Starfruit & Avocado Green Salad
A vibrant, refreshing salad that pairs crisp, juicy starfruit with creamy avocado. Mixed greens and cucumber add crunch, while a zesty lime-honey dressing ties everything together. Ready in 15 minutes, this tropical-inspired bowl is light, bright, and perfect as a side or a quick summer lunch.
For 4 servings
- prep
Prepare the produce.
1.Wash and thoroughly dry the mixed salad greens.2.Slice the starfruit crosswise into thin, even stars.3.Dice the avocado into bite-sized cubes.4.Thinly slice the cucumber and red onion. - mix
Whisk the lime-honey dressing.
1.In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper until the honey dissolves completely.TIPTaste the dressing and adjust with a pinch more salt or a drop of honey to balance the acidity. - assemble
Assemble the salad.
1.Spread the mixed greens over a large platter or shallow bowl.2.Tuck the cucumber slices and red onion rings into the greens.3.Scatter the avocado cubes over the salad.4.Fan the starfruit slices on top for a beautiful finish.TIPKeep the avocado and starfruit on top so they stay visible and don't get bruised during tossing. - garnish
Dress and garnish.
1.Drizzle the lime-honey dressing evenly over the salad just before serving.2.Scatter the torn mint leaves over the top.TIPDress the salad right before serving to keep the greens crisp and the starfruit bright. - serve
Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Choose starfruit that is bright yellow with slightly brown edges for the sweetest, least tart flavor.
- 2Dress the salad just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting and the avocado from browning.
- 3Toss the diced avocado with a squeeze of lime juice to keep it from oxidizing and turning brown.
- 4For the best texture, slice the cucumber and red onion paper-thin using a mandoline or sharp knife.
- 5To soften the bite of raw red onion, soak the slices in ice water for 10 minutes, then pat dry.
- 6If you prefer a milder dressing, substitute half the olive oil with avocado oil and reduce the lime juice by 1 teaspoon.
Adapt it for your goals.
High-protein
Top the salad with grilled shrimp, sliced grilled chicken, or crumbled feta cheese to turn this light side into a satisfying main course packed with protein.
low oilLow-oil
Replace the olive oil in the dressing with an equal amount of plain yogurt or buttermilk (or a dairy-free alternative) for a creamy, lower-fat version with a tangy kick.
veganVegan
Swap the honey for 1 teaspoon of agave syrup or maple syrup; the dressing remains just as sweet and vibrant without any animal products.
spicySpicy
Add a thinly sliced red jalapeño or serrano chile to the salad and whisk a pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder into the dressing for a warm, peppery contrast to the cool fruit.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Starfruit and lime juice provide a hefty dose of vitamin C, which supports immune function and helps your body absorb iron from the greens.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Avocado and olive oil supply monounsaturated fats that can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and support cardiovascular health.
Hydrating and Low-Calorie
Cucumber and mixed greens have very high water content, making this salad naturally hydrating while staying low in calories and high in volume.
Good Source of Fiber
Starfruit, avocado, and cucumber each contribute dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes feelings of fullness.
Frequently asked questions
A ripe starfruit should be bright yellow with only a few brown edges on the ridges; it will smell mildly sweet and yield slightly to gentle pressure.
