True Mediterranean Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing
A vibrant, no-cook celebration of sun-ripened vegetables and aromatic herbs, dressed in a bright lemon-herb vinaigrette that captures the essence of the Mediterranean coast. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes blends cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion 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 220 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup cucumber
- 1/4 cup red onion
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
- 1/2 lemon
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, thinly slice 1/2 cup cucumber (peeled if desired), and finely dice 1/4 cup red onion. Combine in a large bowl with 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives.
- Step 2: Finely chop 2 tbsp fresh parsley, then zest and juice 1/2 lemon. Whisk together zest, juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/4 tsp sea salt in a small bowl until emulsified.
- Step 3: Pour dressing over vegetable mixture, tossing gently until evenly coated. Let sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 4: Taste and adjust seasoning, adding a pinch more salt or lemon if needed. Serve chilled for best flavor, with extra parsley for garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does True Mediterranean Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover True Mediterranean Salad 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 True Mediterranean Salad 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 True Mediterranean Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing 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 True Mediterranean Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing?
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
- ★★★★★
Restaurant quality! Can't believe how easy this was.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★☆☆☆
Didn't come together the way I expected. Flavors were flat.
