Now that warmer weather is around the corner, we are in the mood for fresh produce. Basically this salad was created taking some fruits and vegetables, chopping them up, adding a citrus-y dressing and VOILA!
For a pretty serving suggestion, spoon out the desired amount of the fruit and vegetable salad onto iceberg lettuce leaves.
IS THIS REALLY GOOD FOR YOU? DON’T FRUITS HAVE A LOT OF SUGAR?
Fruits do have sugar, but it is a natural sugar and not a processed sugar. Fruits are more satisfying in general than items containing processed sugar, so you are less likely to overeat them. And, they also contain fiber, vitamins, antioxidants!
INGREDIENTS
INSTRUCTIONS
Chop the cucumber, strawberries, grapes, and red bell pepper into bite sized chunks.
Chop the basil leaves.
Juice the lime. In a small bowl, combine the lime juice, olive oil, and salt.
Place the chopped fruits, vegetables, and basil in a large bowl. Add the sunflower seeds.
Pour the dressing into the bowl and toss to combine everything thoroughly.
Spoon the salad onto romaine lettuce leaves for a fresh, pretty presentation.
NOTES
Make sure you pat the produce dry after washing. You don't want any extra liquid in the finished salad.
This dish is best eaten right after preparing it. If you need to, chop the fruit and veggies ahead of time and then store in the refrigerator. That way you can quickly combine everything right before serving.
If you need to make the fruit and veggie salad and then transport it to a picnic, it's a good idea to leave the sunflower seeds out until right before serving so they don't get soggy during the trip.
If you don't have a lime, you can use about 2 1/2 tablespoons of bottled lime juice instead.
Mix in some cooked chilled pasta for a heartier salad.
Substitute celery for cucumber, raspberries for strawberries, or carrot for red bell pepper, if your family would prefer any of those.
Total Time: 20 minutes Yield: 4