced

Red onion, sliced into rings

Cherry tomatoes, halved

Sweet-potato fries (see below)

Optional: Cocoa nibs or roasted nuts for garnish

Sweet-potato fries:

1 or 2 sweet potatoes

Oil, for frying

Chocolate vinaigrette:

½ cup balsamic vinegar

½ cup water

2 Tbsp. lemon juice

1/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup baking cocoa powder

¼ tsp. salt

½ tsp. vanilla

Directions: 

For the fries: Using a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife, cut the sweet potatoes into very thin, long strips. Fry in hot oil for two to three minutes until crisp, then drain and set aside in a sealed container until ready to use.

To make the vinaigrette: Combine the water, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and whisk in the cocoa powder until a smooth syrup forms. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla. Once cooled completely, whisk with the balsamic vinegar and lemon juice until smooth and glossy.

To assemble the salad: Layer the greens, cucumbers, roasted zucchini, peppers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes on a platter. Top with the sweet-potato fries and drizzle with the chocolate vinaigrette just before serving. Sprinkle cocoa nibs or roasted nuts over the top for extra crunch.

Enjoy! 

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