Aperol-Orange Citrus Salad with Honey-Dijon
A refreshing salad featuring crisp greens, juicy navel oranges, and a vibrant Aperol-infused dressing that balances sweetness with bright citrus notes. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 20 minutes pairs mixed baby greens, navel oranges, Aperol 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 320 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 baby greens
- 2 navel oranges
- 1.5 tbsp Aperol
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red onion
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts
- pinch salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Segment both navel oranges over a bowl, catching juice in a separate bowl. Remove membranes and place segments in a large bowl with 4 cups mixed baby greens and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion.
- Step 2: Whisk together 1.5 tbsp Aperol, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until emulsified and smooth, then pour over salad and toss gently to coat all greens.
- Step 3: Divide salad among plates, top with 1/4 cup toasted walnuts and remaining orange segments, and drizzle with any reserved orange juice for extra brightness.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aperol-Orange Citrus Salad with Honey-Dijon take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (20 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-Orange Citrus Salad with Honey-Dijon?
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-Orange Citrus Salad with Honey-Dijon?
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-Orange Citrus Salad with Honey-Dijon 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-Orange Citrus Salad with Honey-Dijon?
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
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.