Spring Initializr Harvest Salad
A crisp, layered salad with seasonal spring vegetables, toasted seeds, and a lemon-honey dressing that’s as refreshing as a new Spring project setup. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs mixed spring greens, thinly sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes 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 320 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 mixed spring greens
- 1/2 cup, thinly sliced cucumber
- 1/2 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2, diced avocado
- 1/4 cup, toasted pumpkin seeds
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups mixed spring greens, 1/2 cup sliced cucumber, 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, and 1/2 diced avocado, gently tossing to mix without crushing ingredients.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified and slightly thickened.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently for 1 minute until all ingredients are evenly coated and the greens are glistening.
- Step 4: Sprinkle 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds over the top and serve immediately to prevent avocado browning.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spring Initializr Harvest 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 Initializr Harvest 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 spring greens from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spring Initializr Harvest 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 Initializr Harvest 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.
Is Spring Initializr Harvest 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
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
