Confetti Salad

Looking for a bright and cheerful dish that’s perfect for any occasion? This Confetti Salad is not only colorful and appetizing, but it’s also packed with nutrients and flavors that everyone will love. The combination of fresh vegetables, beans, and a zesty dressing makes it an ideal side or a light main course. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a picnic, or just needing a refreshing meal at home, this salad brings the celebration of colors and tastes right to your plate!

What You’ll Need for Confetti Salad

To prepare this delightful dish, gather the following ingredients:

  • 1 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1 cup diced yellow bell pepper
  • 1 cup diced cucumber
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup diced apple or mango (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (or lemon juice)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Confetti Salad Recipe

Making this vibrant salad is easy! Just follow these simple steps:

  1. Prep the Ingredients: Start by dicing the red and yellow bell peppers, cucumber, red onion, and any optional fruits like apples or mangoes. Halve the cherry tomatoes and chop your fresh herbs. Don’t forget to rinse and drain the black beans and corn.

  2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey (or maple syrup), ground cumin, and chili powder (if using). Add salt and black pepper to taste. Mix until well combined. You can taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed.

  3. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced bell peppers, cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, chopped red onion, optional fruit, and fresh herbs. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently so that all the ingredients are evenly coated.

  4. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the salad to a beautiful serving bowl or platter. It’s perfect to serve right away, but if you have a bit of time, chilling it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Garnish with extra fresh herbs or a sprinkle of chili powder for a bit of flair.

How to Serve Confetti Salad

Serving this Confetti Salad can be both fun and versatile! You can present it in a large bowl for a family-style approach or portion it into individual bowls for a more formal setting. This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, tacos, or as part of a refreshing buffet spread. For a light lunch, you can even enjoy it on its own or add a scoop of quinoa for extra heartiness.

Feel free to customize the toppings too! Sliced avocados or crumbled feta cheese can elevate the dish further.

Expert Tips for Confetti Salad

  • Customize to Your Taste: Feel free to switch up the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Zucchini, radishes, or corn can be tasty additions or substitutes.
  • Add Some Crunch: For added texture, consider including crushed tortilla chips or nuts like almonds or walnuts just before serving.
  • Make Ahead: This salad is perfect for meal prep! You can chop all ingredients a day in advance and keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.

Confetti Salad FAQs

Can I use frozen corn?
Absolutely! Frozen corn works just fine in this recipe. Just thaw it before adding to the salad.

Can I make it vegan?
Yes! Simply use maple syrup for the sweetness, and you’re good to go.

How long does this salad last in the fridge?
This salad can last up to 3 days in the fridge, but it’s best enjoyed fresh to keep the veggies crunchy!

With its burst of flavor and refreshing ingredients, this Confetti Salad is a must-try! I hope you give it a go and experience the joy it brings to your table. Enjoy and happy cooking!

Confetti Salad

A bright and colorful salad packed with fresh vegetables, beans, and a zesty dressing, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Light Meal, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1 cup diced yellow bell pepper
  • 1 cup diced cucumber
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup diced apple or mango (optional) Optional for added sweetness
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
Dressing
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (or lemon juice)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup Use maple syrup for vegan option
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional) For added heat
  • to taste Salt and black pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by dicing the red and yellow bell peppers, cucumber, red onion, and any optional fruits like apples or mangoes. Halve the cherry tomatoes and chop your fresh herbs.
  2. Rinse and drain the black beans and corn.
Make the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey (or maple syrup), ground cumin, and chili powder (if using). Add salt and black pepper to taste. Mix until well combined.
  2. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning as needed.
Assemble the Salad
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced bell peppers, cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, chopped red onion, optional fruit, and fresh herbs.
  2. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
Serve and Enjoy
  1. Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or platter.
  2. This salad can be served immediately or chilled for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  3. Garnish with extra fresh herbs or a sprinkle of chili powder for flair.

Notes

Feel free to customize the toppings using sliced avocados or crumbled feta cheese. For extra texture, consider adding crushed tortilla chips or nuts like almonds or walnuts just before serving. This salad is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy fresh ingredients throughout the week.

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