Illinois Harvest Garden Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing
A vibrant medley of seasonal vegetables and a zesty citrus dressing, celebrating Illinois' agricultural richness in every bite. This american-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes blends mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, diced 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 220 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 greens
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup, thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup, crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp honey
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and 1/2 tsp honey until fully emulsified.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups mixed greens, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup diced cucumber, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until every leaf is evenly coated, then sprinkle 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese on top before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Illinois Harvest Garden Salad with Honey-Lime 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 Illinois Harvest Garden Salad with Honey-Lime 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 Illinois Harvest Garden Salad with Honey-Lime 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 Illinois Harvest Garden Salad with Honey-Lime 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.
Is Illinois Harvest Garden Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing 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
- ★★★★★
The aroma while cooking this was absolutely heavenly.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
