Orange and Bitter Greens Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
A bright, balanced salad featuring bitter greens and blood oranges, elevated by a bittersweet citrus dressing inspired by Aperol's flavor profile. This mediterranean-inspired salads (mediterranean) ready in about 15 minutes pairs Mixed bitter greens, Blood orange, Orange 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 180 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 oz Mixed bitter greens
- 1/2 Blood orange
- 1/2 Orange
- 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp Fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp Honey
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until emulsified and smooth.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 4 oz mixed bitter greens, 1/2 peeled and segmented blood orange, and 1/2 peeled and segmented orange. Drizzle with the prepared vinaigrette and toss gently until evenly coated.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Orange and Bitter Greens 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 Orange and Bitter Greens 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 bitter greens from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Orange and Bitter Greens 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 Orange and Bitter Greens 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.
What goes well with Orange and Bitter Greens Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Love how the Mediterranean come through in every bite.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
