Johnson's Garden Salad
A vibrant mix of seasonal greens, heirloom tomatoes, and cucumber with a light lemon vinaigrette, celebrating the diversity of American home gardens. This american-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs mixed 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 120 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.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup cucumber
- 1/4 cup red onion
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: 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. Whisk together 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 2: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently with tongs until all greens are evenly coated and the vegetables are glistening. Serve immediately for maximum freshness.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Johnson's Garden Salad 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 Johnson's Garden Salad?
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 Johnson's Garden Salad?
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 Johnson's Garden Salad 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 Johnson's Garden Salad?
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
- ★★★★★
I've tried many salads recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★★
Absolutely wonderful.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
