Sunset Citrus and Avocado Salad with Toasted Almonds
A refreshing Mediterranean-inspired salad featuring juicy oranges, creamy avocado, and crunchy toasted almonds dressed with a bright lemon vinaigrette. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs large, sliced ripe avocado, mixed salad greens, sliced toasted almonds 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 220 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
- 2 large, peeled and sliced into rounds navel oranges
- 1 large, sliced ripe avocado
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1/4 cup, sliced toasted almonds
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 4 cups mixed salad greens in a large bowl. Arrange 2 large peeled and sliced navel orange rounds and 1 large sliced ripe avocado evenly on top.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until the vinaigrette is emulsified and bright.
- Step 3: Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to combine without breaking the avocado slices.
- Step 4: Sprinkle 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds over the top for a crunchy contrast and serve immediately for a fresh, zesty experience.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sunset Citrus and Avocado Salad with Toasted Almonds 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 Sunset Citrus and Avocado Salad with Toasted Almonds?
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 large, sliced ripe avocado from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sunset Citrus and Avocado Salad with Toasted Almonds?
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 Sunset Citrus and Avocado Salad with Toasted Almonds 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 Sunset Citrus and Avocado Salad with Toasted Almonds 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.
