Citrus and Sun-Dried Tomato Salad
A bright, refreshing salad featuring sun-dried tomatoes and citrus dressing, perfect for a light lunch or side dish. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs (spinach and arugula) mixed greens, (diced) cucumber, (thinly sliced) red onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 200 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 4 cups (spinach and arugula) mixed greens
- 1/2 cup (oil-packed, drained and chopped) sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup (diced) cucumber
- 1/2 cup (thinly sliced) red onion
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups mixed greens, 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 1/2 cup diced cucumber, and 1/2 cup sliced red onion.
- Step 2: Whisk 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
- Step 3: Pour dressing over salad ingredients and toss gently until evenly coated. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 4: Serve immediately for optimal freshness.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus and Sun-Dried Tomato 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 Citrus and Sun-Dried Tomato 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 (diced) cucumber from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus and Sun-Dried Tomato 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 Citrus and Sun-Dried Tomato 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 Citrus and Sun-Dried Tomato 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
- ★★★★★
Perfect for summer dinners. The mint in the dressing was a lovely surprise—refreshing without overpowering.
- ★★★★★
My kids asked for seconds—sun-dried tomatoes are a hit with them. Added avocado for extra creaminess.
- ★★★★★
The sun-dried tomatoes melted into the dressing beautifully. Served it with grilled chicken for a light yet satisfying dinner.