Fresh Citrus Avocado Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing

• 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as baby spinach, arugula, and romaine)
• 2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and sliced
• 2 oranges, peeled and segmented
• 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
• 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the dressing by whisking together the lime juice, honey (or maple syrup), olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until emulsified. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity if needed.
2. In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, sliced cucumber, and red onion. Toss gently to mix the vegetables evenly.
3. Add the orange segments and avocado slices over the greens. Be careful to keep the avocado slices intact for a nice presentation.
4. Drizzle the honey-lime dressing evenly over the salad. Gently toss the salad once to coat all ingredients with the dressing.
5. Sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds and fresh cilantro leaves on top as a crunchy, aromatic garnish.
6. Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or individual plates, and serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors and textures.

Chef tips

• Use ripe but firm avocados to avoid mushiness in the salad.
• If you don’t have fresh oranges, substitute with grapefruit or mandarins for a different citrus flavor.
• For extra protein, add grilled chicken or chickpeas; add them after dressing the greens.
• Toast sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant to enhance their flavor.