Aperol-Infused Orange Vinaigrette with Herb Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bright, citrusy dressing made with Aperol that transforms simple greens into a refreshing, restaurant-worthy salad with herbal complexity. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 10 minutes pairs mixed baby greens, Aperol, fresh orange juice 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.

★ 3.9 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small jar, combine 3 tbsp Aperol, 2 tbsp fresh orange juice, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp white wine vinegar, and 1 tsp Dijon mustard; seal and shake vigorously until emulsified.
  2. Step 2: Pour 2/3 of the dressing over 8 cups mixed baby greens in a large bowl, tossing gently with tongs until evenly coated.
  3. Step 3: Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, then add 1 tbsp finely minced chives and toss again until greens are glistening.
  4. Step 4: Divide salad among plates, top with 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts, and drizzle with remaining dressing just before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Aperol-Infused Orange Vinaigrette with Herb 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-Infused Orange Vinaigrette with Herb 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 baby greens from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol-Infused Orange Vinaigrette with Herb 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-Infused Orange Vinaigrette with Herb 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 Aperol-Infused Orange Vinaigrette with Herb 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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