Spinach Salad With Orange And Avocado

Looking for a fresh, vibrant salad that’s ready in minutes? This Spinach Salad with Orange and Avocado combine crisp spinach leaves, sweet orange segments, and creamy avocado, all drizzled with a light homemade dressing. It’s a healthy, flavorful choice that’s perfect for a quick lunch or a stunning side dish to impress guests!

This salad is so easy to make, so healthy and so delicious!  Spinach leaves are tossed in a homemade olive oil and vinegar dressing, then topped with chopped avocado and orange slices – so yummy!

Why You’ll Love Spinach Salad with Orange and Avocado

• Incredibly Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of creamy avocado, juicy oranges, and tender spinach gives this salad a delicious, vibrant taste that’s as refreshing as it is satisfying.
• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and just a few simple ingredients, this salad comes together in under 5 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
• Perfectly Balanced: The sweetness of the oranges and the creaminess of the avocado balance beautifully with the tangy dressing, creating a salad you’ll crave again and again.
• Packed with Nutrients: Spinach, avocado, and oranges bring a healthy dose of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making this salad as nutritious as it is tasty.
• Customizable: Easily turn this side salad into a main dish by adding your favorite protein, like grilled chicken or shrimp, for a satisfying, healthy meal.

This unusual combination of salad ingredients makes a very tasty salad – you’ll love it!  Best of all, it takes less than 5 minutes to make this salad – you just have to give this recipe a try!  All you need to do is open a bag of packaged spinach, open a can of oranges and chop some fresh avocado!

To make this salad into a main dish, add some cooked chicken on top.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• Baby Spinach Leaves – Provides a mild flavor and tender texture, serving as the perfect base for the salad.
• Orange Segments (from a can) – Adds a juicy, sweet burst of flavor that complements the creamy avocado.
• Avocado, sliced – Brings a creamy texture and healthy fats that make this salad extra satisfying.
• Olive Oil – Forms the base of the dressing, adding richness to the salad.
• Lemon Juice or Vinegar – Adds a touch of acidity to balance the flavors in the dressing.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need to Make Spinach Salad with Orange and Avocado

• Mixing Bowl – To whisk together the dressing ingredients.
• Whisk – Helps combine the olive oil and lemon juice smoothly for a balanced dressing.
• Measuring Spoons – Ensures accurate measurements of the olive oil and lemon juice or vinegar for the dressing.
• Salad Bowl or Serving Plate – Perfect for arranging the spinach, avocado, and orange segments attractively.
• Salad Tongs – Makes it easy to toss and serve the salad.

Directions:

Make the dressing by mixing oil and lemon juice (2:1 ratio).

Put the orange segments and avocado pieces on a bed of spinach.  Pour the dressing over it and toss to combine.

How to Make Spinach Salad with Orange and Avocado

• Prepare the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice (or vinegar) until well combined. This simple dressing adds a refreshing touch to the salad.
• Arrange the Spinach: Place baby spinach leaves in a large salad bowl or on a serving plate, creating a fresh, green base for your toppings.
• Add the Orange and Avocado: Scatter the orange segments and avocado slices over the spinach, spreading them evenly for a beautiful presentation.
• Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad, ensuring that all the ingredients get a light, even coating.
• Toss and Serve: Gently toss the salad to combine the flavors, and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this salad as a refreshing first course before a main meal. Its fresh flavors make it a perfect appetizer.
• Add grilled boneless chicken, crispy shrimp, or baked salmon to turn this salad into a satisfying main dish packed with nutrients and flavor.
• Pair the salad with a toasted bagel or garlic cheesy bread for a complete, balanced meal.
• This salad pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes, roasted carrots, and sprouts, or grilled chicken strips, adding a light, citrusy contrast.
• Present this colorful salad at gatherings or potlucks to impress guests with its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients.

