Edible Flower & Cherry Tomato Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing garden salad featuring Denver-grown cherry tomatoes, edible flowers, and a bright lemon-thyme vinaigrette. This american-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes blends halved cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, edible nasturtium flowers into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 165 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

★ 3.9 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 165 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp white wine vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper until emulsified.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 4 cups baby spinach, 1/4 cup edible nasturtium flowers, and 1/4 cup edible pansies. Pour 2/3 of the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
  3. Step 3: Divide salad between plates, drizzle with remaining dressing, and garnish with additional edible flowers. Serve immediately while greens are crisp.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Edible Flower & Cherry Tomato Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Edible Flower & Cherry Tomato Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Edible Flower & Cherry Tomato Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing?

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 Edible Flower & Cherry Tomato Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing 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 Edible Flower & Cherry Tomato Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing?

American 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.

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