Patio Fresh Herb Salad
A light, herb-packed salad with crisp vegetables and a zesty lemon dressing, ideal for warm evenings on the patio. This mediterranean-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 190 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 fresh basil
- 1/4 cup fresh mint
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Step 1: Wash and dry 4 cups mixed greens thoroughly in a salad spinner. Halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes and slice 1/2 cup cucumber into thin rounds.
- Step 2: Finely chop 1/4 cup fresh basil and 1/4 cup fresh mint in a small bowl.
- Step 3: Whisk 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp honey, and a pinch of salt until emulsified.
- Step 4: Toss 4 cups mixed greens with 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup sliced cucumber, and 1/4 cup chopped basil and mint in a large bowl.
- Step 5: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated and glistening.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Patio Fresh Herb 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 Patio Fresh Herb 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 Patio Fresh Herb 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 Patio Fresh Herb 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 Patio Fresh Herb 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
