Name: Chopped Rainbow Salad Bowls with Peanut Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 2 cups red cabbage, finely chopped; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 yellow bell pepper, diced; 1 cucumber, diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cooked edamame (optional); 2 green onions, thinly sliced; Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional); 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter; 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 1 clove garlic, minced; Water to thin as needed

Chopped Rainbow Salad Bowls with Peanut Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it’s visually stunning and loaded with a variety of fresh vegetables that provide a broad spectrum of nutrients. The creamy peanut sauce adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the crisp vegetables perfectly. It’s easy to make, customizable, and great for meal prepping. Plus, it’s vegan-friendly and can be adapted to fit many dietary preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups red cabbage, finely chopped
1 cup shredded carrots
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1 cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cooked edamame (optional)
2 green onions, thinly sliced
Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)

For the Peanut Sauce:

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
Water to thin as needed

Directions

Prepare all the vegetables by chopping, dicing, and shredding as noted. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, and garlic until smooth. Add water a little at a time to reach your desired dressing consistency.
Pour the peanut sauce over the chopped vegetables and toss well until everything is evenly coated.
Garnish with green onions and fresh herbs if using.
Serve immediately or chill for 20 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 and takes about 20 minutes to prepare.

Variations

Add protein like grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp to make it a complete meal.
Substitute peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a different nutty flavor.
Include nuts or seeds such as chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, or sunflower seeds for extra crunch.
Swap edamame with chickpeas or black beans for a plant-based protein boost.
Add a spicy kick with a drizzle of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad is best served cold or at room temperature. Stir before serving, as the peanut sauce may thicken upon refrigeration. This salad is not intended for reheating.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Yes, you can chop the vegetables and prepare the peanut sauce ahead of time. Toss just before serving to keep the salad fresh.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, it is vegan if you use maple syrup instead of honey.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Smooth peanut butter works best for the dressing, but you can experiment with crunchy for added texture.

How can I make the peanut sauce less thick?

Add water gradually to thin the sauce to your preferred consistency.

What can I substitute for soy sauce?

Tamari or coconut aminos work well as gluten-free alternatives.

Can I freeze this salad?

Freezing is not recommended as the fresh vegetables will lose their texture.

Can I add noodles to this salad?

Yes, adding cooked rice noodles or soba noodles can turn this into a noodle bowl.

How spicy is this salad?

The base recipe is mild, but you can add chili flakes or sriracha to increase heat.

Can I omit edamame?

Absolutely, edamame is optional and can be left out or replaced.

How long will leftovers keep?

Up to 3 days refrigerated, but best eaten fresh for optimal texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Chopped Rainbow Salad Bowls with Peanut Sauce are a delightful, nutrient-rich meal bursting with color, crunch, and flavor. The creamy peanut dressing ties the fresh veggies together, creating a satisfying dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a vibrant side. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, this salad is a wholesome choice to brighten up your meals.