Crisp Citrus Spinach Delight

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 4
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Welcome to your new favorite salad, Crisp Citrus Spinach Delight! This refreshing dish combines the vibrant flavors of citrus with creamy avocado and tangy feta, perfect for a light lunch or a colorful side at any meal.

Ingredients for Crisp Citrus Spinach Delight

Fresh spinach is the leafy green base, providing a mild flavor and a heap of vitamins. Grapefruit and orange add a juicy, tangy punch that pairs beautifully with the creamy avocado. The red onion contributes a sharp, savory note, while toasted almonds give a satisfying crunch. Feta cheese brings a salty, tangy element, and our homemade dressing made with extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of honey ties everything together with a sweet and zesty finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Segment the citrus fruits over a bowl to catch all the juice; you can use it in the dressing.
  • Toasting almonds is easy — just toss them in a pan over medium heat until golden brown.
  • If your avocado is too firm, place it in a paper bag with a banana to speed up ripening.

Serving Suggestions

This salad shines as a refreshing side to grilled chicken or fish. For a heartier meal, add some quinoa or serve it alongside a warm baguette. It's also a great palate cleanser between richer courses at a dinner party.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the components ahead, but toss them together with the dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh.
What can I use instead of feta cheese?
Try goat cheese or blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
How do I prevent the avocado from browning?
Toss the avocado in a bit of lemon juice to slow down oxidation.

Crisp Citrus Spinach Delight Recipe Walkthrough

Start by making the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper. This is your flavor-packed liquid gold that will bring the salad to life.

Now, grab a large salad bowl. Toss in the fresh spinach first, creating a nice bed for your other ingredients. Next, add the grapefruit and orange segments — remember to remove any seeds for the best experience.

Add the diced avocado and the thinly sliced red onion. The onion will add a bit of a kick, balancing the sweetness of the fruits.

Sprinkle in the toasted almonds. These little guys add a delightful crunch that makes every bite interesting.

Pour your dressing over the salad and toss everything gently. You want all the ingredients to be lightly coated without turning the spinach into mush.

Finally, top your creation with crumbled feta cheese just before serving. This ensures the cheese stays on top for that perfect salty finish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Refreshing citrus flavors that brighten up any day.
  • Perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and tangy textures.
  • Quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
  • Nutrient-packed with spinach and healthy fats from avocado.

Ingredients

4 cups fresh spinach
1 large grapefruit, segmented
1 large orange, segmented
1 avocado, diced
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/4 cup toasted almonds, slivered
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
2. In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, grapefruit segments, orange segments, avocado, red onion, and toasted almonds.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Top with crumbled feta cheese before serving.

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