Spring Framework Garden Salad
A crisp, nutrient-packed salad with seasonal garden vegetables and a tangy lemon vinaigrette, perfect for a light lunch. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs (100g) mixed greens, halved (150g) cherry tomatoes, medium, sliced (75g) 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 200 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.
Ingredients
- 4 cups (100g) mixed greens
- 1 cup, halved (150g) cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 medium, sliced (75g) cucumber
- 1/4 cup, thinly sliced (30g) red onion
- 1/2, diced (75g) avocado
- 1, juiced (2 tbsp) and zested (1 tsp) lemon
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp dijon mustard, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 100g mixed greens, 150g halved cherry tomatoes, 75g sliced cucumber, 30g thinly sliced red onion, and 75g diced avocado.
- Step 3: Drizzle 3/4 of the dressing over the salad, tossing gently until evenly coated. Serve immediately with remaining dressing on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spring Framework Garden 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 Spring Framework Garden 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 (100g) mixed greens from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spring Framework Garden 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 Spring Framework Garden Salad 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.
What goes well with Spring Framework Garden 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
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
