Daphne Citrus and Avocado Salad with Spiced Pecans
A refreshing salad featuring local Alabama citrus, creamy avocado, and crunchy spiced pecans for a vibrant regional side. This american-inspired salads ready in about 20 minutes pairs mixed salad greens, (about 2 oranges) orange segments, medium, diced ripe avocado 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
- 5 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup (about 2 oranges) orange segments
- 1 cup (about 1 grapefruit) grapefruit segments
- 1 medium, diced ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup pecans
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat a small skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup pecans, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. Toast, stirring frequently, for 3-4 minutes until the pecans are fragrant and caramelized. Remove and let cool.
- Step 2: In a large salad bowl, combine 5 cups mixed salad greens, 1 cup orange segments, 1 cup grapefruit segments, and 1 medium diced avocado.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 4: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Sprinkle the spiced pecans on top and serve immediately for a fresh regional salad inspired by Daphne, Alabama.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Daphne Citrus and Avocado Salad with Spiced Pecans take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 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 Daphne Citrus and Avocado Salad with Spiced Pecans?
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 mixed salad greens from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Daphne Citrus and Avocado Salad with Spiced Pecans?
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 Daphne Citrus and Avocado Salad with Spiced Pecans 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.
What goes well with Daphne Citrus and Avocado Salad with Spiced Pecans?
American salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
