Tossed Orange and Basil Salad with Herb Vinaigrette
A refreshing salad featuring sweet orange segments and fresh basil, dressed in a light herb vinaigrette that mimics the clarity and brightness of sunlight. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs large, peeled and segmented oranges, fresh, thinly sliced basil, fresh, thinly sliced mint 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.
Ingredients
- 2 large, peeled and segmented oranges
- 2 cups (such as arugula and spinach) mixed greens
- 1/4 cup, fresh, thinly sliced basil
- 1/4 cup, fresh, thinly sliced mint
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 2 cups mixed greens in a large bowl. Add 2 large oranges (peeled and segmented), 1/4 cup fresh basil (thinly sliced), and 1/4 cup fresh mint (thinly sliced) to the bowl.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated and the greens are lightly dressed.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tossed Orange and Basil 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 Tossed Orange and Basil 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 fresh, thinly sliced basil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tossed Orange and Basil 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 Tossed Orange and Basil 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.
What goes well with Tossed Orange and Basil Salad with Herb 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
- ★★★★★
This salad is now a weekly staple. The vinaigrette is divine and the oranges are the best I've had in a salad.
- ★★★★★
The oranges were so juicy and the basil added the perfect freshness. My family loved it at dinner!
- ★★★★☆
Tasted great, but the basil was a bit overpowering for my taste. Next time I'll use less.
