Economy Car Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing, no-cook salad with mixed greens, seasonal fruit, and a zesty homemade dressing. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs mixed baby greens, orange segments, thinly sliced red onion 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 280 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.

★ 3.9 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp orange juice, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard, and 1/4 tsp salt until emulsified.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 5 oz mixed baby greens, 1 cup orange segments, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, and 1/2 sliced avocado. Drizzle with 2/3 of the vinaigrette and toss gently to coat.
  3. Step 3: Divide salad among plates, drizzle with remaining vinaigrette, and serve immediately to prevent browning.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Economy Car Salad with Citrus 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 Economy Car Salad with Citrus 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 mixed baby greens from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Economy Car Salad with Citrus 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 Economy Car Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette 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.

Is Economy Car Salad with Citrus 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.

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