Herb-Infused Garden Salad with Citrus Dressing

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

A crisp salad featuring garden-fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers tossed in a zesty lemon-herb dressing, inspired by the Denver garden center's seasonal harvest. This American-inspired salad recipe, ready in about 15 minutes, pairs mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber 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 American 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 salad greens, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup sliced cucumber, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion.
  2. Step 2: In a small jar, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp honey, 2 tbsp chopped basil, 2 tbsp chopped dill, and 1/4 tsp salt until fully emulsified and smooth.
  3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently with clean hands until all greens are evenly coated and the dressing is distributed.
  4. Step 4: Let the salad sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving, ensuring the greens remain crisp and vibrant.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Infused Garden Salad with Citrus Dressing 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 Herb-Infused Garden Salad with Citrus Dressing?

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 Herb-Infused Garden Salad with Citrus 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 Herb-Infused Garden Salad with Citrus 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 Herb-Infused Garden Salad with Citrus 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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