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As the name suggests, the Sunshine Salad is a celebration of color, flavor, and nutrition, bringing a splash of brightness to any meal. This delightful dish is not just a feast for the eyes but also a powerhouse of health benefits, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking to enhance their diet with fresh, wholesome ingredients. The Sunshine Salad is characterized by its vibrant colors and fresh components, making it a versatile addition to your table, whether for a sunny summer barbecue or a cozy winter gathering.

Sunshine Salad

Discover the vibrant and nutritious Sunshine Salad, perfect for any occasion! This colorful dish combines mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots, avocados, corn, red onions, feta cheese, and sunflower seeds to create a delightful explosion of flavors. It's not only visually appealing but also packed with health benefits, making it an ideal choice for light lunches, BBQs, or dinner parties. Learn how to prepare this fresh salad and whip up a zesty citrus vinaigrette to enhance its taste. Enjoy a splash of sunshine on your plate!
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Ingredients
  

3 cups mixed greens (a delightful blend of spinach, arugula, and Romaine)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved for burst of flavor

1 large cucumber, diced for crunch

1 bell pepper (choose your favorite color), chopped for sweetness

1 medium carrot, grated for added texture

1 ripe avocado, diced for creaminess

½ cup corn kernels (fresh off the cob or canned for convenience)

¼ cup red onion, finely sliced for a hint of sharpness

½ cup feta cheese, crumbled for a tangy finish

¼ cup sunflower seeds for a nutty crunch

For the Citrus Vinaigrette:

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil for richness

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice for brightness

1 tablespoon orange juice for sweetness

1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup for a touch of natural sweetness

Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Prepare the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens. This forms a vibrant, leafy canvas for your Sunshine Salad, providing a refreshing bed for the other ingredients.

    Add Fresh Vegetables: Layer in the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped bell pepper, grated carrot, and diced avocado. Each ingredient not only adds vibrant colors but also varies in texture and taste, making every bite exciting.

      Incorporate the Corn: Gently fold in the corn kernels and sliced red onion. This adds delightful sweetness and a satisfying crunch that complements the other vegetables.

        Sprinkle Cheese and Seeds: Top the salad with crumbled feta cheese and sunflower seeds. The feta introduces a creamy, tangy element, while the sunflower seeds provide a pleasant nutty crunch.

          Make the Citrus Vinaigrette:

            - In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, orange juice, and honey (or maple syrup) until well emulsified.

              - Season the vinaigrette with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste, adjusting it to your preference.

                Dress the Salad: Just before serving, drizzle the citrus vinaigrette over the assembled salad. Toss gently but thoroughly to combine all ingredients, ensuring that the dressing evenly coats the vibrant mix.

                  Serve Immediately: Delight in this refreshing Sunshine Salad as a light lunch option or a colorful accompaniment to your dinner!

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                      15 minutes | 15 minutes | Serves 4

                        Presentation Tips: Consider serving the salad in large, shallow bowls. Garnish with extra avocado slices and a sprinkle of sunflower seeds from the top for an appealing visual finish!