Confetti Salad Recipe – A Colorful & Healthy Side Dish
If you’re looking for a salad that is vibrant, healthy, and absolutely delicious, then Confetti Salad is the perfect choice. This dish gets its name from the explosion of colors created by a mix of fresh vegetables, beans, and sometimes grains. It’s a salad that doesn’t just look good on the table—it also tastes refreshing, light, and full of flavor.
Whether you’re planning a summer BBQ, a holiday buffet, or just want to meal prep something healthy for the week, Confetti Salad is a go-to recipe that pleases both the eyes and the taste buds. It’s vegetarian, can easily be made vegan, and is naturally gluten-free.
Why You’ll Love Confetti Salad
- Colorful & appetizing – The rainbow of veggies makes it look festive and fun.
- Healthy & nutrient-rich – Packed with vitamins, fiber, and plant-based protein.
- Customizable – You can adjust the veggies and dressing to your taste.
- Meal-prep friendly – It stays fresh in the fridge for a couple of days.
- Crowd-pleasing – Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients for Confetti Salad
Here’s what you’ll need for the base recipe. Feel free to add or swap based on what you have on hand.
For the Salad:
- 1 cup sweet corn (cooked or canned, drained)
- 1 cup black beans (cooked or canned, drained & rinsed)
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- 1 medium carrot, shredded or finely chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup green onions, sliced thin
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or couscous (optional, for extra texture and protein)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for vegan)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash all vegetables thoroughly. Dice the bell peppers, cucumber, and onion into small pieces so the salad looks like confetti. Shred the carrot and cut the cherry tomatoes in halves.
Step 2: Combine the Base
In a large mixing bowl, add the corn, black beans, bell peppers, cucumber, carrot, tomatoes, onion, parsley, and green onions. If using quinoa or couscous, add it in now.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified.
Step 4: Toss the Salad
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the colorful veggies are coated with the dressing.
Step 5: Chill & Serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend. Serve cold as a side dish, or enjoy it on its own as a light meal.
Variations & Add-Ins
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or feta cheese.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in jalapeños or a dash of chili flakes.
- Sweet Twist: Add diced mango, pineapple, or pomegranate seeds.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle with toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds.
- Creamy Touch: Mix in avocado chunks just before serving.
What to Serve With Confetti Salad
Confetti Salad is versatile and pairs with many dishes:
- Grilled chicken, fish, or steak
- Tacos, quesadillas, or burritos
- Burgers, sandwiches, or wraps
- As part of a holiday buffet or picnic spread
Tips for the Best Confetti Salad
- Cut evenly: Small, uniform cuts give the best “confetti” look.
- Use fresh herbs: Parsley or cilantro brighten up the flavors.
- Don’t skip chilling: The salad tastes better after resting in the fridge.
- Make ahead: You can prepare it a day in advance, but add avocado or soft fruits just before serving.
Health Benefits of Confetti Salad
This salad isn’t just beautiful—it’s a powerhouse of nutrition:
- High in fiber – Aids digestion and keeps you full longer.
- Rich in vitamins – Bell peppers and carrots are excellent sources of Vitamin A & C.
- Protein-packed – Beans and quinoa provide plant-based protein.
- Low in calories – A guilt-free side dish for weight management.
- Antioxidant-rich – Tomatoes and parsley help fight inflammation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make Confetti Salad ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours in the fridge.
2. How long does it last?
Stored in an airtight container, it keeps for up to 3 days in the fridge.
3. Can I freeze Confetti Salad?
No, freezing will ruin the texture of the vegetables.
4. Is this salad vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, if you use maple syrup instead of honey and avoid couscous (swap with quinoa).
Final Thoughts
Confetti Salad is more than just a salad—it’s a colorful celebration in a bowl. With its refreshing flavors, crunchy textures, and endless customization options, this dish is guaranteed to impress your family and guests. Whether served at a casual picnic or a festive holiday dinner, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Next time you want something healthy, easy, and beautiful—make this Confetti Salad and watch it disappear fast from the table!