Sedalia Picnic-Inspired Summer Vegetable Salad
A fresh and colorful salad combining summer vegetables with a zesty lemon dressing, capturing the bright, cheerful vibe of outdoor family picnics. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium, diced into 1/2-inch cubes cucumber
- 1, diced into 1/2-inch pieces red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup, thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup, crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced medium cucumber (1/2-inch cubes), 1 diced red bell pepper (1/2-inch pieces), and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion.
- Step 2: Add 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley to the vegetables.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until the dressing is emulsified.
- Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Step 5: Let the salad sit for 10 minutes at room temperature before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sedalia Picnic-Inspired Summer Vegetable 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 Sedalia Picnic-Inspired Summer Vegetable 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 halved cherry tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sedalia Picnic-Inspired Summer Vegetable 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 Sedalia Picnic-Inspired Summer Vegetable 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.
Is Sedalia Picnic-Inspired Summer Vegetable Salad 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
- ★★★★★
My kids actually ate their vegetables! So easy to make and so delicious.
- ★★★★★
This salad was a hit at my summer barbecue! The colors and flavors are vibrant and perfect for hot days.
- ★★★★☆
A great summer salad that's healthy and satisfying. I'll definitely make it again.