Rainbow Salad Bowl

Experience a burst of color and nutrition with this Rainbow Salad Bowl. This vibrant dish combines fresh vegetables, wholesome grains, and protein-rich beans to create a meal that is as satisfying as it is beautiful. Whether you are looking for a light lunch or a hearty dinner, this easy-to-prepare salad is a perfect choice.

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What makes this bowl truly special is the combination of textures. From the crunch of the roasted nuts and seeds to the creaminess of the black beans and the freshness of the baby spinach, every bite offers something new. The light dressing ties it all together with a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness.

Ingredients

• Grains: 1 cup cooked quinoa (or brown rice, cooled)
• Vegetables: 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), 1 cup shredded purple cabbage, 1 cup grated carrots, 1 yellow bell pepper (diced), 1 cup baby spinach leaves, 1 small cucumber (sliced)
• Beans: 1 cup canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed), 1 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
• Nuts & Seeds: 1/3 cup roasted cashews or almonds (chopped), 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds (pepitas), 2 tbsp sunflower seeds
• Dressing: 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 garlic clove (minced), Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Garnish: 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

Instructions

Step 1

Prepare the grains according to package instructions, then allow to cool.

Step 2

Arrange all prepared vegetables, grains, beans, nuts, and seeds in a large salad bowl or on a platter in colorful sections.

Step 3

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, maple syrup (or honey), Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

Step 4

Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.

Step 5

Toss gently to combine or serve with dressing on the side for guests to add as desired.

Step 6

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To make the preparation seamless, ensure you have a medium saucepan for the grains and a sharp knife for dicing the vegetables. A small bowl and whisk are essential for creating a perfectly emulsified dressing, while salad tongs will help you toss the ingredients gently without bruising the spinach.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is highly adaptable. For extra creaminess, try adding avocado slices. If you want more protein, top the bowl with grilled tofu or feta cheese (though skip the cheese for a vegan option). You can also substitute quinoa with other grains like farro or bulgur depending on your preference.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this Rainbow Salad Bowl as a refreshing main course. It pairs beautifully with a crisp glass of sauvignon blanc or a chilled iced herbal tea. For gatherings, you can serve the dressing on the side to allow guests to customize their own portions.

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This Rainbow Salad Bowl is a celebration of fresh ingredients and healthy eating. Its ease of preparation and stunning presentation make it a go-to recipe for any occasion, ensuring a nutritious and flavorful dining experience.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How long does this keep in the refrigerator?

This salad stores beautifully for 3-4 days when kept in an airtight container. Keep the dressing separate and add just before serving to maintain the crisp texture of vegetables.

→ Can I use different grains?

Absolutely. Brown rice, farro, bulgur, or even couscous work wonderfully. Just ensure your grain is fully cooled before assembling to prevent wilting the fresh vegetables.

→ What other vegetables work well?

Feel free to swap in whatever looks fresh at the market. Radishes, beets, bell peppers, shredded Brussels sprouts, or roasted sweet potatoes all add beautiful colors and flavors.

→ How can I add more protein?

Grilled tofu, roasted chickpeas, or even a poached egg make excellent additions. For non-vegetarians, grilled chicken or shrimp work perfectly with these fresh flavors.

→ Can I make this ahead for parties?

This is ideal for entertaining. Arrange all ingredients on a large platter up to 4 hours ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature 30 minutes before serving and dress just before guests arrive.

→ What dressing alternatives work?

A tahini-lemon blend, balsamic vinaigrette, or creamy avocado dressing all complement these ingredients beautifully. Adjust based on your preference for tangy, creamy, or herbaceous flavors.