Rainbow Avocado & Citrus Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing
A vibrant, no-cook salad featuring ripe avocado, citrus segments, and crisp vegetables, dressed in a creamy tahini vinaigrette for a refreshing meal. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 ready in about 20 minutes blends diced avocado, segmented blood orange, thinly sliced red bell pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 240 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 2, diced avocado
- 2, segmented blood orange
- 1, thinly sliced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced radishes
- 2 cups chopped kale
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp water
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Massage kale with 1/4 tsp salt for 2 minutes until softened, then rinse under cold water and pat dry.
- Step 2: Whisk tahini, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, water, and remaining salt in a small bowl until smooth.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine kale, diced avocado, blood orange segments, sliced bell pepper, and radishes.
- Step 4: Drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently until evenly coated, serving immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Rainbow Avocado & Citrus Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (20 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Rainbow Avocado & Citrus Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Rainbow Avocado & Citrus Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing?
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 Rainbow Avocado & Citrus Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing 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 Rainbow Avocado & Citrus Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing?
Mediterranean whole30 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
- ★★★★★
Loved the vibrant colors and fresh flavors! Made for my kids and they devoured it.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for Whole30! The lemon-tahini dressing is a game-changer.
- ★★★★☆
The dressing was slightly bland for my taste, but the salad itself was great. Took a bit longer to prep than I expected.