The Best Fresh Garden Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-07 · Updated 2026-04-07

A vibrant, crunchy salad bursting with garden-fresh flavors and a tangy homemade dressing that transforms simple ingredients into a star meal. This american-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced 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 220 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.

Ingredients

• 6 cups mixed greens
• 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup, sliced cucumber
• 1/4 cup, thinly sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup, crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp honey
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 6 cups mixed greens, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup sliced cucumber, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion.
2. Step 2: In a small jar, whisk together 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
3. Step 3: Pour dressing over salad and toss gently with tongs until all ingredients are evenly coated.
4. Step 4: Divide salad among 4 plates and top with 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese just before serving.
5. Step 5: Serve immediately for maximum freshness and crunch.