Name: Zesty Orange Avocado Salad Recipe with Cilantro Lime Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 3 oranges mixed cara cara, blood orange, and navel; 2 avocados ripe California; 3 scallions both white and pale green parts; 1/2 cup cilantro (leafy tops only); 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed); 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon sea salt (season to taste); 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (adjust according to preference)

As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, my kitchen transforms into a haven for fresh and vibrant flavors. One dish that’s become a staple during these warm months is the California Orange Avocado Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing. This delightful recipe showcases succulent oranges paired with creamy avocados, all uplifted by a zesty dressing that bursts with herbaceous goodness. The perks? Not only is it vegan and gluten-free, but it comes together in a mere 15 minutes, making it the perfect dish for those busy days when you crave something light yet satisfying. Whether you serve it as a refreshing side for grilled dishes or enjoy it as a standalone meal, it captures the essence of sunny days and home-cooked love. Ready to dive into this culinary adventure? Let’s get started!

Why is this salad a must-try?

Vibrant colors and flavors make this dish incredibly appealing! Creamy texture from avocados contrasts beautifully with the juicy sweetness of oranges, delighting your palate. Zesty dressing elevates the whole dish, providing a refreshing kick that pairs perfectly with grilled dishes like your favorite Lime Chicken Avocado. Quick preparation means you can whip this up in just 15 minutes, making it fantastic for busy weeknights. Even better, it’s vegan and gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy a bowl of fresh goodness!

Orange Avocado Salad Ingredients

• This vibrant dish promises freshness and flavor!

For the Salad

Oranges – Use a mix of cara cara, blood orange, and navel for a burst of sweetness and acidity in your orange avocado salad.
Avocados – Ripe California avocados provide a creamy richness that’s essential for texture.
Scallions – Add both white and pale green parts for a mild onion flavor that enhances the salad.

For the Dressing

Cilantro (leafy tops only) – Offers a fresh, herbaceous note; substitute parsley if you’re seeking a different herb flavor.
Lime Juice – Fresh lime juice brings tangy brightness; bottled lime juice can work in a pinch if you’re short on fresh fruit.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil – This adds richness and helps emulsify the creamy dressing; avocado oil can be a great alternative.
Sea Salt – Enhances all flavors; season to taste for the best results.
Freshly Cracked Black Pepper – Adds a touch of spice; adjust according to your preference.

Feel free to create this delightful Orange Avocado Salad Recipe with Cilantro Lime Dressing and enjoy a taste of sunny California right in your home!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Orange Avocado Salad Recipe with Cilantro Lime Dressing

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit
Begin by rinsing the oranges and California avocados under cool water to remove any dirt. Carefully peel the oranges, slicing them thinly to showcase their bright colors. Arrange these vibrant orange slices artfully on a large platter, creating a beautiful base for your Orange Avocado Salad.

Step 2: Slice the Avocados
Next, cut the ripe avocados in half lengthwise, removing the pit with a gentle twist. Slice each half into thin wedges while still in the skin, then carefully peel away the skin, ensuring the avocado retains its creamy structure. Nestle the avocado slices between the orange slices on the platter.

Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a food processor, combine the leafy tops of the cilantro, freshly squeezed lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, and both white and pale green parts of the scallions. Process until the mixture is smooth and well-combined, brightening up with the zesty notes of cilantro and lime for your cilantro lime dressing.

Step 4: Season the Dressing
Taste your vibrant cilantro lime dressing before serving. Add sea salt to enhance the flavors, mixing again to evenly distribute the seasoning. If you prefer a bit more acidity, another squeeze of lime juice will elevate the dressing’s brightness and balance nicely against the creamy avocados.

Step 5: Assemble and Garnish
Drizzle the zesty cilantro lime dressing generously over the arranged orange and avocado slices, ensuring they are well-coated. For an extra pop of flavor, garnish with thinly sliced scallions and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, allowing the colors and aromas to entice everyone around the table.

Step 6: Serve Immediately
Serve your Orange Avocado Salad fresh to take advantage of the vibrant flavors and textures. Present it as a delightful side dish or a light meal, with any leftover dressing on the side for those who desire a little extra zing on their servings. Enjoy each refreshing bite!

Make Ahead Options

Preparing the Orange Avocado Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing ahead of time can save you precious moments during busy weeknights! You can slice the oranges and avocados up to 24 hours in advance; just be sure to drizzle a little lime juice over the avocado slices to prevent browning. The creamy cilantro lime dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, assemble the salad by layering the prepared fruit and dressing just before mealtime for the freshest flavors. This way, you’ll have a stunning salad that’s just as delicious, with minimal effort!

