Low-Floor Herb Garden Salad

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

A vibrant salad featuring low-growing herbs and garden-fresh greens, tossed in a simple lemon-herb vinaigrette. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil 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 160 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.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 160 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Wash and dry 5 cups mixed salad greens thoroughly to prevent sogginess. Slice 1 cup cherry tomatoes in half and roughly chop 1/4 cup fresh basil and 2 tbsp fresh mint.
  2. Step 2: In a small jar, combine 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, and 1 tsp Dijon mustard. Seal and shake vigorously until emulsified, then taste and adjust for brightness.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, toss the greens with half the vinaigrette until evenly coated. Add tomatoes and chopped herbs, then toss gently with remaining vinaigrette until all ingredients are evenly distributed and glistening.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Low-Floor Herb 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 Low-Floor Herb 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 salad greens from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Low-Floor Herb 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 Low-Floor Herb 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 Low-Floor Herb Garden Salad?

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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