There is something truly magical about the vibrant flavors and beautiful colors in this Blood Orange Salad with Avocado, Feta, and Baby Greens Recipe. It combines juicy, sweet-tart blood oranges with creamy avocado, crumbly feta, and tender baby greens, all brought together with a zesty honey-lime dressing that bursts with freshness. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a stunning side dish, or a salad that steals the show at your next dinner party, this recipe is a simple yet elegant way to brighten up any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this salad are wonderfully straightforward, each one playing an essential role in balancing taste, texture, and color. Fresh citrus, rich avocado, and savory feta come together with greens for a refreshing yet satisfying combination.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a smooth, fruity richness that binds the dressing ingredients beautifully.
- Fresh lime juice: Provides a bright, tangy kick that lifts the salad’s flavors.
- Lime zest: Intensifies the citrus aroma without adding extra acidity.
- Honey: Brings a gentle sweetness that rounds out the tartness of the blood oranges.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the ingredients and balances the flavors.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a subtle spicy warmth to the dressing.
- Baby greens (spring mix or arugula/spinach mix): Provides a tender, peppery base full of vibrant color and nutrients.
- Blood oranges: Peeled and sliced, their vivid red flesh offers juicy sweetness and a stunning visual pop.
- Shallot: Thinly sliced for a mild onion flavor that sharpens the salad’s complexity.
- Avocado: Soft, creamy slices that add luscious texture and mellow richness.
- Crumbly feta cheese: Delivers a salty, tangy contrast that complements the sweetness and freshness perfectly.
How to Make Blood Orange Salad with Avocado, Feta, and Baby Greens Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Dressing
Start by combining the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, lime zest, honey, sea salt, and ground black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk these ingredients briskly until you have a smooth, emulsified dressing. This step is key for marrying the flavors, creating a harmonious base that will coat the greens with brightness and subtle sweetness.
Step 2: Toss the Greens with Dressing
Place your baby greens in a large mixing bowl and pour the freshly made dressing over them. Gently toss the greens so every leaf is lightly coated. This ensures each bite is bursting with citrusy, flavorful notes, giving you a refreshing crunch that sets the tone for the rest of the salad.
Step 3: Add Blood Oranges and Shallots
Next, add half of the sliced blood oranges and all the thinly sliced shallots to the dressed greens. Toss again gently to combine. The oranges add juicy sweetness, while the shallots offer a mild sharpness that balances the salad beautifully. You’ll already start seeing the gorgeous red hues of the citrus mingling with the greenery here.
Step 4: Transfer to Serving Bowl
Carefully transfer the tossed salad mixture into a large salad bowl or any low serving bowl you have. This not only keeps the salad looking fresh but also allows you to arrange the toppings in the next step artistically and with care.
Step 5: Top with Avocado and Feta
Arrange the sliced avocado evenly on top of the salad along with half the crumbly feta cheese. Then, scatter the remaining blood orange slices and the rest of the feta cheese across the salad to make it visually stunning and flavorful in every bite. The creamy avocado and salty feta add luxurious texture and depth that elevate this salad from simple to spectacular.
How to Serve Blood Orange Salad with Avocado, Feta, and Baby Greens Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle a few toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds over the salad to introduce a satisfying crunch. Fresh herbs like mint or basil also complement the citrus flavors wonderfully and add a lovely aromatic boost.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp. It also pairs beautifully with light pastas or quinoa dishes, making it an excellent option for a well-rounded, colorful meal that feels light yet satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Blood Orange Salad with Avocado, Feta, and Baby Greens Recipe in clear glass bowls or on vibrant ceramic plates to showcase the luscious colors. You can also create individual salads in small mason jars for a fun, portable presentation that’s perfect for picnics or lunchboxes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad components separately when possible. Keep the greens and dressing mixed but add avocado and cheese just before serving to prevent browning and sogginess. Store in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within 1–2 days for the best freshness.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and unfortunately does not freeze well due to the delicate texture of the greens and creamy avocado. Freezing will alter the texture and flavor, so it’s recommended to prepare fresh each time.
Reheating
No reheating is needed for this salad. Serve it cold to enjoy the crispness of the greens and the vibrant, fresh flavors. If desired, bring it to room temperature for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to shine fully.
FAQs
Can I substitute regular oranges for blood oranges in this recipe?
Yes, you can use regular oranges, but the unique deep red color and slightly more intense flavor of blood oranges add a special touch to the salad that’s hard to replicate. If you substitute, choosing navel or Cara Cara oranges can still provide good sweetness and a pop of color.
How do I prevent avocado from browning in this salad?
To keep avocado looking fresh, toss it with a little lemon or lime juice before adding it to the salad. You can also add it just before serving to minimize exposure to air, which causes browning.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
To make this Blood Orange Salad with Avocado, Feta, and Baby Greens Recipe vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan.
Can I prep the salad dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dressing up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bring it back to room temperature and whisk before using it to dress the greens.
What types of baby greens work best in this salad?
Spring mix, arugula, spinach, or a combination of these work wonderfully. Arugula adds a lovely peppery bite, while baby spinach and spring mix provide a mild, tender base that lets the citrus and toppings shine.
Final Thoughts
This Blood Orange Salad with Avocado, Feta, and Baby Greens Recipe is a true celebration of flavor and color that’s easy to make yet impressive enough for any occasion. It’s one of those dishes you’ll find yourself reaching for time and again whenever you want something fresh, light, and utterly delicious. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own!
