Green Salad with Passion Fruit Vinaigrette
This vibrant Green Salad with Passion Fruit Vinaigrette offers a delightful tropical twist to a classic, combining crisp greens and fresh vegetables with a bright, tangy, and subtly sweet dressing.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Passion Fruit Vinaigrette: Halve the passion fruits and scoop the pulp and seeds into a small bowl. Add the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, honey (if using), sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until well combined and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more honey for sweetness or lime juice for tartness.
Prepare the vegetables: Wash and thoroughly dry the mixed greens. Thinly slice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the avocado, and thinly slice the red onion. If using, lightly toast the pecans or pumpkin seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, then let cool.
Assemble the salad base: In a large salad bowl, create a bed with the mixed greens.
Arrange the toppings: Artfully arrange the sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, and thinly sliced red onion over the greens.
Add crunch: Sprinkle the toasted pecans or pumpkin seeds evenly over the salad.
Dress the salad: Just before serving, drizzle the prepared Passion Fruit Vinaigrette generously over the assembled salad. You may not need all of it; add to your preference.
Toss and serve: Gently toss the salad to ensure all ingredients are lightly coated with the vinaigrette. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispness of the greens and the freshness of the dressing.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For best results, always dress the salad just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting and to maintain optimal texture.
- 2If you prefer a smoother vinaigrette, you can strain the passion fruit pulp through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the seeds, though the seeds add a nice textural element.
- 3To keep the avocado from browning if prepping ahead, toss the diced avocado with a tiny squeeze of lime juice before adding it to the salad.
- 4Experiment with different types of greens like butter lettuce or romaine hearts for varied textures and flavors.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Protein
Transform this into a main course by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, flaked salmon, or pan-seared tofu for a complete meal.
Tropical Fruit BoostTropical Fruit Boost
Incorporate other tropical fruits like diced mango, papaya, or segments of orange for extra sweetness and color.
Cheese InclusionCheese Inclusion
For a non-vegan option, crumble some goat cheese or feta over the salad for a creamy, tangy counterpoint to the passion fruit.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins & Antioxidants
Passion fruit and mixed greens are packed with Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and various antioxidants, supporting immune health and fighting free radicals.
Digestive Health
The high fiber content from the greens, passion fruit, and other vegetables aids in healthy digestion and promotes gut regularity.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Avocado and extra virgin olive oil provide monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health and help in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, the vinaigrette can be made up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a good shake or whisk before using, as it may separate.
