Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Sunshine Salad is packed with nutrient-dense ingredients that are both delicious and good for you. The mix of greens, fresh vegetables, and sweet fruit offers a perfect balance of vitamins and minerals, while the lime dressing brings everything together with a tangy zest. The corn adds a slight sweetness and crunch, while the feta cheese, if used, gives the salad a creamy richness. It’s a quick and easy recipe that can be made in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for a busy summer day. It’s also versatile, allowing you to add or substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand. Enjoy it as a side or a light meal that’s as satisfying as it is healthy!
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, and romaine)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced (use a mix of colors for added visual appeal)
- 1 cup cooked corn (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup diced mango or pineapple
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ⅓ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash all fresh produce thoroughly. If using canned corn, drain and rinse it.
- Chop Ingredients: Dice the cucumber, bell pepper, and onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Mix Greens: In a large mixing bowl, add the mixed greens as the base.
- Add Veggies: Layer in the chopped cucumbers, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and corn.
- Incorporate Fruits: Gently fold in the diced mango or pineapple for a delightful sweetness.
- Season the Salad: Sprinkle cilantro and feta cheese (if using) on top of the mixture.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary, adding more lime juice or salt if needed.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your refreshing Sunshine Salad right away for the best flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: None
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Add Protein: For a more filling meal, top the salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Vegan Version: Skip the feta cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative to keep the salad plant-based.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a little heat.
- Different Fruits: While mango and pineapple are great options, you can also use other fruits like peaches, strawberries, or pomegranate seeds to vary the flavor.
- Nuts and Seeds: Add some toasted pumpkin seeds, almonds, or walnuts for added crunch.
Storage/Reheating
This Sunshine Salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the veggies and fruit are crisp and flavorful right after preparation. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The dressing may make the salad soggy if stored for too long, so it’s best to keep the dressing separate if you plan to store it.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh or canned corn?
Yes, you can use frozen corn. Just thaw and drain it before adding it to the salad for the best texture.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
You can prep most of the ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the salad and add the dressing right before serving to maintain freshness.
Can I use other greens instead of mixed greens?
Absolutely! You can use any greens you prefer, such as baby spinach, kale, or arugula. The mix of greens is up to you!
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta or need a dairy-free version, try using vegan cheese, goat cheese, or even avocado slices for a creamy texture.
How can I make this salad spicier?
For some extra heat, add diced jalapeños, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the dressing.
Can I use a different fruit besides mango or pineapple?
Yes, you can substitute with any seasonal fruit like berries, apples, or even citrus fruits like oranges for a different flavor.
How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?
To prevent the salad from getting soggy, only add the dressing just before serving. You can store the dressing separately and toss it with the salad when you’re ready to enjoy.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for anyone with dietary restrictions.
Can I use a store-bought dressing?
If you’re short on time, a store-bought vinaigrette or citrus-based dressing will work fine, but the homemade lime dressing adds a fresh, bright flavor that complements the ingredients perfectly.
How can I make this salad even more filling?
To make the salad more substantial, you can add protein such as grilled chicken, quinoa, or black beans to turn it into a complete meal.
Conclusion
The Sunshine Salad is the perfect summer dish—light, refreshing, and packed with flavor. The combination of mixed greens, crisp veggies, sweet fruit, and a tangy lime dressing creates a delightful balance that’s both healthy and satisfying. Whether served as a side or a main, this vibrant salad will bring a burst of sunshine to any meal. It’s quick to prepare, full of nutrients, and incredibly customizable to suit your preferences. Enjoy a bowl of this colorful, delicious salad today!
Sunshine Salad: An Ultimate Recipe for a Wonderful Summer Delight
Sunshine Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish bursting with colorful vegetables, sweet fruit, and a tangy lime dressing. It’s a nutrient-dense salad that’s quick to prepare, making it the perfect side or light meal for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, and romaine)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 cup bell pepper, diced (use a mix of colors for added visual appeal)
1 cup cooked corn (fresh or canned)
1 cup diced mango or pineapple
½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
⅓ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash all fresh produce thoroughly. If using canned corn, drain and rinse it.
- Chop Ingredients: Dice the cucumber, bell pepper, and onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Mix Greens: In a large mixing bowl, add the mixed greens as the base.
- Add Veggies: Layer in the chopped cucumbers, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and corn.
- Incorporate Fruits: Gently fold in the diced mango or pineapple for a delightful sweetness.
- Season the Salad: Sprinkle cilantro and feta cheese (if using) on top of the mixture.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary, adding more lime juice or salt if needed.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your refreshing Sunshine Salad right away for the best flavor.
Notes
For a more filling salad, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
For a vegan version, skip the feta or use a vegan cheese alternative.
Add jalapeños or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Substitute fruits like peaches, strawberries, or pomegranate seeds for variation.
For added crunch, top with toasted pumpkin seeds, almonds, or walnuts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
