Houzz Garden Salad with Balsamic Reduction

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

A sophisticated garden salad featuring heirloom tomatoes and a glossy balsamic reduction, mirroring the elegant design aesthetics of Houzz home decor. This Mediterranean-inspired salad recipe, ready in about 15 minutes, pairs mixed greens, heirloom tomatoes, red bell pepper 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 320 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.

Prep: 15 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups mixed greens (kale, chard, lettuce), 1 cup sliced heirloom tomatoes, and 1/2 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper, then toss gently to mix.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, and 1/2 tsp dried oregano until well combined and slightly thickened.
  3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly, then top with 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese and 2 tbsp chopped walnuts just before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Houzz Garden Salad with Balsamic Reduction 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 Houzz Garden Salad with Balsamic Reduction?

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 Houzz Garden Salad with Balsamic Reduction?

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 Houzz Garden Salad with Balsamic Reduction 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 Houzz Garden Salad with Balsamic Reduction?

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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