Arugula and Citrus Salad with Honey Vinaigrette
A vibrant green salad with peppery arugula, zesty citrus, and a sweet-honey dressing to balance its bitterness. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs arugula, orange, lemon 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.
Ingredients
- 4 cups, washed arugula
- 1 large, zested and juiced orange
- 1 small, zested and juiced lemon
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup, chopped walnuts
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, toss 4 cups arugula with 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp orange juice, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp orange zest, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 1 tbsp honey, and a pinch of salt.
- Step 3: Toss the salad with the dressing and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped walnuts. Serve chilled.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Arugula and Citrus Salad with Honey Vinaigrette 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 Arugula and Citrus Salad with Honey Vinaigrette?
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 arugula from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Arugula and Citrus Salad with Honey Vinaigrette?
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 Arugula and Citrus Salad with Honey Vinaigrette 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 Arugula and Citrus Salad with Honey Vinaigrette 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better general dishes though.
