Balanced Herb & Citrus Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
A vibrant, refreshing salad with perfectly balanced acidity and herbal notes, inspired by the ideal moisture level of well-cared-for indoor plants. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs mixed baby greens, diced cucumber, thinly sliced 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 280 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 baby greens
- 1/2 cup, diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup, thinly sliced red onion
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup, crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Whisk 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp honey, and 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard in a small bowl until emulsified; set aside.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups mixed baby greens, 1/2 cup diced cucumber, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, then toss with 2 tbsp of the vinaigrette until evenly coated.
- Step 3: Drizzle the remaining 1 tbsp vinaigrette over the salad, then top with 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Balanced Herb & Citrus 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 Balanced Herb & Citrus 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 baby greens from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Balanced Herb & Citrus 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 Balanced Herb & Citrus 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.
Is Balanced Herb & Citrus Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
