Aperol-Citrus Vinaigrette Salad
A light, zesty salad with a tangy vinaigrette that captures Aperol's bright orange hue and bittersweet essence. This italian-inspired salads ready in about 10 minutes pairs Mixed greens, Cherry tomatoes, 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 180 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 4 cups Mixed greens
- 1 cup (halved) Cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup (diced) Cucumber
- 2 tbsp Aperol
- 1 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 0.5 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups mixed greens, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and 1/2 cup diced cucumber.
- Step 2: In a small jar, whisk 2 tbsp Aperol, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 0.5 tbsp Dijon mustard, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
- Step 4: Let sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Step 5: Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with fresh herbs.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aperol-Citrus Vinaigrette Salad take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 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 Aperol-Citrus Vinaigrette 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 mixed greens from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol-Citrus Vinaigrette 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 Aperol-Citrus Vinaigrette Salad 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 Aperol-Citrus Vinaigrette Salad?
Italian 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
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 0-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