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh baby spinach and ripe avocado. The freshness of these ingredients will make the salad taste even more vibrant.
• Drain the Oranges Well: If you’re using canned orange segments, make sure to drain them well. Excess liquid can water down the dressing and affect the texture of the salad.
• Cut Avocado Just Before Serving: Avocado can brown quickly once cut, so slice it right before assembling the salad to keep it looking fresh and appetizing.
• Adjust Dressing to Taste: The simple olive oil and lemon juice dressing can be adjusted based on your preference. If you prefer a stronger tang, add a little extra lemon juice or vinegar.
• Add Nuts for Crunch: For an added texture contrast, sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans on top. They add a nice crunch and extra flavor to the salad.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap Spinach for Other Greens: If you don’t have spinach, try using arugula, mixed greens, or even kale for a different texture and flavor profile. Each green adds a unique taste, from the peppery notes of arugula to the heartier bite of kale.
• Use Fresh Oranges: Substitute canned orange segments with fresh orange slices or even mandarin oranges if they’re in season. Fresh oranges will bring a brighter, juicier flavor to the salad.
• Add Protein: Turn this into a main course salad by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a plant-based protein option. This makes it a more filling, satisfying meal.
• Experiment with the Dressing: Swap the olive oil and lemon juice for a balsamic vinaigrette, honey mustard dressing, or even a citrus vinaigrette for a different flavor profile that complements the avocado and orange.
• Add Extra Toppings: Include extra toppings like crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, or toasted seeds for more flavor and texture. These additions can enhance the salad’s visual appeal and taste.

Storage and Reheating

• Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to consume it within a day to keep the ingredients fresh, especially the avocado.
• Separate Dressing: If you plan to make the salad in advance, store the dressing separately and only add it right before serving. This keeps the spinach crisp and prevents it from becoming soggy.
• Reheating: This salad is best served fresh and is not suitable for reheating due to the fresh greens and avocado. For a chilled experience, place it in the fridge for a few minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other greens instead of spinach?

Yes, you can substitute spinach with other greens like arugula, mixed greens, or even kale. Each brings a unique flavor and texture to the salad, so feel free to experiment based on your preference or what you have on hand.

What can I use if I don’t have canned orange segments?

If canned orange segments aren’t available, fresh orange slices or mandarin orange slices work beautifully in this salad. They provide a similar sweetness and juicy texture.

How can I keep the avocado from browning?

To prevent the avocado from browning, cut and add it to the salad just before serving. If preparing the salad in advance, consider adding a light drizzle of lemon juice over the avocado slices to slow down browning.

Can I make the salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance, but it’s best to store the dressing separately. Add the dressing and avocado just before serving to keep the spinach crisp and the avocado fresh.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

While the salad can be prepped in parts, it’s recommended to store the avocado and dressing separately and add them just before serving. This helps maintain the best texture and freshness of the salad.

Other Easy Spinach Recipes

Quick & Healthy Air Fryer Spinach from Frozen: Enjoy perfectly cooked, tender spinach straight from the freezer with this quick and healthy air fryer method.

Easy Microwave Spinach Steamed in Minutes: This microwave-steamed spinach is a fast, nutritious side dish that’s ready in minutes with no fuss.

Stuffed Spinach Balls Appetizer Recipe: These savory spinach balls are packed with herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs, making them a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.

Cheesy Baked Spinach Casserole: This creamy, cheesy spinach casserole is an easy, comforting side dish that pairs perfectly with any main course.

Instant Pot Steamed Fresh Spinach Recipe: Quickly steam fresh spinach in the Instant Pot for a healthy, vibrant green side dish in minutes.

Simple Instant Pot Spinach from Frozen: This Instant Pot recipe turns frozen spinach into a warm, flavorful side with minimal effort.

Keto-Friendly Instant Pot Spinach Mushroom Soup: Enjoy a creamy, keto-friendly spinach and mushroom soup cooked in the Instant Pot for a warm, satisfying low-carb meal.

 

More Salad Recipes

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• Authentic Mediterranean Fattoush Salad
• Simple & Flavorful Steak Salad Recipe