Rainbow Veggie Stir-Fry with Lime-Cilantro Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, quick-cooking stir-fry featuring colorful vegetables in a zesty lime-cilantro dressing that brightens any meal. This asian-inspired sheet pan ready in about 23 minutes blends broccoli florets, thinly sliced red bell pepper, matchstick cut carrots into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 185 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 8 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 185 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add broccoli florets and carrots, stir-frying for 3 minutes until crisp-tender.
  2. Step 2: Add red bell pepper and snow peas, cooking for 2 minutes more until vegetables are bright and slightly charred at edges.
  3. Step 3: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then remove skillet from heat.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. Pour dressing over vegetables and toss gently until evenly coated and vegetables glisten.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Rainbow Veggie Stir-Fry with Lime-Cilantro Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 23 minutes (15 min prep + 8 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Rainbow Veggie Stir-Fry with Lime-Cilantro Dressing?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Rainbow Veggie Stir-Fry with Lime-Cilantro Dressing?

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 Rainbow Veggie Stir-Fry with Lime-Cilantro Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Rainbow Veggie Stir-Fry with Lime-Cilantro Dressing?

Asian sheet pan 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.

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