Bluegrass Region Vegetable and Herb Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
A fresh garden salad featuring vibrant Kentucky-grown vegetables and herbs, tossed in a sweet and tangy maple vinaigrette that celebrates local flavors. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs mixed baby greens, cherry tomatoes, halved, medium cucumber, thinly sliced 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 280 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
- 4 cups mixed baby greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup radishes, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
- 1/3 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- for maple vinaigrette:
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large salad bowl, combine 4 cups mixed baby greens, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 thinly sliced medium cucumber, 1/2 cup thinly sliced radishes, 1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp pure maple syrup, 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth. Slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil while whisking to emulsify the vinaigrette.
- Step 3: Pour the maple vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Step 4: Sprinkle 1/4 cup toasted chopped walnuts and 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese over the top just before serving for texture and creaminess.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bluegrass Region Vegetable and Herb Salad with Maple Vinaigrette take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 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 Bluegrass Region Vegetable and Herb Salad with Maple 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 baby greens from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Bluegrass Region Vegetable and Herb Salad with Maple 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 Bluegrass Region Vegetable and Herb Salad with Maple 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.
What goes well with Bluegrass Region Vegetable and Herb Salad with Maple 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
- ★★★★★
So fresh and flavorful. The maple dressing is a game-changer.
- ★★★★★
My family devoured this salad at dinner. The Bluegrass region twist made it special.
- ★★★★★
This salad is a perfect summer dish! The maple vinaigrette tied everything together beautifully.
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