Eat-the-Rainbow Chopped Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Vibrant and colorful: The variety of colorful veggies in this salad makes it visually striking and full of nutritional value.

• Nutrient-dense: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants from the veggies, this salad is a powerhouse of nutrients.

• Versatile and customizable: You can easily modify the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

• Crunchy and satisfying: The combination of raw veggies offers a satisfying crunch, and the simple dressing brings everything together without overpowering the fresh flavors.

Ingredients

For the salad:

• 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded

• 1 cup purple carrots, shredded (or regular carrots)

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced

• 1 cucumber, diced

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 avocado, diced

• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced

• ½ cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

For the dressing:

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup

• Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash and prep all the vegetables. Finely shred the red cabbage and purple carrots. Dice the bell peppers, cucumber, and avocado. Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion.

2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

3. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine all the chopped vegetables: red cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and red onion. Add the corn kernels and toss everything together gently.

4. Dress the salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss again to coat all the ingredients evenly.

5. Garnish and serve: Garnish the salad with fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness and color. Serve immediately as a light lunch, side dish, or main course.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 0 minutes

• Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Add protein: For a more filling meal, add grilled chicken, chickpeas, shrimp, or tofu to the salad.

• Nuts or seeds: Toasted sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or sliced almonds add a satisfying crunch to the salad.

• Cheese: Crumbled feta, goat cheese, or parmesan would complement the fresh vegetables and add a creamy, tangy element.

• Other veggies: Feel free to add or swap veggies like radishes, cucumbers, beets, or snap peas to customize the salad to your liking.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: This salad is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Keep the dressing separate if you want to store it for longer.

• Reheating: This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded veggies?

Yes! To save time, you can use pre-shredded cabbage and carrots from the store. Just make sure they’re fresh for the best flavor.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prep the vegetables and make the dressing ahead of time, but it’s best to toss the salad with the dressing right before serving to keep the veggies crisp. The avocado should also be added just before serving to prevent it from browning.

How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?

To avoid sogginess, only dress the salad when you’re ready to serve it. If you’re making it ahead, keep the dressing in a separate container and toss it right before serving.

Can I use other fruits in this salad?

Yes! You can add fruits like apple slices, pomegranate seeds, or even orange segments for added sweetness and color.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! This salad is naturally vegan, as long as you skip the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.

Conclusion

This Eat-the-Rainbow Chopped Salad is not only packed with color and flavor but also brimming with nutrients. The fresh vegetables, vibrant dressing, and customizable toppings make it a delicious and satisfying addition to any meal. Whether you’re looking for a healthy side dish, a light lunch, or a refreshing main, this salad is sure to brighten your plate and your day. Enjoy it as is or get creative with your favorite add-ins!