Bitter Orange & Arugula Salad
A refreshing salad blending peppery arugula with zesty orange segments and a bittersweet dressing inspired by Aperol's essence. This italian-inspired salads ready in about 10 minutes pairs Mixed greens, Arugula, Orange segments 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 190 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
- 2 cups Arugula
- 1/2 cup Orange segments
- 1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp Aperol
- 0.5 tbsp Honey
- 1 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup Crumbled goat cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 4 cups mixed greens and 2 cups arugula in a large bowl. Add 1/2 cup orange segments and lightly massage the leaves to soften them.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp Aperol, 0.5 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp olive oil until emulsified. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Step 3: Drizzle the dressing over the salad, then top with 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese. Serve chilled for maximum freshness.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bitter Orange & Arugula 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 Bitter Orange & Arugula 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 Bitter Orange & Arugula 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 Bitter Orange & Arugula 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 Bitter Orange & Arugula 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
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better general dishes though.
