Free Spirit Herb Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
A refreshing, no-cook salad inspired by free outdoor adventures, featuring bright citrus and garden herbs. This american-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs mixed greens, medium cucumber, red onion 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 220 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.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 medium cucumber
- 1/4 cup red onion
- 2 tbsp fresh dill
- 1 tbsp fresh mint
- 3 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Thinly slice 1/2 medium cucumber into rounds and finely chop 1/4 cup red onion. Combine with 4 cups mixed greens in a large bowl.
- Step 2: Finely chop 2 tbsp fresh dill and 1 tbsp fresh mint, then add to the bowl with herbs.
- Step 3: Whisk together 3 tbsp orange juice, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp honey, and 1/4 tsp salt until emulsified and glossy.
- Step 4: Drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently until all greens are evenly coated and glistening with oil.
- Step 5: Let sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving, ensuring herbs are fragrant and vegetables are crisp.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Free Spirit Herb Salad with Citrus 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 Free Spirit Herb Salad with Citrus 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 greens from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Free Spirit Herb Salad with Citrus 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 Free Spirit Herb Salad with Citrus 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 Free Spirit Herb Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
