Mint & Cilantro Vinagrete
A fragrant herbal blend with fresh mint and cilantro that transforms grilled chicken and vegetable dishes with its aromatic freshness. This brazilian-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs (75g), finely diced red onion, (75g), diced yellow bell pepper, (5g), finely chopped fresh mint 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 112 calories and feeds 6, 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
- 1 large (200g), diced into 1/4-inch cubes ripe tomato
- 1/2 cup (75g), finely diced red onion
- 1/2 cup (75g), diced yellow bell pepper
- 2 tbsp (5g), finely chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup (10g), finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 tbsp (45ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp (30ml) red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp (3g) sea salt
- 1/4 tsp (1g) freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Place diced tomatoes in a bowl, sprinkle with 1/4 tsp salt, and let sit for 5 minutes to draw out moisture; gently press with a spoon to remove excess liquid until tomatoes are firm.
- Step 2: Add finely diced red onion, diced yellow bell pepper, chopped mint, and chopped cilantro to the bowl; mix thoroughly until herbs are evenly distributed without bruising.
- Step 3: Whisk olive oil and red wine vinegar until emulsified, then drizzle over the mixture; sprinkle with remaining salt and black pepper, stirring until the mint aroma is released and the oil coats all ingredients evenly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mint & Cilantro Vinagrete 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 Mint & Cilantro Vinagrete?
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 (75g), finely diced red onion from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mint & Cilantro Vinagrete?
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 Mint & Cilantro Vinagrete for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Mint & Cilantro Vinagrete 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 flavors in this mint are incredible.
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 0-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
