Sunrise Vegetable Medley with Lemon-Herb Dressing
A vibrant dish showcasing peak-season vegetables tossed in a zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette, perfect for a light lunch or side dish. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 25 minutes blends halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped fresh basil, finely chopped fresh dill into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 2 medium, diced into 1/2-inch cubes zucchini
- 1, diced into 1/2-inch cubes red bell pepper
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 3 tbsp, finely chopped fresh basil
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh dill
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced zucchini and red bell pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp, stirring occasionally until edges are slightly golden.
- Step 2: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until they begin to soften but retain shape.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and immediately whisk in the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, lemon juice, chopped basil, dill, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently until all vegetables are evenly coated and the dressing emulsifies.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sunrise Vegetable Medley with Lemon-Herb Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Sunrise Vegetable Medley with Lemon-Herb Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sunrise Vegetable Medley with Lemon-Herb Dressing?
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 Sunrise Vegetable Medley with Lemon-Herb Dressing 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 Sunrise Vegetable Medley with Lemon-Herb Dressing?
Mediterranean vegetarian 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
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.