Asparagus and Cherry Tomato Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
A vibrant salad combining crisp greens, seasonal vegetables, and a zesty vinaigrette for a light, refreshing dish. This contemporary-inspired salads (vegan-friendly) ready in about 10 minutes pairs Mixed salad greens, Cherry tomatoes, Asparagus 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 120 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 8 oz Mixed salad greens
- 1 pint, halved Cherry tomatoes
- 1 bunch, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch segments Asparagus
- 1 small, thinly sliced Red onion
- 3 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh parsley
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 8 oz mixed salad greens, 1 pint halved cherry tomatoes, 1 bunch asparagus segments, and 1 small red onion slices in a large bowl.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar with 2 tbsp olive oil until emulsified. Drizzle over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Step 3: Sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Asparagus and Cherry Tomato Salad with Balsamic 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 Asparagus and Cherry Tomato Salad with Balsamic 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 mixed salad greens from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Asparagus and Cherry Tomato Salad with Balsamic 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 Asparagus and Cherry Tomato Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.
Is Asparagus and Cherry Tomato Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette vegan-friendly?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan-friendly based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order contemporary delivery again.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 0-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
