Sangria-Inspired Citrus and Herb Salad
A refreshing salad featuring mixed greens tossed with orange, lemon, and red wine vinaigrette reminiscent of classic sangria flavors. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes brings together mixed salad greens, small, zested and juiced lemon, small, thinly sliced red onion for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. 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
- 1 large, peeled and segmented navel orange
- 1 small, zested and juiced lemon
- 1/4 small, thinly sliced red onion
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, toasted sliced almonds
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp honey, juice and zest of 1 small lemon, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 2: In a large salad bowl, combine 5 cups mixed salad greens, 1 large peeled and segmented navel orange, 1/4 small thinly sliced red onion, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves.
- Step 3: Pour the citrus and red wine vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Step 4: Sprinkle 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds on top for a nutty crunch. Serve immediately as a light, refreshing side salad.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sangria-Inspired Citrus and Herb Salad take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Sangria-Inspired Citrus and Herb Salad?
Refrigerate any leftover sangria-inspired citrus and herb salad in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sangria-Inspired Citrus and 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 Sangria-Inspired Citrus and 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 Sangria-Inspired Citrus and 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.
