Quick Citrus Vinaigrette Salad with Mixed Greens and Toasted Nuts

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing salad of mixed greens tossed in a bright citrus vinaigrette with crunchy toasted almonds for texture. This international-inspired salads (gluten free, vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs mixed salad greens, almonds, orange juice 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 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.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 International cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small dry skillet over medium heat, toast 1/3 cup whole almonds for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and roughly chop once cooled.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice, 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified and smooth.
  3. Step 3: Place 5 cups mixed salad greens in a large bowl. Pour the citrus vinaigrette over the greens and toss gently to coat every leaf.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle the toasted chopped almonds over the top and serve immediately as a light, fresh starter or side salad.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Citrus Vinaigrette Salad with Mixed Greens and Toasted Nuts take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 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 Quick Citrus Vinaigrette Salad with Mixed Greens and Toasted Nuts?

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 Quick Citrus Vinaigrette Salad with Mixed Greens and Toasted Nuts?

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 Quick Citrus Vinaigrette Salad with Mixed Greens and Toasted Nuts 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.

Is Quick Citrus Vinaigrette Salad with Mixed Greens and Toasted Nuts gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, 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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