Citrus and Herb Light Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, refreshing salad featuring bright citrus segments and aromatic herbs, dressed with a light olive oil and vinegar vinaigrette. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs blood oranges, lemons, mixed greens 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 120 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.

Prep: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine blood orange segments, lemon segments, mixed greens, chopped basil, and chopped mint.
  2. Step 2: In a small jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
  4. Step 4: Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus and Herb Light Salad 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 Citrus and Herb Light 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 blood oranges from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus and Herb Light 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 Citrus and Herb Light 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 Citrus and Herb Light 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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