Highball Citrus & Herb Salad with Honey-Lime Vinaigrette
A vibrant, refreshing salad inspired by the balanced flavors of a highball cocktail, featuring crisp greens, zesty citrus, and a honey-lime dressing that mimics the drink's lively fizz. This salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs baby kale, thinly sliced blood orange, segmented clementine 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 320 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 baby kale
- 2, thinly sliced blood orange
- 2, segmented clementine
- 1, diced avocado
- 3 tbsp pumpkin seeds
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp, finely chopped fresh mint
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, and 1/4 tsp sea salt until fully emulsified and slightly thickened.
- Step 2: Add 4 cups baby kale and toss gently with tongs until evenly coated, ensuring no leaves clump together.
- Step 3: Divide the dressed kale onto plates, then arrange 2 sliced blood oranges, 2 segmented clementines, and 1 diced avocado on top.
- Step 4: Sprinkle 3 tbsp pumpkin seeds and 1 tbsp chopped mint over the salad, then serve immediately while greens are crisp.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Highball Citrus & Herb Salad with Honey-Lime 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 Highball Citrus & Herb Salad with Honey-Lime 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 baby kale from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Highball Citrus & Herb Salad with Honey-Lime 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 Highball Citrus & Herb Salad with Honey-Lime 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.
What should I serve with Highball Citrus & Herb Salad with Honey-Lime Vinaigrette?
A simple grain (rice, quinoa, or crusty bread), a quick green salad, and a steamed or roasted vegetable round out the plate. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" above for dish-specific pairings based on what you have on hand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this highball are incredible.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
