Four-Ingredient Citrus Vinaigrette Salad
A refreshing salad dressed with a bright citrus vinaigrette made from four simple ingredients, perfect for a light meal or side. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 5 minutes pairs mixed salad greens, freshly squeezed orange juice, extra virgin olive oil 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 90 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
- 5 cups mixed salad greens
- 3 tbsp, freshly squeezed orange juice
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp honey, and 1 tsp Dijon mustard until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
- Step 2: Season the vinaigrette with 1/4 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, whisking again to combine.
- Step 3: Place 5 cups of mixed salad greens in a large salad bowl and drizzle the citrus vinaigrette over the greens.
- Step 4: Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all leaves evenly with the dressing. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Four-Ingredient Citrus Vinaigrette Salad 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 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 salad greens from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Four-Ingredient Citrus Vinaigrette 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 Four-Ingredient Citrus Vinaigrette 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.
What goes well with Four-Ingredient Citrus Vinaigrette Salad?
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.
