Desert Citrus and Avocado Salad with Toasted Pepitas

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant salad featuring fresh citrus, creamy avocado, and crunchy toasted pepitas with a honey-lime dressing. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs mixed salad greens, peeled and segmented grapefruit, sliced ripe avocado for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat a dry small skillet over medium heat and toast 1/4 cup pepitas, stirring frequently for 3-4 minutes until they pop and turn lightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp honey, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to create the dressing.
  3. Step 3: In a large salad bowl, combine 5 cups mixed salad greens, 2 peeled and sliced navel oranges, 1 peeled and segmented grapefruit, and 1 sliced ripe avocado. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to evenly coat.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle the toasted pepitas over the top just before serving for added crunch and flavor.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Desert Citrus and Avocado Salad with Toasted Pepitas 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 Desert Citrus and Avocado 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 mixed salad greens from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Desert Citrus and Avocado 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 Desert Citrus and Avocado Salad with Toasted Pepitas 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 Desert Citrus and Avocado Salad with Toasted Pepitas vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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