This bright, creamy Orange Avocado Salad brings together sweet mandarin oranges, buttery avocado, and crisp red onion in a simple citrus dressing that tastes like sunshine in a bowl. I first made this salad on a random Tuesday afternoon when I wanted something light and colorful to go with my Easy Homemade Entomatadas Recipe, and it’s been on repeat ever since.
It comes together in under an hour (most of that is just chilling time), uses ingredients you probably already have, and pairs beautifully with any of your favorite dinner recipes like Healthy Turmeric Rice And Chicken or Easy Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet Recipe.
The combination of creamy avocado with tangy citrus is one of those flavor matches that just works. You get healthy fats, a punch of vitamin C, and that satisfying crunch from the red onion and fresh greens.
Why You’ll Love This Orange Avocado Salad
It’s incredibly simple. You shake a dressing in a jar, toss everything together, and chill. That’s it.
It’s naturally colorful. The bright orange segments and green avocado make it look like you tried really hard, even though you didn’t.
It’s loaded with good stuff. Healthy fats, fiber, and over 100% of your daily vitamin C in one serving.
It’s make-ahead friendly. You can prep the salad base in advance and add the greens right before serving, which makes it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
It’s versatile. This refreshing avocado citrus salad works as a light lunch, a side dish for Mexican food, or even a topping for grilled fish or chicken.
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Orange Avocado Salad Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this simple Orange Avocado Salad.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities
For the Dressing:
- Fresh orange juice: Adds natural sweetness and bright citrus flavor. Freshly squeezed tastes best, but store-bought works too.
- Fresh lemon juice: Balances the sweetness with a little tartness and keeps the avocado from browning.
- Avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness to the dressing and helps it coat everything evenly. Avocado oil has a mild flavor that lets the citrus shine.
- Granulated sugar: Just a touch to enhance the natural sweetness of the oranges.
- Kosher salt: Brings out all the flavors and balances the dressing.
For the Salad:
- Mandarin oranges in light syrup: These are already peeled and segmented, which saves you time. Make sure to drain them well so the salad doesn’t get too watery.
- Avocado: Adds creamy texture and healthy fats. Choose a ripe but firm avocado so it holds its shape when you toss the salad.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp, tangy bite that cuts through the richness.
- Lettuce greens: A mix of romaine and spring mix gives you both crunch and tender leaves. You can use whatever greens you like.
How To Make Orange Avocado Salad
Follow these easy steps for the best Orange Avocado Salad.
Make the dressing: Pour the orange juice, lemon juice, oil, sugar, and salt into a mason jar. Close the lid tightly and shake it hard for about 15 seconds until everything blends together and looks smooth.
Combine the salad base: Add the drained mandarin oranges, diced avocado, and sliced red onion to a large mixing bowl. Pour the citrus dressing over the top and use a spoon to gently fold everything together. Be careful not to mash the avocado pieces.
Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes. This step lets the flavors meld and the onion mellow out a bit.
Add the greens: Right before you’re ready to eat, add the lettuce greens to the chilled salad and toss gently until everything is coated in the dressing.
Equipment For Orange Avocado Salad
- Mason jar: Perfect for shaking up the dressing quickly and evenly.
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need at least one large bowl for tossing the salad.
- Knife and cutting board: For dicing the avocado and slicing the red onion.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To keep your ingredient ratios just right.
Substitutions and Variations
Different citrus: Swap the mandarin oranges for fresh orange segments, grapefruit, or even blood oranges when they’re in season. Each one brings a slightly different flavor to this fresh orange and avocado salad.
Skip the sugar: If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can leave it out. The oranges and dressing will still taste great, just a little less sweet.
Add protein: Toss in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to turn this into a complete meal.
Different greens: Use arugula for a peppery kick, butter lettuce for extra softness, or spinach for more nutrients.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few slices of jalapeño to the dressing for a little heat.
Extra crunch: Top the Orange Avocado Salad with toasted pepitas, slivered almonds, or crispy tortilla strips right before serving.
Storage Your Orange Avocado Salad
This Orange Avocado Salad is best eaten fresh, but you can prep parts of it ahead. Store the dressed salad base (without the greens) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 hours. The avocado might brown slightly, but the lemon juice helps slow that down. Add the lettuce right before serving so it stays crisp.
