This refreshing salad recipe combines the vivid colors and contrasting textures of leafy greens, oranges, beets, and avocados. The tangy burst of citrus, the earthy sweetness of beets, and the creamy richness of avocados create a symphony of flavors. A generous sprinkle of feta cheese and pepitas adds a salty crunch, while a light drizzle of white balsamic vinaigrette brings it all together.
Photos of Green Salad with Beets, Oranges & Avocado Recipe
While most of these ingredients are quite common, there might be a couple that you don't usually have on hand. Beets are usually found in the produce section of supermarkets and can be either fresh or pre-cooked. The pepitas, or pumpkin seeds, might be located in the nuts and seeds aisle. You can substitute them with any other seeds or nuts if you prefer.
Ingredients for Green Salad with Beets, Oranges and Avocado
Leafy greens: Mostly used as the base for salads due to their nutritional value and crunchy texture.
Oranges: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the salad. Also, their juice can be used in the vinaigrette.
Avocado: Provides a creamy texture and is a good source of healthy fats.
Carrot: Adds a sweet flavor and a crunch to the salad.
Beet: Gives the salad an earthy flavor and vibrant color.
Feta cheese: This tangy, salty cheese balances out the sweetness of the other ingredients.
Pepitas: Roasted pumpkin seeds add a nutty flavor and a crunchy texture.
White balsamic vinaigrette: This dressing combines the tang of vinegar with the sweetness of grape juice, perfect for a bright, fresh salad.
One reader, Cherise Jennings says:
This green salad is a game-changer! The combination of fresh greens, sweet oranges, creamy avocado, and earthy beets is simply delightful. The flavors blend perfectly with the tangy vinaigrette. It's a refreshing and nutritious dish that I'll definitely make again. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required for Making This Salad Recipe
How to prepare the greens: Wash and dry the leafy greens thoroughly before using them in the salad to ensure they are clean and crisp.
How to segment the oranges: Cut off the top and bottom of each orange. Stand the orange upright and slice off the peel and pith, following the curve of the fruit. Then, carefully cut between the membranes to release the orange segments.
How to prepare the avocado: Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh. Slice or dice the avocado as desired for the salad.
How to prepare the carrot and beet: Peel the carrot and beet, then use a grater or a mandoline to shred or thinly slice them for the salad.
How to toast pepitas: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pepitas, stirring frequently, until they are golden and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
How to make white balsamic vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together white balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
How To Make Green Salad with Beets, Oranges & Avocado
Toss up a batch of this wholesome and flavorful green salad! It’s the best refreshing and easy-to-make salad to try out for your next lunch meal.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4cupsleafy greens,like chard, kale, arugula, spinach, or any greens of choice
- 3oranges,small, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 1avocado,peeled, pitted and diced
- 1carrot,large, peeled and julienned
- 1beet,small, peeled and julienned
- ½cupfeta cheese,or goat, crumbled
- ¼cuppepitas,toasted
- ⅓cupwhite balsamic vinaigrette,or any vinaigrette
Instructions
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Add the greens, oranges, avocado, carrot, beets, pepitas, and cheese together in a large bowl.
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Drizzle evenly with the vinaigrette, and toss until the salad is combined and evenly coated.
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Serve immediately, topped with some freshly-cracked black pepper, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 493.90kcal
- Fat: 32.19g
- Saturated Fat: 9.33g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 14.65g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.96g
- Carbohydrates: 49.93g
- Fiber: 14.54g
- Sugar: 27.09g
- Protein: 14.59g
- Cholesterol: 33.38mg
- Sodium: 896.02mg
- Calcium: 302.34mg
- Potassium: 1219.69mg
- Iron: 2.69mg
- Vitamin A: 331.02µg
- Vitamin C: 119.92mg
Pro Tip for Perfectly Slicing Beets and Oranges
When preparing the beets, it's important to roast them first to bring out their natural sweetness. To do this, wrap the beets in aluminum foil and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about an hour. Once they're cool enough to handle, the skin should peel off easily. This will add a depth of flavor to your salad that raw beets simply can't provide.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Beet, Orange, and Avocado Salad
Prep ahead: Chop and store ingredients like beets, oranges, and avocado in advance to save time when assembling the salad.
Use pre-washed greens: Opt for pre-washed leafy greens to skip the washing and drying steps, making the salad preparation quicker.
Multi-task: While the beets are roasting, prepare the other ingredients to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Invest in a good peeler: A quality peeler can make quick work of peeling carrots and beets, saving time and effort.
Organize your workspace: Arrange all ingredients and tools in an organized manner to streamline the salad-making process.
Quick dressing: Prepare the vinaigrette in advance and store it in a jar for easy and quick drizzling when assembling the salad.
