Sunshine Citrus Salad with Herb Vinaigrette
A vibrant, refreshing salad featuring juicy citrus segments and a zesty herb dressing that brightens every bite. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs medium oranges, medium lemons, mixed greens 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 120 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
- 2 medium oranges
- 1 medium lemons
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Juice the oranges and lemons into a small bowl, then set aside 1/4 cup of the juice for the dressing. Dice the remaining citrus segments and place them in a large salad bowl.
- Step 2: Add the mixed greens, parsley, and thyme to the salad bowl. Toss gently to combine.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the reserved citrus juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
- Step 4: Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sunshine Citrus Salad with Herb 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 Sunshine Citrus Salad with Herb 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 medium oranges from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sunshine Citrus Salad with Herb 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 Sunshine Citrus Salad with Herb Vinaigrette 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 Sunshine Citrus Salad with Herb Vinaigrette vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
- ★★☆☆☆
Followed exactly and it was underwhelming. Maybe my expectations were too high.
