Description
This vibrant Citrus Sunset Salad brings together juicy oranges, ruby-red grapefruit, creamy avocado, and crisp greens in a refreshing celebration of spring. Dressed with a light honey-dijon vinaigrette, this colorful salad looks like a sunset on your plate. Perfect as a light lunch, a stunning side dish, or a refreshing starter for spring gatherings, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 navel or Cara Cara oranges, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 1 ruby red grapefruit, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 1 ripe avocado, pitted and sliced
- 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, and baby kale)
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds (optional)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the citrus by peeling the oranges and grapefruit, removing as much of the white pith as possible. Slice them into thin, round slices and set aside.
- Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh. Slice it into thin wedges.
- Wash and thoroughly dry your mixed greens. Place them in a large salad bowl.
- Make the vinaigrette by whisking together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar.
- Arrange the citrus slices and avocado over the greens in a circular pattern to create a sunset effect.
- Scatter the thinly sliced red onion over the top.
- If using, sprinkle pomegranate seeds for an added pop of color and sweetness.
- Just before serving, drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad.
- Toss gently to combine or serve as arranged and let guests mix at the table.
Notes
For a milder onion flavor, soak the sliced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding to the salad. To make this salad vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing. For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. Blood oranges make a beautiful addition when in season. If you don’t enjoy grapefruit, simply use more oranges or try fresh pineapple for a tropical twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of salad
- Calories: 225
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: citrus salad, spring salad, orange grapefruit salad, avocado citrus salad, fresh salad, healthy salad, colorful salad