Sunburst Citrus Salad with Avocado Drizzle
A vibrant salad bursting with the brightness of lemon and the creaminess of avocado, inspired by the sun's radiant energy. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 20 minutes pairs medium (250g) ripe avocado, medium (200g) cherry tomatoes, small (50g) red onion 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 320 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 1 medium (250g) ripe avocado
- 12 medium (200g) cherry tomatoes
- 1 small (50g) red onion
- 1 large (50g) lemon
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup (10g) fresh parsley
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Dice avocado into 1/2-inch cubes. Halve cherry tomatoes and thinly slice red onion.
- Step 2: In a bowl, whisk 1 tbsp olive oil with 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: Toss avocado, tomatoes, and onion with the dressing. Garnish with chopped parsley and remaining 1 tbsp olive oil before serving.
- Step 4: Serve immediately for maximum freshness and vibrant color.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sunburst Citrus Salad with Avocado Drizzle 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 Sunburst Citrus Salad with Avocado Drizzle?
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 (250g) ripe avocado from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sunburst Citrus Salad with Avocado Drizzle?
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 Sunburst Citrus Salad with Avocado Drizzle for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Sunburst Citrus Salad with Avocado Drizzle?
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
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.