If you are craving a salad that bursts with vibrant color, fresh flavor, and just the right balance of creaminess and zest, then you will absolutely adore this Blood Orange Salad with Feta and Avocado Recipe. This dish is a refreshing celebration of juicy blood oranges paired with the buttery richness of avocado, all topped off with crumbly feta for a delightful salty contrast. Every bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, making this salad not just a side but a true centerpiece for any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to this Blood Orange Salad with Feta and Avocado Recipe lies in its simplicity. The ingredients may be few, but each is carefully chosen to enhance the overall flavor and provide a beautiful visual appeal. From the peppery baby greens to the tart lime zest, everything works together effortlessly.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a smooth and fruity base to the dressing, enhancing all the fresh ingredients.
- Fresh lime juice: Brings brightness and acidity that wakes up the flavors.
- Lime zest: Packs in intense citrus aroma, elevating the dressing’s freshness.
- Honey: Provides a subtle sweetness that balances the tartness of the oranges and lime.
- Sea salt: Amplifies the natural flavors and seasons perfectly.
- Ground black pepper: Offers a gentle spice to contrast the creamy elements.
- Baby greens: Choose a spring mix or arugula/spinach blend for a tender, peppery bed for the salad.
- Blood oranges: Their rich ruby-red flesh not only looks stunning but delivers a juicy, sweet-tart punch.
- Shallot: Thinly sliced for a mild onion flavor without overpowering the salad.
- Avocado: Provides a creamy texture and rich flavor that perfectly balances the citrus.
- Crumbly feta cheese: Adds a salty tang and a pleasant creaminess that ties everything together.
How to Make Blood Orange Salad with Feta and Avocado Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by whisking together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, lime zest, honey, sea salt, and ground black pepper in a small bowl. This dressing is light but packed with flavor, and the lime zest gives it a fragrant lift that really makes it special. Make sure to whisk briskly so everything emulsifies into a smooth blend.
Step 2: Toss the Greens with Dressing
Place your baby greens in a large mixing bowl, then pour over the freshly made dressing. Toss the greens gently but thoroughly to ensure every leaf is lightly coated. This dressing adds a bright, tangy note to the greens, making the salad incredibly refreshing right from the start.
Step 3: Add Blood Oranges and Shallots
Next, fold in half of the peeled and sliced blood oranges along with the thinly sliced shallot. The oranges add a juicy sweetness, while the shallots contribute a mild, savory crunch. Toss lightly once more so the flavors begin to meld without bruising the delicate greens.
Step 4: Transfer to Serving Bowl
Carefully transfer the tossed salad to a large shallow bowl or your prettiest salad bowl. Spreading it out will make it easier to add the final beautiful touches and give your salad a stunning presentation.
Step 5: Top with Avocado and Feta
Now for the grand finale: sprinkle the sliced avocado over the salad. The creamy texture of the avocado creates a wonderful counterpoint to the vibrant citrus. Then add half of your crumbly feta cheese. Scatter the remaining slices of blood orange and feta on top for pops of color and flavor that invite people to dig in.
How to Serve Blood Orange Salad with Feta and Avocado Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra layer of visual appeal and flavor, try garnishing this salad with a few fresh mint or basil leaves. They add a fragrant, herbal note that pairs beautifully with the citrus and feta. Toasted nuts such as almonds or pistachios can also add an enjoyable crunch.
Side Dishes
This Blood Orange Salad with Feta and Avocado Recipe works wonderfully as a light lunch or side dish alongside grilled chicken, roasted fish, or even a simple quiche. Its fresh and tangy qualities help cut through heavier dishes perfectly, refreshing the palate with each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in individual glass jars or hollowed-out blood orange halves for a stunning presentation. You can also layer the ingredients in a trifle bowl to showcase the captivating colors and textures before tossing at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to store the dressing separately if possible to keep the greens crisp. The salad should be enjoyed within 1-2 days for maximum freshness, as avocado and blood oranges can soften over time.
Freezing
This salad is not suitable for freezing due to the delicate nature of the fresh greens, avocado, and blood oranges. Freezing would damage the texture and quality of these ingredients significantly.
Reheating
Since this salad is served cold and features fresh produce, reheating is not recommended. Instead, enjoy it fresh or make smaller batches to prevent leftovers.
FAQs
Can I use regular oranges instead of blood oranges?
While regular oranges can be substituted, blood oranges provide a unique sweetness and a striking red hue that truly elevate this salad. If you can’t find blood oranges, use the ripest navel or cara cara oranges for a close alternative.
What type of greens work best for this salad?
A spring mix or an arugula and spinach combination offers the perfect balance of tender texture and a peppery bite that complements the sweetness of the blood oranges and the creaminess of the avocado.
How do I keep avocado from browning in the salad?
Slicing avocado just before serving helps prevent browning. Additionally, the lime juice in the dressing provides some antioxidant protection, but it’s best to add avocado last and consume the salad promptly.
Can this salad be made vegan?
Absolutely! Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative or some toasted nuts for added texture and saltiness.
What dressing can I use if I don’t have honey?
If you don’t have honey on hand, you can substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar. They both add a similar sweetness that balances the citrus flavors beautifully.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Blood Orange Salad with Feta and Avocado Recipe—it’s a vibrant, nutritious, and downright delicious way to brighten up any meal. It’s perfect for warm weather dining or anytime you want a salad that impresses both in flavor and appearance. Once you try it, this colorful salad is bound to become a favorite go-to recipe for you and everyone you share it with. So grab those blood oranges and get ready to dig in!
Print
Blood Orange Salad with Feta and Avocado Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing Blood Orange Salad featuring a zesty lime and honey dressing, tender baby greens, sweet blood oranges, creamy avocado, and crumbly feta cheese. Perfect as a light lunch or a vibrant side dish.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Salad
- 5 cups baby greens (spring mix or arugula/spinach mix)
- 3 blood oranges (peeled and sliced into small pieces)
- 1 shallot (peeled and thinly sliced)
- 1 avocado (peeled and sliced)
- 1/3 cup crumbly feta cheese
Instructions
- Make the dressing: Combine the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, honey, sea salt, and ground black pepper in a small mixing bowl. Whisk briskly until all ingredients are fully blended to create a smooth and tangy dressing.
- Toss greens with dressing: Place the baby greens in a large mixing bowl and pour the dressing over them. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every leaf is lightly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Add oranges and shallots: Add half of the chopped blood oranges and all the thinly sliced shallots to the greens. Toss again carefully to distribute the fruit and shallots evenly throughout the salad mixture.
- Transfer salad: Move the dressed greens, oranges, and shallots mixture into a large salad bowl or a shallow serving bowl, preparing it for garnishing.
- Garnish and serve: Evenly sprinkle the sliced avocado and half of the crumbly feta cheese on top of the greens. Then distribute the remaining blood orange pieces and feta cheese across the salad as a colorful and delicious finishing touch.
Notes
- Use fresh blood oranges for the best flavor and vibrant color.
- Adjust honey quantity depending on desired sweetness.
- Serve immediately to prevent avocado from browning.
- Substitute lime juice with lemon juice if preferred.
- Can easily be made vegetarian and gluten free.
