Sunbeam Rainbow Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
A vibrant, nutrient-packed salad featuring crisp vegetables and a zesty citrus dressing that captures the essence of a sunny day. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 20 minutes pairs mixed baby greens, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots 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 250 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 2 cups mixed baby greens
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup red onion
- 1/4 cup cucumber
- 1/4 cup radishes
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp honey, and 1/4 tsp Dijon mustard until emulsified; season with a pinch of salt.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups mixed baby greens, 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup shredded carrots, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, 1/4 cup diced cucumber, and 1/4 cup sliced radishes.
- Step 3: Add 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 1/4 cup toasted sunflower seeds to the bowl.
- Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Step 5: Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp textures and bright flavors.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sunbeam Rainbow Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (20 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 Sunbeam Rainbow Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?
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 baby greens from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sunbeam Rainbow Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?
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 Sunbeam Rainbow Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette 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 Sunbeam Rainbow Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?
Mediterranean 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
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.