Hidden Citrus Vinaigrette Salad with Avocado
A refreshing salad where a hidden citrus vinaigrette transforms simple greens into a vibrant, restaurant-worthy dish with no added sugar. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs mixed greens, thinly sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes 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 210 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 greens
- 1/2 cup, thinly sliced cucumber
- 1/2 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1, diced avocado
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp orange juice, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until fully combined.
- Step 2: Slowly drizzle in 3 tbsp olive oil while whisking continuously until emulsified and smooth.
- Step 3: Toss 6 cups mixed greens with 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber, 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and 1 diced avocado in a large bowl.
- Step 4: Pour dressing over salad ingredients and toss gently until all greens are evenly coated and glistening.
- Step 5: Let sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld, then divide into portions for optimal freshness.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Hidden Citrus Vinaigrette Salad with Avocado take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 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 Hidden Citrus Vinaigrette Salad with Avocado?
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 greens from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Hidden Citrus Vinaigrette Salad with Avocado?
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 Hidden Citrus Vinaigrette Salad with Avocado 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 Hidden Citrus Vinaigrette Salad with Avocado?
Mediterranean 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Restaurant quality! Can't believe how easy this was.
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.