Avocado & Clementine Salad
A vibrant, refreshing salad combining the sweet-tartness of clementines with creamy avocado, peppery arugula, and crunchy almonds, all brought together by a bright lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal.
For 2 servings
**Prepare the Vinaigrette**: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey (if using), Dijon mustard (if using), sea salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified. Set aside.
**Toast Almonds (Optional)**: If your almonds are not pre-toasted, spread them in a single layer on a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and lightly golden. Let cool completely.
**Prepare Clementines**: Peel the clementines and separate them into individual segments. For a more refined presentation, you can carefully remove any white pith or membrane using a small paring knife.
**Prepare Avocado**: Halve the avocado, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh. Slice it thinly or dice it into bite-sized pieces. If not assembling immediately, toss lightly with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning.
**Assemble the Salad**: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the fresh arugula, clementine segments, and sliced avocado.
**Dress and Serve**: Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently to coat all ingredients without bruising the avocado or arugula. Divide the salad evenly between two plates.
**Garnish**: Top each serving with the toasted sliced almonds and crumbled feta cheese. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1**Perfect Avocado**: Choose an avocado that yields slightly to gentle pressure when squeezed. If it's too hard, it's not ripe enough; too soft, it might be overripe and mushy.
- 2**Citrus Supremes**: For an elegant touch, use a small paring knife to carefully cut the clementine segments away from the membranes, creating 'supremes' that are free of pith.
- 3**Vinaigrette Balance**: Always taste your vinaigrette before dressing the salad. Adjust the sweetness (honey), acidity (lemon juice), or salt as needed to perfectly complement the other ingredients.
- 4**Prevent Wilting**: Dress the salad just before serving to keep the arugula crisp and fresh. If preparing for later, keep the dressing separate and add it right before eating.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Add grilled chicken, pan-seared shrimp, or roasted chickpeas for a more substantial and protein-rich meal.
Cheese SwapCheese Swap
Substitute the feta cheese with crumbled goat cheese, shaved Parmesan, or a sprinkle of mild blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
Nutty CrunchNutty Crunch
Swap the sliced almonds for pistachios, candied pecans, or toasted walnuts to introduce a different texture and nutty flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Avocado provides monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health, help lower bad cholesterol, and aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Vitamin C Powerhouse
Clementines are an excellent source of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function, promotes collagen production for healthy skin, and helps fight free radical damage.
Fiber-Rich
Arugula and avocado contribute significant dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes satiety, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and supports gut health.
Frequently asked questions
It's best assembled just before serving to prevent the avocado from browning and the arugula from wilting. However, you can prepare the vinaigrette and toast the almonds a day or two in advance.
