Existentialist Herb Garden Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A philosophical take on simple salad-making, where every ingredient is chosen for its authenticity to the season and terroir, embodying the 'authentic or not' ethos through hyper-seasonal ingredients. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, 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 210 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk 3 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until emulsified and smooth.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 5 oz mixed salad greens, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup thinly sliced radishes, 1/4 cup chopped dill, and 2 tbsp chopped chives.
  3. Step 3: Pour 3/4 of the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently with tongs until every leaf is lightly coated.
  4. Step 4: Transfer to a serving platter, drizzle with remaining vinaigrette, and serve immediately while greens are crisp and vibrant.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Existentialist Herb Garden Salad with Lemon 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 Existentialist Herb Garden Salad with Lemon 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 salad greens from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Existentialist Herb Garden Salad with Lemon 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 Existentialist Herb Garden Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Existentialist Herb Garden Salad with Lemon 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.

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