Chive and Garden Vegetable Salad
A bright, crisp salad featuring garden-fresh vegetables and a delicate chive vinaigrette. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, sliced radishes 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 150 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 (spinach, arugula, lettuce) mixed greens
- 1/2 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, sliced cucumber
- 1/4 cup, sliced radishes
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh chives
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups mixed greens, 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup sliced cucumber, and 1/4 cup sliced radishes.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 3: Pour dressing over salad and toss gently until all vegetables are evenly coated.
- Step 4: Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives and serve immediately while crisp.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chive and Garden Vegetable Salad 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 Chive and Garden Vegetable 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 halved cherry tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chive and Garden Vegetable 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 Chive and Garden Vegetable 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 Chive and Garden Vegetable 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
- ★★★★★
I made this for a picnic and it was a hit. So simple and delicious.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for summer! The salad was light and refreshing, and the chive dressing was a game-changer.
- ★★★★★
The chives added such a fresh, delicate flavor to the garden vegetables. My family couldn't get enough!
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