Welcome to a fresh, vibrant, and incredibly satisfying salad experience! The Acme Crunchy Vegetable Salad is a perfect medley of crisp, colorful vegetables that will brighten up any meal or serve as a delightful standalone dish.
Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side for your dinner, or a healthy snack, this salad delivers a fantastic balance of textures and flavors. Packed with fresh vegetables, a tangy dressing, and a hint of crunch, it’s a refreshing way to enjoy your greens all year round.
This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also highly customizable, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or meal prep. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to incorporate a variety of nutrients into your diet.
Let’s dive into why this crunchy salad is bound to become your new favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Acme Crunchy Vegetable Salad stands out because of its incredible texture contrast and fresh flavors. The crispness of the cucumbers, bell peppers, and carrots combined with the subtle sweetness of cherry tomatoes creates a salad that is anything but boring.
The dressing adds a zesty tang that ties everything together perfectly.
This recipe is highly versatile and can be easily adapted to suit vegan or vegetarian diets. It’s gluten-free, low in calories, and packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Whether you want a quick side dish or a nutritious main course, this salad fits the bill.
Additionally, it pairs beautifully with many dishes, making it a great staple for your recipe collection. If you’re interested in more healthy and delicious vegetarian dishes, check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion for endless inspiration.
Ingredients
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 small garlic clove, minced
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Vegetable peeler or julienne peeler
- Small bowl or jar for dressing
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Salad serving bowl or plates
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash all vegetables thoroughly. Slice the cucumber into thin rounds, halve the cherry tomatoes, julienne the carrot using a peeler or knife, and thinly slice the red and yellow bell peppers. Finely shred the red cabbage and chop the parsley.
- Toast the seeds: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sunflower or pumpkin seeds for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Set aside to cool.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, and minced garlic if using. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Whisk until the dressing is emulsified and smooth.
- Combine the salad: In a large mixing bowl, add all the prepared vegetables and the toasted seeds. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or a splash more vinegar if desired. Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or individual plates. Garnish with extra parsley or seeds if preferred. Enjoy immediately for maximum crunch or chilled for an hour for a softer texture.
Tips & Variations
“For the crunchiest salad, use fresh, firm vegetables and serve immediately after tossing with the dressing.”
If you want to add some protein, try tossing in a handful of cooked chickpeas or your favorite beans. For a nutty twist, swap sunflower seeds with chopped walnuts or almonds.
You can also add slices of avocado for creaminess or a sprinkle of feta cheese if you’re not vegan.
Feel free to experiment with the dressing by adding a teaspoon of your favorite spice blend such as smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a more tangy flavor, substitute apple cider vinegar with lemon juice.
For more salad inspiration, explore our Best Vegan Salad Bowl Recipes for Fresh Healthy Meals.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal |
Protein | 4 g |
Fat | 14 g (mostly healthy fats) |
Carbohydrates | 12 g |
Fiber | 5 g |
Sugar | 6 g (natural sugars) |
Vitamin A | 110% DV |
Vitamin C | 90% DV |
Iron | 10% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled tofu, baked falafel, or a hearty grain bowl. Serve it alongside your favorite vegetarian main dishes for a refreshing contrast.
It’s also excellent as a light lunch packed in a mason jar for work or school.
For a Mediterranean flair, add olives and a sprinkle of za’atar spice. If you prefer something heartier, serve the salad over cooked quinoa or farro to make it a complete meal.
Need some ideas? Check out our Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals for inspiration.
Conclusion
The Acme Crunchy Vegetable Salad is a vibrant, nutritious, and easy-to-make dish that fits perfectly into any meal plan. Its refreshing combination of crisp vegetables, flavorful dressing, and crunchy seeds makes it a crowd-pleaser that satisfies both taste buds and nutrition needs.
Whether you’re a seasoned salad lover or just starting to explore plant-based meals, this recipe offers a wonderful foundation. It’s quick to prepare, adaptable, and deliciously healthy.
Plus, it encourages creative twists, so you’ll never get bored. For more exciting vegetarian recipes that complement this salad, be sure to explore our collection like the Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals.
Enjoy your crunchy, colorful, and wholesome salad journey!
📖 Recipe Card: Acme Crunchy Vegetable Salad
Description: A fresh and vibrant salad packed with crunchy vegetables and a tangy dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT15M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1 cup sliced cucumber
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine green and red cabbage, carrot, cucumber, bell pepper, cilantro, and green onions.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss well to coat evenly.
- Let the salad sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 12 g
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