Auction Lot Garden Salad
A vibrant medley of crisp garden vegetables and nuts, tossed in a tangy vinaigrette that's a winning bid for freshness. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 10 minutes pairs mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber 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 220 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
- 5 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup cucumber
- 1/4 cup red onion
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 5 cups mixed greens, 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup sliced cucumber, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 3: Pour dressing over salad ingredients and toss gently until all components are evenly coated. Top with 1/4 cup sliced almonds just before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Auction Lot Garden Salad 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 Auction Lot Garden Salad?
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 greens from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Auction Lot Garden Salad?
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 Auction Lot Garden Salad 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.
What goes well with Auction Lot Garden Salad?
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
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
