Almond and Herb Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
A vibrant salad featuring mixed greens, toasted almonds, and cherry tomatoes in a bright lemon dressing. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 10 minutes pairs (arugula and spinach) mixed greens, toasted sliced almonds, halved cherry tomatoes into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 cups (arugula and spinach) mixed greens
- 1/4 cup, toasted sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup, crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Whisk together 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
- Step 2: Place 4 cups mixed greens in a large bowl, then add 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds, 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion.
- Step 3: Drizzle vinaigrette over salad and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Step 4: Top with 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Almond and Herb Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Almond and Herb Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep toasted sliced almonds from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Almond and Herb Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Almond and Herb Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Almond and Herb Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette?
Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.