Summer Garden Herb Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant mix of seasonal vegetables tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette, elevated by a generous sprinkle of fresh herbs for a light and satisfying meal. This vegetarian-inspired salads ready in about 20 minutes pairs halved cherry tomatoes, peeled and diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper 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 120 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.

★ 3.9 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Serves 4 Vegetarian cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup diced cucumber, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion; add 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, tossing gently to combine.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until emulsified; pour over vegetable mixture and toss until evenly coated.
  3. Step 3: Let salad sit 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then serve chilled for optimal freshness.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Summer Garden Herb Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (20 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 Summer Garden Herb Salad with Lemon 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 halved cherry tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Summer Garden Herb Salad with Lemon 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 Summer Garden Herb Salad with Lemon 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.

What goes well with Summer Garden Herb Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette?

Vegetarian 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.

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