Lemon-Dill Garden Salad

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

A bright, herbaceous salad featuring mixed garden greens, cucumber, and a zesty lemon-dill dressing. This american-inspired salads ready in about 10 minutes pairs mixed garden greens, medium cucumber, tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 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 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: 10 min Serves 2 American cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 5 cups mixed garden greens under cold water, spin dry in a salad spinner, and arrange in a large bowl.
  2. Step 2: Slice 1 medium cucumber into 1/4-inch half-moons and add to the greens.
  3. Step 3: Whisk together 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoons fresh dill, 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
  4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad, toss gently until all greens are coated, and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Dill Garden Salad take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (10 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 Lemon-Dill 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 garden greens from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Dill 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 Lemon-Dill Garden Salad 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 Lemon-Dill 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.

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