Chopped Rainbow Salad Bowls with Peanut Sauce

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Introduction

Chopped Rainbow Salad Bowls with Peanut Sauce are a vibrant, refreshing way to enjoy a healthy, nutrient-packed meal. The crisp, colorful mix of fresh vegetables—think crunchy bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers, and vibrant purple cabbage—paired with a creamy, rich peanut sauce creates a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. Every bite offers a satisfying crunch, a burst of tang, and the delightful umami of the peanut sauce, making this salad a refreshing choice for lunch, dinner, or as a light side dish for any gathering.

The first time I made these salad bowls, I was amazed at how easy it was to turn simple ingredients into such a satisfying and flavorful dish. Chopping the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and drizzling them with the creamy, slightly sweet peanut sauce felt like a fun, colorful culinary creation. The best part was how quickly it came together, yet the flavors were so vibrant and filling.

What I love most about these Chopped Rainbow Salad Bowls is how customizable they are. You can add extra protein like tofu, grilled chicken, or chickpeas to make it heartier, or switch up the vegetables based on what’s in season. The peanut sauce is incredibly versatile too—add a dash of lime juice for an extra tang, or a pinch of chili flakes if you want to spice things up. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking for a healthy and flavorful dish, this salad bowl is sure to become a go-to favorite in your meal rotation.

Perfect for:

  • Meal prep
  • Light lunches
  • Summer dinners
  • Picnics
  • Vegetarian or vegan meals

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Chopped Rainbow Salad Bowls with Peanut Sauce will become your new go-to salad:

  • Vibrant and Fresh: The colorful mix of vegetables adds both visual appeal and a variety of textures to each bite.
  • Rich Peanut Sauce: The creamy, tangy peanut sauce takes this salad to the next level, adding a savory richness that perfectly complements the crunchy veggies.
  • Customizable: You can easily swap out vegetables or add toppings like nuts, seeds, or grilled chicken to suit your taste.
  • Quick and Easy: This salad is simple to prepare and can be made in under 30 minutes.
  • Nutrient-Dense: Packed with fiber, healthy fats, and plenty of vitamins and minerals, this salad is both delicious and nutritious.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 5 minutes (for the peanut sauce)
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 10g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Chopped Rainbow Salad Bowls with Peanut Sauce:

For the Salad:

  • 2 cups shredded purple cabbage
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 cucumber, julienned
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • ½ cup edamame (shelled)
  • 2 cups mixed greens (like spinach or arugula)
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • ¼ cup roasted peanuts, crushed (optional)

For the Peanut Sauce:

  • ¼ cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
  • 2-3 tablespoons warm water (to adjust consistency)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Purple Cabbage: Adds a vibrant color and crunchy texture to the salad while being packed with antioxidants.
  • Peanut Butter: The base of the sauce, providing richness and creaminess.
  • Edamame: A great source of plant-based protein, adding substance and texture to the salad.
  • Fresh Vegetables: The red and yellow bell peppers, cucumber, and carrot offer a colorful mix of flavors and nutrients.
  • Avocado: Adds creaminess and healthy fats to balance the crunch of the veggies.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Salad:

  1. Chop the Vegetables: Slice the red and yellow bell peppers, cucumber, and carrot into thin strips. Shred the purple cabbage and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Greens: Wash and dry the mixed greens and chop them into smaller pieces if needed.
  3. Prepare the Edamame: If using frozen edamame, steam or microwave them according to package instructions, then set aside to cool.
  4. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cabbage, bell peppers, cucumber, carrot, edamame, mixed greens, and cilantro (if using). Toss to combine.
  5. Add Toppings: Slice the avocado and arrange it on top of the salad along with crushed roasted peanuts, if desired.

Make the Peanut Sauce:

  1. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, lime juice, garlic, and grated ginger (if using).
  2. Adjust Consistency: Gradually add warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency—smooth and pourable but not too runny.
  3. Taste and Adjust: Taste the peanut sauce and adjust seasonings as necessary, adding more maple syrup for sweetness or lime juice for tang.

