Fun-Filled Rainbow Veggie Salad
A crunchy, colorful salad with a tangy citrus dressing that’s as joyful to eat as it is to look at. This american-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs mixed greens, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 5 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper
- 1/2 cup carrot
- 1/2 cup purple cabbage
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup red onion
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 5 cups mixed greens, 1/2 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper, 1/2 cup thinly sliced yellow bell pepper, 1/2 cup shredded carrot, 1/2 cup thinly sliced purple cabbage, 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion.
- Step 2: Whisk 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified and glossy.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently with tongs until all vegetables are evenly coated and glistening.
- Step 4: Serve immediately at room temperature for maximum freshness and vibrant color contrast.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Fun-Filled Rainbow Veggie Salad take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Fun-Filled Rainbow Veggie Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep mixed greens from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Fun-Filled Rainbow Veggie Salad?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Fun-Filled Rainbow Veggie Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Fun-Filled Rainbow Veggie Salad?
American salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★★
I've tried many salads recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★★
The aroma while cooking this was absolutely heavenly.