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