Tampa Bay Inspired Citrus and Avocado Salad with Spiced Pecans

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-25 · Updated 2026-07-25

A fresh, regional salad combining crisp greens, creamy avocado, bright citrus segments, and crunchy spiced pecans for texture and flavor. This american-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs mixed salad greens, medium, diced ripe avocado, lemon juice 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

• 6 cups mixed salad greens
• 1 medium, diced ripe avocado
• 1 large orange, peeled and segmented orange segments
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup pecans
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat a small skillet over medium heat and add 1/2 cup pecans, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tbsp honey, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toast and stir the pecans for 4-5 minutes until fragrant and caramelized. Transfer to a plate to cool.
2. Step 2: In a large salad bowl, combine 6 cups mixed salad greens, 1 diced medium ripe avocado, and 1 large orange peeled and segmented.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp lemon juice and 3 tbsp olive oil until emulsified.
4. Step 4: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the spiced pecans over the top just before serving for crunch and a warm aromatic note.