If you want to prep even further ahead, keep the dressing separate and store the cut ingredients in individual containers. Combine everything about 30 minutes before you plan to eat.
Serving Suggestions
This light Orange Avocado Salad with citrus dressing goes with so many things. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it:
With tacos or enchiladas: The fresh, tangy flavors balance out rich Mexican dishes perfectly.
As a light lunch: Serve it on its own with some crusty bread or tortilla chips on the side for scooping.
Alongside grilled fish: The citrus notes complement salmon, mahi-mahi, or tilapia beautifully.
With roasted chicken: This creamy Orange Avocado Salad with oranges adds brightness to any simple roasted or grilled chicken dinner.
Expert Tips
Use ripe but firm avocado. If your avocado is too soft, it’ll turn into mush when you toss it. You want it to yield slightly when you press it but still hold its shape.
Slice the onion super thin. Thick chunks of raw onion can be overpowering. Use a sharp knife or a mandoline to get paper-thin slices.
Don’t skip the chill time. Those 30 minutes in the fridge make a real difference in how the flavors come together.
Add greens last. If you add them too early, they’ll wilt and get soggy from the dressing.
Taste and adjust. Everyone’s citrus is a little different. If your oranges are super sweet, you might want an extra squeeze of lemon. If they’re tart, add a tiny bit more sugar.
Why This Orange Avocado Salad Works
This isn’t your typical boring side Orange Avocado Salad. The fresh orange and lemon juice create a naturally sweet and tangy dressing without any fancy ingredients or complicated steps. The avocado adds richness and makes the whole thing feel more like a meal than just lettuce on a plate. And that little bit of chill time? It lets all those bright citrus flavors soak into the avocado and onion, which makes every bite taste more interesting than the last.
It’s the kind of healthy Orange Avocado Salad recipe you can throw together when you need something quick, colorful, and actually satisfying.
FAQ
Can you make an avocado salad the night before?
You can prep most of it ahead, but I wouldn’t recommend making the complete salad more than a few hours in advance. The avocado will start to brown and the lettuce will get soggy. Your best bet is to make the salad base (oranges, avocado, onion, and dressing) and refrigerate it for up to 4 hours, then add the greens right before serving. If you’re making it the night before, store the dressing separately and toss everything together the next day.
Do avocado and orange go together?
Yes, they’re a fantastic combination. The creamy, mild flavor of avocado pairs beautifully with the sweet, tangy taste of oranges. The contrast in textures (smooth avocado and juicy citrus) makes every bite interesting, and the healthy fats in avocado actually help your body absorb more of the nutrients from the oranges. It’s one of those natural flavor pairings that just works.
How long can avocado salad last in the fridge?
An avocado salad like this one is best eaten within 4 to 6 hours of making it. The avocado will start to oxidize and turn brown after that, even with the lemon juice. If you’ve already added the greens, eat it within an hour or two since lettuce wilts quickly once dressed. For the longest freshness, keep components separate until you’re ready to serve.
What not to pair with avocado?
Avocado is pretty versatile, but there are a few things that don’t work as well. Avoid pairing it with very strong, bitter flavors that overpower its mild taste, or with ingredients that have a similar creamy texture (like heavy cream sauces), which can make a dish feel too rich. In this salad, the bright citrus and crunchy onion provide the perfect contrast to the smooth avocado.
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Orange Avocado Salad
Orange and Avocado Salad
A refreshing Orange and Avocado Salad full of vibrant citrus and creamy avocado, perfect as a light meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Method
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Add orange juice, lemon juice, oil, sugar, and salt to a mason jar. Shake vigorously until combined.
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In a large bowl, combine mandarin oranges, avocado, and red onion. Pour in the orange juice mixture and gently stir to combine, taking care not to mash the avocado.
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Cover the bowl and let the salad chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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After chilling, add the lettuce to the bowl and toss gently to combine.
Nutrition
Notes
This salad is a perfect balance of citrusy, creamy, and crunchy textures. It pairs wonderfully with Mexican-inspired dishes, but also makes a light meal on its own.
