Citrus Avocado and Walnut Salad with Honey-Mustard Dressing
A refreshing salad combining creamy avocado, bright citrus segments, and toasted walnuts, tossed in a tangy honey-mustard vinaigrette. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes blends mixed salad greens, large, diced avocado, large, peeled and segmented orange into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 5 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 large, diced avocado
- 1 large, peeled and segmented orange
- 1 medium, peeled and segmented grapefruit
- 1/2 cup, toasted and chopped walnuts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large salad bowl, combine 5 cups mixed salad greens with 1 large diced avocado, 1 large peeled and segmented orange, and 1 medium peeled and segmented grapefruit.
- Step 2: Toast 1/2 cup walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned; chop roughly and add to the salad.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 4: Drizzle the honey-mustard dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus Avocado and Walnut Salad with Honey-Mustard Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Citrus Avocado and Walnut Salad with Honey-Mustard Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus Avocado and Walnut Salad with Honey-Mustard Dressing?
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 Citrus Avocado and Walnut Salad with Honey-Mustard Dressing 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 Citrus Avocado and Walnut Salad with Honey-Mustard Dressing 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.