Avocado-Citrus Salad with Toasted Pepitas
A refreshing, nutrient-dense salad with creamy avocado and bright citrus, finished with crunchy toasted seeds for satisfying texture. This mediterranean-inspired salads (whole30) ready in about 10 minutes pairs diced avocado, segmented blood oranges, pepitas 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 220 calories and feeds 1, 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
- 1/2, diced avocado
- 1, segmented blood oranges
- 1 tbsp pepitas
- 1/2 tsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp lime juice
- pinch sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp pepitas and toast for 90 seconds, stirring constantly, until golden and fragrant.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine 1/2 diced avocado, 1 segmented blood orange, and 1/2 tsp olive oil. Gently toss to coat, then add 1/4 tsp lime juice and a pinch of sea salt.
- Step 3: Transfer the salad to a plate, sprinkle with toasted pepitas, and serve immediately to prevent avocado browning.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Avocado-Citrus Salad with Toasted Pepitas take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (8 min prep + 2 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 Avocado-Citrus Salad with Toasted Pepitas?
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 diced avocado from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Avocado-Citrus Salad with Toasted Pepitas?
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 Avocado-Citrus Salad with Toasted Pepitas for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). 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 Avocado-Citrus Salad with Toasted Pepitas whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to salads dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
