Vibrant Gurnee-Style Summer Vegetable Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing summer salad bursting with crisp vegetables and a tangy lemon vinaigrette, inspired by the lively activities and fresh vibes of Gurnee, IL. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, chopped fresh parsley 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 180 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.

Prep: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, add 1 diced medium cucumber, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced medium red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until the vinaigrette is smooth and emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the vegetables and toss gently to combine, coating all pieces evenly.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese over the top and give a light toss just to incorporate the cheese.
  5. Step 5: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and serve as a vibrant side or light main dish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Vibrant Gurnee-Style Summer Vegetable 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 Vibrant Gurnee-Style Summer Vegetable 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 halved cherry tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vibrant Gurnee-Style Summer Vegetable 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 Vibrant Gurnee-Style Summer Vegetable Salad 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.

Is Vibrant Gurnee-Style Summer Vegetable 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.

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