Expert Tips for Orange Avocado Salad

Ripe Avocados: Ensure your avocados are ripe for the best creaminess. Check for slight softness around the stem and enjoy their rich flavor!
Citrus Cuts: Use a sharp knife for clean slices of oranges and avocados, avoiding mushy edges that detract from presentation.
Dressing Balance: Always taste your cilantro lime dressing before serving. Adjust with more salt or lime juice to achieve your preferred level of tanginess.
Garnishing Tips: Don’t skip the garnish! Sliced scallions and freshly cracked black pepper add vibrant color and a delightful kick to your Orange Avocado Salad.
Freshness is Key: Serve the salad immediately for the best flavor and texture, and store leftover dressing separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Orange Avocado Salad Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize this refreshing salad to fit your taste buds!

Creamy Addition: Add goat cheese or feta for a rich, tangy twist that complements the salad’s vibrant flavors.
Greens Galore: Incorporate mixed greens to transform your salad into a hearty meal packed with crunch and freshness.
Protein Power: Toss in chickpeas or grilled chicken to elevate your salad with protein, making it a fulfilling, stand-alone dish.
Herb Swap: Use parsley instead of cilantro in the dressing for a different herbal note that brings a fresh outlook to the flavor.
Citrus Twist: Experiment with grapefruit or kiwi slices for a burst of new flavors that add an unexpected zing to each bite.
Sweet Heat: Drizzle in a little jalapeño-infused olive oil for a mild kick that balances the citrusy sweetness perfectly.
Nutty Crunch: Top your salad with toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds for an extra layer of texture and a nutritious boost.
Dressing Variants: Whisk in some avocado yogurt to the dressing for a creamier texture, enriching each mouthful with delectable creaminess.

Feeling adventurous? Pair this salad with a side of delicious Balsamic Lentil Salad or light Southwest Chicken Salad for a complete meal experience!

What to Serve with California Orange Avocado Salad with Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing

As you create your vibrant masterpiece, consider pairing it with complementary flavors and textures to craft a full meal that delights the senses.

Grilled Chicken: Juicy, smoky grilled chicken provides a satisfying protein that complements the bright and zesty flavors of the salad. A squeeze of fresh lime over the chicken echoes the flavors in the dish beautifully.
Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty quinoa pilaf brings a hearty base to the table and allows the salad to shine as a refreshing side. Add some nuts and dried fruit for a delightful crunch and sweetness.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet, buttery corn on the cob offers a nostalgic summer flavor that’s both satisfying and simple. Serve it alongside the salad for a classic combination that whispers summertime memories.
Chickpea Salad: A protein-packed chickpea salad adds texture and fulfilling oomph to your meal. Tossed with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette, it creates a colorful and nutritious spread.
Chilled White Wine: A crisp, chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, enhances the fresh flavors of the salad while providing a refreshing sip. This pairing transforms your meal into an elegant dining experience.
Lemon Sorbet: For a light dessert, lemon sorbet rounds off the meal with a refreshing burst of citrus that echoes the dish’s elements. It cleanses the palate beautifully, making it a perfect finish.
Crunchy Pita Chips: Serve with a side of crunchy pita chips, lightly salted or spiced, for a fun texture contrast. They’re perfect for scooping up the salad, making each bite an adventure.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Succulent grilled shrimp drizzled with lime juice create a mouthwatering companion, complementing the salad’s citrus notes. Plus, their smoky flavor adds depth to your dining experience.

How to Store and Freeze Orange Avocado Salad

Fridge: Store any leftover Orange Avocado Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the avocados may brown.

Dressing Storage: Keep any remaining cilantro lime dressing in a separate airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This prevents the avocados from becoming mushy.

Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for the salad, as the texture of the avocados and oranges will not hold up well after thawing.

Reheating: Serve the salad cold or at room temperature; there’s no need to reheat, as the refreshing flavors shine best when chilled.

Orange Avocado Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe avocados for this salad?
Absolutely! For the best creamy texture, look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure when squeezed. They should feel slightly soft but not mushy. Also, check for a dark green or nearly black skin; this indicates their ripeness. If they’re still hard, leave them at room temperature for a few days to ripen.

How should I store leftover Orange Avocado Salad?
Very! If you have any leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that avocados may brown over time. To help keep them fresh, consider adding a squeeze of lime juice directly onto the exposed avocado slices before sealing them tightly.

Can I freeze this salad?
No, freezing is not recommended for the Orange Avocado Salad. The texture of the avocados and oranges won’t hold up well after thawing, resulting in a mushy consistency. Instead, it’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge for short-term use.

What if my dressing is too thick?
No worries! If your cilantro lime dressing turns out too thick, simply add a splash of water or an extra drizzle of olive oil while blending to achieve your desired consistency. Blend again until smooth. Taste and adjust with salt or lime juice to maintain the flavor balance.

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Absolutely! This delightful Orange Avocado Salad is both vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for a wide variety of diets. As with any dish, check for any potential allergies, particularly with key ingredients like avocados or lime. If you’re cooking for friends with specific dietary restrictions, feel free to substitute green onions for a different herb or leave out any ingredient to suit their needs.

How long will the dressing last in the fridge?
Storage is key! The cilantro lime dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, always store any leftover dressing separately from the avocado salad to prevent the avocados from becoming mushy or brown.