Looking for a burst of flavor that’s as vibrant as it is nutritious? Dive into our Spicy Rainbow Chopped Salad, a dish that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also adds a splash of color to your table! Packed with fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing, this salad is the perfect accompaniment to any meal or a refreshing stand-alone dish for those warm summer days. With just 20 minutes of prep time, you’ll discover how easy it is to whip up a deliciously healthy salad that will leave your friends and family asking for seconds. Get ready to impress with this eye-catching recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Red cabbage, chopped
- Carrots, grated
- Bell peppers, diced
- Cilantro, chopped
- Jalapeño, minced
- Lime juice
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Wash and prepare all fresh vegetables thoroughly. Ensure your cutting board and knives are clean and sharp.
- Finely chop the red cabbage into thin, uniform strips, creating a vibrant purple base for the salad.
- Peel and grate carrots using a box grater, creating delicate orange shreds that will add crunch and sweetness.
- Dice bell peppers into small, even cubes, mixing colors like red, yellow, and green for a visually appealing rainbow effect.
- Mince the jalapeño pepper very finely, removing seeds if you prefer less heat, or keeping them for extra spiciness.
- Chop fresh cilantro leaves, discarding the thick stems, to provide a bright, herbaceous flavor.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all chopped vegetables - cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, cilantro, and jalapeño.
- In a small separate bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to create a zesty dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the chopped vegetables and toss thoroughly to ensure even coating and distribution of flavors.
- Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice to balance the flavors.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing, spicy side dish or light meal.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can wash and chop all your vegetables in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to two days before serving.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables! Adding ingredients like cucumbers or radishes can enhance the crunch and flavor.
- Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of jalapeño based on your spice preference. For a milder salad, remove the seeds and membranes, or skip the jalapeño altogether.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the salad to sit for 5-10 minutes after tossing gives the flavors time to meld together, making each bite even more delicious.
- Perfect Your Dressing: Taste your dressing before adding it to the salad. You can always tweak the lime juice, olive oil, salt, or pepper to suit your palate.
- Serve It Right: This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature, making it a great option for picnics or potlucks!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
