Citrus-Avocado Salad with Achiote Vinaigrette

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-30 · Updated 2026-04-30

A bright, refreshing salad combining creamy avocado and tangy citrus, tossed in a vibrant achiote-spiced vinaigrette for a perfect starter or side dish. This caribbean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs mixed salad greens, avocado, orange 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 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

• 6 cups mixed salad greens
• 2 medium, peeled and sliced avocado
• 2 medium, peeled and segmented orange
• 1 medium, peeled and segmented grapefruit
• 1/4 cup, thinly sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp achiote powder
• 1 tsp honey
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp achiote powder, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until well combined and slightly thickened.
2. Step 2: In a large salad bowl, combine 6 cups mixed salad greens, 2 peeled and sliced medium avocados, 2 peeled and segmented medium oranges, 1 peeled and segmented medium grapefruit, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion.
3. Step 3: Drizzle the achiote vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly without mashing the avocado.
4. Step 4: Serve immediately for a crisp, colorful salad with a subtle earthy spice note from the achiote.