Seasonal Mediterranean Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
A fresh and vibrant salad combining crisp greens, olives, and citrus notes with a zesty olive oil dressing. This mediterranean-inspired salads (mediterranean, vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs mixed salad greens, Kalamata olives, 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 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 salad greens
- 1/2 cup, pitted and halved Kalamata olives
- 1 medium, diced cucumber
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 medium, thinly sliced red onion
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups mixed salad greens, 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives halved, 1 medium diced cucumber, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and 1/4 thinly sliced red onion for a colorful base.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1 tsp orange zest until emulsified.
- Step 3: Season the dressing with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then pour over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Step 4: Serve immediately to enjoy the bright citrus notes complementing the crisp vegetables.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Seasonal Mediterranean Salad with Citrus 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 Seasonal Mediterranean Salad with Citrus 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 salad greens from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Seasonal Mediterranean Salad with Citrus 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 Seasonal Mediterranean Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette 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.
Is Seasonal Mediterranean Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette 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.
