Saltwater Poolside Citrus Herb Salad
A refreshing salad featuring vibrant citrus segments, fresh herbs, and a light vinaigrette, perfect for poolside relaxation. This Mediterranean-inspired salad recipe, ready in about 15 minutes, pairs mixed salad greens, orange, peeled and segmented, grapefruit, peeled and segmented 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 110 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
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 medium orange, peeled and segmented
- 1 medium grapefruit, peeled and segmented
- 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large salad bowl, combine 4 cups mixed salad greens with 1 medium peeled and segmented orange and 1 medium peeled and segmented grapefruit.
- Step 2: Add 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves and 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil leaves to the bowl.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp white balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until the dressing is emulsified and smooth.
- Step 4: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately for a fresh, bright flavor.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Saltwater Poolside Citrus Herb Salad 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 Saltwater Poolside Citrus Herb 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 Saltwater Poolside Citrus Herb 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 Saltwater Poolside Citrus Herb 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 Saltwater Poolside Citrus Herb 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.
