High-Altitude Citrus and Avocado Salad with Toasted Pepitas

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing salad combining creamy avocado, bright citrus segments, and crunchy toasted pepitas, dressed with a zesty lime vinaigrette. This mediterranean-inspired high protein (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs medium, diced avocado, large, peeled and segmented orange, large, peeled and segmented grapefruit for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small dry skillet over medium heat, toast 1/3 cup pepitas, stirring frequently, for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
  3. Step 3: In a large salad bowl, combine 4 cups mixed salad greens, 2 diced medium avocados, 2 peeled and segmented large oranges, and 1 peeled and segmented large grapefruit.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle the lime vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle the toasted pepitas over the top and serve immediately for a bright, refreshing dish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does High-Altitude 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 High-Altitude 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 medium, diced avocado from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in High-Altitude 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 High-Altitude 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 High-Altitude Citrus and Avocado Salad with Toasted Pepitas 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.

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