There’s something about the combination of bright citrus and creamy avocado that feels like a little taste of sunshine on a plate. I mean, who doesn’t want a burst of summer, especially when the days start getting shorter and a bit gloomier?
This Refreshing Sunshine Citrus Avocado Salad is like a mini-vacation for your taste buds—zesty, vibrant, and oh-so-refreshing. You know, just yesterday, while scrolling through endless news about the latest smartphone releases and that wild weather in Italy, I found myself craving something fresh and simple.
You take a bite, and the tangy citrus mingles with the smooth avocado, and suddenly, the world seems a tad brighter. It’s like a symphony in your mouth—okay, maybe that’s a bit much, but you get the idea.
Perfect for a quick lunch, a side dish, or even a light dinner if paired with some grilled chicken or fish. It’s the kind of dish that makes you pause and just enjoy the moment, with its explosion of flavors and colors.
Steps
- Prepare the sesame vinaigrette by whisking together avocado oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, ground ginger, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Alternatively, combine the ingredients in a mason jar and shake until well mixed. Adjust the sweetness to your liking, and store in the fridge if not using immediately.
- In a large salad bowl, mix together the salad ingredients: mixed greens, chopped grapefruit (or orange or mango), sliced avocado, chopped basil and mint, thinly sliced red onion, and toasted almonds. Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the bowl.
- Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad ingredients, ensuring an even coating. Gently toss the salad until all components are well combined and coated with the dressing.
- For an optional finishing touch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and a bit of freshly cracked black pepper over the salad. Serve immediately, and enjoy the refreshing flavors of this citrus avocado salad.
Ingredients
- 1 (5-ounce) bag of mixed greens
- 2 large ruby-red grapefruits (or substitute with oranges or mangoes), peeled and chopped
- 1 large ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 1 handful of fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 handful of fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
- Half of a medium red onion, sliced thinly
- 1/2 cup of sliced or slivered almonds, toasted
- Optional: toasted sesame seeds for topping
- 2 tablespoons of avocado oil (or use olive oil or another mild-flavored oil)
- 1 tablespoon of low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
- 1–2 teaspoons of maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon each of ground ginger and garlic powder
- Sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper to taste
FAQ
- Can I use different types of citrus in this salad?
- Absolutely! While tangy grapefruit is a popular choice, you can also include oranges or mangoes for a sweet twist. All these options work wonderfully in the salad.
- What nuts can I incorporate into this salad for added crunch?
- Toasted almonds are a great addition, but you can also use pepitas, sunflower seeds, peanuts, or cashews depending on your preference.
- How can I make the salad more filling with protein?
- You can add cooked chicken, steak, pork, shrimp, salmon, or tofu to make the salad more substantial and satisfying as a meal.
- What are some ways to spice up the salad?
- To add a spicy kick, consider mixing sriracha or hot chili oil into the dressing. You can also add sliced Thai bird chiles or serrano peppers directly to the salad.
- Is there an alternative dressing option for this salad?
- Yes, the salad pairs well with a cumin-lime dressing if you want to give it a Mexican-inspired flavor. This option works particularly well if you’re using pepitas.
Tips
- Maximize Fresh Herbs: Incorporate a generous amount of fresh herbs like mint and basil to enhance the salad’s flavor and freshness. If you have more herb options, feel free to experiment with dill, parsley, or cilantro for a diverse taste profile.
- Experiment with Citrus: While grapefruit is a recommended choice, don’t hesitate to try other fruits like oranges or mangoes for a different flavor twist. Each fruit will bring its own unique sweetness and tanginess to the salad.
- Customize Your Crunch: Toasted almonds add a wonderful crunch to the salad, but you can also substitute or mix in other nuts or seeds such as pepitas, sunflower seeds, or cashews for variety.
- Dressing Flexibility: Feel free to play around with the dressing. While a sesame vinaigrette is suggested, a cumin-lime dressing can offer a delightful Mexican-inspired twist, especially if paired with pepitas.
Equipment
- Mason Jar – for shaking the dressing ingredients together.
- Salad Spinner – to dry the mixed greens thoroughly.
- Citrus Zester – if you plan on incorporating zest from the citrus fruits.
- Mandoline Slicer – for super-thinly slicing the red onion.
