Midwest Estate Garden Salad with Herb Vinaigrette

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

A crisp salad featuring seasonal garden vegetables and a herby vinaigrette, inspired by estate auction vegetable lots. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegan) 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 180 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 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and a pinch of salt until emulsified.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion.
  3. Step 3: Drizzle 2/3 of the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated.
  4. Step 4: Divide salad among plates and top with fresh dill and chives.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle with remaining vinaigrette just before serving to keep greens crisp.
  6. Step 6: For best flavor, let the salad sit for 5 minutes after dressing to allow flavors to meld.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Midwest Estate Garden Salad with Herb Vinaigrette 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 Midwest Estate Garden Salad with Herb Vinaigrette?

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 Midwest Estate Garden Salad with Herb Vinaigrette?

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 Midwest Estate Garden Salad with Herb Vinaigrette 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.

Is Midwest Estate Garden Salad with Herb Vinaigrette vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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