Assemble the Bowls:

  1. Serve: Divide the chopped salad mixture into individual bowls. Drizzle with the peanut sauce, ensuring each bowl is generously covered.
  2. Garnish and Enjoy: Add any additional toppings such as extra cilantro, crushed peanuts, or a squeeze of lime juice.

How to Serve

  • As a Light Meal: Enjoy the salad as a refreshing main dish, perfect for lunch or dinner.
  • With Grilled Protein: Top with grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp for added protein.
  • Meal Prep: Store the salad components and peanut sauce separately for meal prep. Assemble and drizzle the sauce just before eating.
  • Side Dish: Serve as a side dish to accompany grilled meats, fish, or noodles.
  • Add Some Heat: If you like it spicy, top with sliced chili peppers or a drizzle of sriracha sauce.

Additional Tips

  • Make Ahead: You can prep the salad components in advance, but store the peanut sauce separately until serving to avoid wilting the vegetables.
  • Vary the Vegetables: Feel free to swap in other vegetables like radishes, cherry tomatoes, or green onions for added variety.
  • Customize the Sauce: For a different flavor, try adding a bit of curry powder or chili paste to the peanut sauce.
  • Add Crunch: For extra crunch, top with crispy noodles, sesame seeds, or roasted chickpeas.

Recipe Variations

  1. Spicy Peanut Sauce: Add sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the peanut sauce for a spicy kick.
  2. Grilled Chicken Salad: Add strips of grilled chicken breast for a heartier version.
  3. Sesame Ginger Salad: Swap the peanut sauce for a sesame-ginger dressing.
  4. Tofu Salad: Top the salad with grilled or crispy tofu for a vegan protein option.
  5. Mango and Avocado Salad: Add diced mango for a sweet and tangy flavor contrast.
  6. Quinoa Salad: Toss in cooked quinoa for added protein and texture.
  7. Sweet and Sour Salad: Use a mix of sweet chili sauce and rice vinegar for a tangier sauce.
  8. Asian-Inspired Salad: Add sliced scallions, shredded nori, and a drizzle of sesame oil for more Asian flavors.
  9. Crispy Chickpea Salad: Add crispy roasted chickpeas as a crunchy topping.
  10. Greek-Inspired Salad: Add feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a lemon-oregano dressing for a Mediterranean twist.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: It’s best to store the salad and peanut sauce separately, as the vegetables can wilt when frozen. The peanut sauce can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months—just thaw and whisk before using.
  • Storage: Store the salad (without the dressing) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The peanut sauce can be kept in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Special Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls
  • Whisk
  • Knife and Cutting Board
  • Vegetable Peeler (for julienning the carrots)
  • Small Saucepan (for warming the peanut sauce)

FAQ

  1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter? Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture in the sauce.
  2. Can I make this salad gluten-free? Yes, use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the peanut sauce gluten-free.
  3. Can I add protein to the salad? Yes, grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp would be great additions.
  4. How do I make the salad spicier? Add sliced chili peppers or a drizzle of sriracha to the salad or peanut sauce.
  5. Can I prepare this salad in advance? You can prep the salad components in advance, but add the peanut sauce right before serving for the best freshness.

Conclusion

Chopped Rainbow Salad Bowls with Peanut Sauce offer a vibrant combination of color, flavor, and nutrition all in one bowl. Packed with fresh, crunchy vegetables and drizzled with creamy peanut sauce, this salad is as satisfying as it is versatile. Whether you’re craving a light lunch, a healthy side dish, or a nourishing dinner, this salad is the perfect choice.

You can customize it with your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, cucumbers, carrots, and cabbage, or add protein like grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas. The rich, tangy peanut sauce ties everything together with its deliciously smooth texture and depth of flavor, making every bite a refreshing experience.

I can’t wait to see how you build your rainbow salad! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your creative combinations. Don’t forget to share your twists in the comments. Happy eating!

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