Substitute Ingredients For Green Salad with Beets, Oranges & Avocado Recipe
leafy greens - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a great substitute for leafy greens in this salad.
oranges - Substitute with grapefruit: Grapefruit provides a tangy and slightly bitter flavor similar to oranges, adding a unique twist to the salad.
avocado - Substitute with sliced cucumber: Sliced cucumber offers a refreshing crunch and a mild, watery flavor that can replace the creaminess of avocado.
carrot - Substitute with radish: Radishes provide a peppery crunch similar to carrots and add a pop of color to the salad.
beet - Substitute with jicama: Jicama offers a similar crunchy texture and a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that can replace the earthy sweetness of beets.
feta cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a tangy and creamy texture similar to feta, adding a rich and savory element to the salad.
pepitas - Substitute with sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds provide a similar nutty flavor and crunch, adding a delightful texture to the salad.
white balsamic vinaigrette - Substitute with lemon tahini dressing: Lemon tahini dressing offers a creamy and tangy flavor that complements the salad ingredients beautifully.
Plating Ideas for a Colorful Beet, Orange, and Avocado Salad
Elevate the plating: Arrange the leafy greens, oranges, avocado, carrot, and beets in an artful and visually appealing manner on the plate, ensuring each ingredient is showcased beautifully.
Incorporate color contrast: Utilize the vibrant hues of the oranges, beets, and avocado to create a visually striking and appetizing presentation. The contrasting colors will captivate the eye and enhance the overall dining experience.
Emphasize texture: Incorporate a variety of textures by layering the ingredients strategically. For instance, place the creamy avocado slices alongside the crunchy pepitas and tender beet slices to create an enticing textural contrast.
Highlight the freshness: Ensure that the ingredients appear fresh and vibrant, conveying a sense of quality and flavor. This can be achieved by using crisp, vibrant greens and perfectly ripe oranges and avocado.
Garnish with microgreens: Add a touch of elegance and sophistication by delicately placing a few vibrant microgreens on top of the salad. This subtle addition will elevate the overall presentation and add a hint of finesse.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to create a visually striking presentation. Allow the natural colors and textures of the ingredients to shine, using the empty space to enhance the overall aesthetic appeal.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Salad
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen tool that can be used to chop, blend, puree, and mix ingredients. It's great for making salad dressings, pureeing fruits, or chopping nuts.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients and tossing salads. It's a versatile tool that comes in various sizes and materials, such as stainless steel, glass, or ceramic.
Random Fact about Beets, Oranges, or Avocados
Beets, a key ingredient in this salad, are a great source of essential nutrients, including fiber, folate, and vitamin C. They also contain nitrates, which have been shown to have various health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure and enhancing athletic performance. Additionally, the vibrant color of beets adds a beautiful and appetizing touch to any dish.
Is Making This Salad at Home Cost-Effective?
This green salad with beets, oranges, and avocado recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as leafy greens, oranges, avocado, and beets, are generally affordable and readily available. The addition of feta cheese and pepitas may slightly increase the cost, but they contribute to the overall flavor and nutritional value. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20. Overall Verdict: 9/10. The salad offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a healthy and satisfying dish that is budget-friendly.
Is This Salad Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This green salad with beets, oranges, and avocado is a nutritious and well-balanced dish. The leafy greens provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, while the oranges offer a boost of vitamin C and natural sweetness. Avocado contributes healthy monounsaturated fats, which aid in nutrient absorption and promote heart health. Beets are rich in folate, manganese, and nitrates, which can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. The addition of feta cheese provides calcium and protein, while pepitas (pumpkin seeds) offer a good source of magnesium, zinc, and healthy fats.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this salad, consider the following suggestions:
- Increase the variety of leafy greens by incorporating spinach, kale, or arugula to provide a wider range of vitamins and minerals
- Add a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or mint for an extra burst of flavor and antioxidants
- Swap the white balsamic vinaigrette for a homemade dressing using extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard to control the sugar and sodium content
- Include a source of lean protein, such as grilled chicken or chickpeas, to make the salad more satiating and balanced
- Sprinkle a tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseed for an added boost of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber
Editor's Opinion on This Vibrant Salad Combination
This green salad with beets, oranges, and avocado is a delightful combination of fresh, vibrant flavors and textures. The sweetness of the oranges pairs beautifully with the earthy beets and creamy avocado, while the feta cheese adds a tangy kick. The white balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with a light, refreshing touch. The addition of pepitas provides a satisfying crunch, making this salad a well-rounded and satisfying dish. It's a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy, and it's sure to impress your guests with its colorful presentation and delicious taste.
Enhance Your Green Salad with Beets, Oranges & Avocado Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Salad Recipes to Try
Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement This Salad
Why trust this Green Salad with Beets, Oranges & Avocado Recipe:
This green salad recipe offers a delightful combination of fresh, vibrant ingredients. The leafy greens provide essential nutrients, while the oranges add a burst of citrusy sweetness. Creamy avocado and earthy beets bring a rich, satisfying texture, complemented by the crunchy pepitas and the tangy feta cheese. The addition of white balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with its light, refreshing flavor. Trust in the quality and balance of these ingredients to create a delicious and nutritious salad experience.
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