Tangerine, Avocado & Spinach Salad
This vibrant Tangerine, Avocado & Spinach Salad is a refreshingly light yet satisfying meal, bursting with healthy fats, essential vitamins, and a delightful citrus zing. It's an ideal choice for a quick, energizing lunch or a bright side dish.
For 2 servings
Prepare the Spinach: Gently wash and thoroughly dry the baby spinach. Place it in a large salad bowl.
Segment the Tangerines: Peel the tangerines. Using a small paring knife, carefully cut along the membranes to release the individual segments, removing any seeds. Add the segments to the bowl with the spinach.
Slice the Avocado: Halve the avocado, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh. Slice it thinly or dice it into bite-sized pieces. Add the avocado to the salad bowl.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
Assemble and Dress: Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the spinach, tangerine, and avocado mixture. Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette evenly over the salad ingredients.
Toss and Serve: Gently toss the salad to ensure all ingredients are lightly coated with the dressing. 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.
- 1Perfect Avocado: Choose an avocado that yields slightly to gentle pressure when ripe, but isn't mushy.
- 2Citrus Segmenting: To make segmenting easier, you can first slice off the top and bottom of the tangerine, then carefully cut away the peel and white pith before segmenting.
- 3Prevent Browning: If not serving immediately, toss the avocado slices with a little extra lemon juice before adding to the salad to help prevent browning.
- 4Add Crunch: For an enhanced texture, consider adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or pumpkin seeds.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Add grilled chicken breast, canned chickpeas, or crumbled goat cheese for a more substantial meal.
Greens SwapGreens Swap
Substitute baby spinach with mixed greens, arugula for a peppery kick, or kale (massaged with a little dressing first) for added robustness.
Nutty AlternativesNutty Alternatives
Replace walnuts with pecans, almonds, or even pistachios for a different flavor and texture profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Avocado and olive oil provide monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health and help with nutrient absorption.
Rich in Vitamins & Antioxidants
Spinach and tangerines are packed with Vitamin C, Vitamin K, folate, and powerful antioxidants that support immunity and overall cellular health.
Excellent Source of Fiber
The combination of spinach, avocado, and tangerines offers a good amount of dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting satiety.
Frequently asked questions
After peeling, use a sharp paring knife to cut along the inside of each membrane, releasing the citrus segment. This method, called "supreming," removes the bitter pith and seeds.
