Description
A refreshing and vibrant Raspberry-Spinach Salad with creamy avocado, crunchy toasted walnuts, and a zesty citrus dressing made from fresh oranges and lemon juice. Perfect for a light, nutritious meal or a delightful side dish, this salad combines sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Citrus Dressing
- 2 medium oranges, divided
- 1½ tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Salad
- ¾ cup coarsely chopped walnuts
- 1 medium avocado, chopped
- 1 (6-ounce) package raspberries
- 1 (5-ounce) package baby spinach
- 1 orange, supremed (peeled and segmented)
Instructions
- Prepare the citrus dressing: Zest one of the oranges to get about ½ teaspoon of zest and juice it to yield approximately 2 tablespoons of juice. In a large bowl, combine the orange zest and juice. Add the lemon juice, finely chopped shallot, Dijon mustard, and salt. Whisk the mixture well, then let it sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Toast the walnuts: Place the chopped walnuts in a small skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until they are fragrant and golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Emulsify the dressing: While constantly whisking the citrus dressing, slowly pour in the extra-virgin olive oil until the dressing is emulsified and well combined.
- Assemble the salad: Gently fold the chopped avocado, raspberries, baby spinach, and supremed orange segments into the dressing. Toss carefully until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve: Sprinkle the toasted walnuts over the top of the salad just before serving to add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
Notes
- To supreme an orange, use a sharp knife to cut away the peel and pith, then slice between the membranes to release clean segments.
- Toast walnuts carefully to prevent burning; stirring constantly helps achieve an even, golden color.
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain the texture of the spinach and raspberries.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if preferred.
- For a sweeter touch, drizzle a small amount of honey into the dressing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
