Four-Ingredient Citrus Vinaigrette for Mixed Greens
A bright, tangy vinaigrette made with just four simple ingredients, perfect for dressing fresh mixed greens. This Mediterranean-inspired salad recipe, ready in about 5 minutes, pairs fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, honey 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.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp honey, and 1 tsp Dijon mustard until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Step 2: Slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil while whisking vigorously to emulsify the dressing.
- Step 3: Season with 1/4 tsp kosher salt and 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper, then whisk again until fully combined and slightly creamy.
- Step 4: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before drizzling over 6 cups of mixed greens.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Four-Ingredient Citrus Vinaigrette for Mixed Greens take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 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 Four-Ingredient Citrus Vinaigrette for Mixed Greens?
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 fresh lemon juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Four-Ingredient Citrus Vinaigrette for Mixed Greens?
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 Four-Ingredient Citrus Vinaigrette for Mixed Greens 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.
What goes well with Four-Ingredient Citrus Vinaigrette for Mixed Greens?
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.
