Genuine Herb Garden Salad

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

A vibrant salad bursting with garden-fresh herbs and crisp vegetables, dressed in a simple lemon vinaigrette that highlights the true essence of each ingredient. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs Mixed greens, finely chopped Fresh basil, finely chopped Fresh mint 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 180 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.

Prep: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups mixed greens, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup diced cucumber, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion.
  2. Step 2: Whisk together 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently for 1 minute until all ingredients are evenly coated and the herbs are fragrant.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Genuine Herb Garden 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 Genuine Herb Garden 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 mixed greens from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Genuine Herb Garden 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 Genuine Herb Garden 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 Genuine Herb Garden 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.

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