Herb-Infused Garden Salad with Citrus Dressing
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 salads ready in about 15 minutes blends mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 salad greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup cucumber
- 1/4 cup red onion
- 2 tbsp fresh basil
- 2 tbsp fresh dill
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 4: Let the salad sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving, ensuring the greens remain crisp and vibrant.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Herb-Infused Garden Salad with Citrus Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
