Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Sunshine Salad is not only easy to prepare, but it also brings a rainbow of fresh produce together, making it a healthy and beautiful choice for any occasion. The combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, along with the crunch from the veggies and fruits, creates a delightful balance of tastes and textures. Plus, it’s versatile—feel free to add or swap ingredients to suit your preferences. The bright colors make it visually appealing, and it’s an excellent way to pack in vitamins and antioxidants. It’s the kind of salad that leaves you feeling good inside and out!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup mixed greens (e.g., spinach, arugula, romaine)

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1/2 cup cucumber, thinly sliced

  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots

  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced

  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

  • 1/4 cup fresh orange segments

  • 1/4 cup avocado, sliced

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • Fresh herbs for garnish (optional, such as cilantro or parsley)

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

Directions

  1. Start by preparing your vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion, and shred the carrots.

  2. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, bell pepper, red onion, and orange segments.

  3. Add the sliced avocado on top.

  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

  5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

  6. Garnish with fresh herbs of your choice, if desired.

  7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.

  • Prep time: 15 minutes

  • Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

  • Add protein: To make this salad heartier, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a protein boost.

  • Swap the dressing: If you prefer a different flavor, try a lemon vinaigrette, tahini dressing, or even a creamy yogurt-based dressing.

  • Add nuts or seeds: Walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds can add extra crunch and flavor.

  • Fruit variety: Feel free to swap the orange segments with other fruits like berries, apples, or pineapple for a different twist.

  • Cheese: Crumbled feta or goat cheese pairs wonderfully with this salad for a creamy addition.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. If storing leftovers, keep the dressing separate to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

  • Reheating: Since this is a fresh salad, there’s no need to reheat it. However, if you’ve added grilled protein, that can be reheated in the microwave or a skillet before adding it back to the salad.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of green?

Yes, you can use any type of leafy green, such as kale, butter lettuce, or even a spring mix.

2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. However, it’s best to toss the salad and add the dressing just before serving to ensure freshness.

3. What other fruits can I add to the Sunshine Salad?

You can add any fruits you like—mango, strawberries, apples, or even grapes work well in this salad.

4. Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is already vegan, but you can add some vegan protein like tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas if you’d like to make it more filling.

5. Is the dressing gluten-free?

Yes, the dressing is naturally gluten-free, as it contains only olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.

6. Can I add nuts to this salad?

Yes! Adding nuts like almonds, walnuts, or even cashews would add a great crunch to this salad.

7. How long will the leftovers last?

If stored properly, the leftovers will last 1-2 days in the fridge. Keep the dressing separate to preserve the salad’s freshness.

8. Can I use a store-bought dressing?

Yes, you can easily use a store-bought vinaigrette or any other dressing you prefer. However, homemade dressing adds an extra layer of freshness.

9. Can I substitute the avocado with something else?

If you’re not a fan of avocado, you can swap it for a different creamy element, like hummus or a dollop of Greek yogurt.

10. How can I make the salad spicier?

To add some heat, you can include sliced jalapeños, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a spicy dressing.

Conclusion

The Sunshine Salad is a burst of freshness, flavor, and color in every bite. It’s incredibly versatile and easy to make, and it’s perfect for a light lunch, a side dish, or even as a main course when paired with protein. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it to your taste, you’ll find yourself reaching for this salad again and again. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients that make this salad a true crowd-pleaser!

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Sunshine Salad

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  • Author: Mia
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

A refreshing and vibrant dish, the Sunshine Salad is the perfect addition to any meal or can even stand alone as a light lunch. Bursting with colorful vegetables, sweet fruits, and a zesty dressing, this salad brings a burst of freshness to your table. It’s quick to prepare, highly customizable, and incredibly satisfying with its crisp textures and vibrant flavors.

Ingredients

1 cup mixed greens (e.g., spinach, arugula, romaine)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup cucumber, thinly sliced

1/2 cup shredded carrots

1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup fresh orange segments

1/4 cup avocado, sliced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh herbs for garnish (optional, such as cilantro or parsley)

Instructions

  1. Start by preparing your vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion, and shred the carrots.
  2. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, bell pepper, red onion, and orange segments.
  3. Add the sliced avocado on top.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
  6. Garnish with fresh herbs of your choice, if desired.
  7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  1. Add protein: To make this salad heartier, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a protein boost.
  2. Swap the dressing: If you prefer a different flavor, try a lemon vinaigrette, tahini dressing, or even a creamy yogurt-based dressing.
  3. Add nuts or seeds: Walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds can add extra crunch and flavor.
  4. Fruit variety: Feel free to swap the orange segments with other fruits like berries, apples, or pineapple for a different twist.
  5. Cheese: Crumbled feta or goat cheese pairs wonderfully with this salad for a creamy addition.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-cook
  • Cuisine: International

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: Approximately 150
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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