Description
A refreshing Raspberry-Spinach Salad featuring creamy avocado, toasted walnuts, and a zesty citrus dressing made with fresh oranges, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. This vibrant salad combines sweet raspberries, tender baby spinach, and segmented orange pieces for a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 1 medium avocado, chopped
- 1 (6-ounce) package raspberries
- 1 (5-ounce) package baby spinach
- 1 orange, supremed (peeled and segmented)
- ¾ cup coarsely chopped walnuts
Dressing
- 2 medium oranges, divided
- 1½ tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the citrus dressing: Using one orange, supremé the segments and set them aside for later. Zest the remaining orange to yield about ½ teaspoon of zest, then juice the same orange to get approximately 2 tablespoons of juice. In a large bowl, combine the orange zest and juice with lemon juice, finely chopped shallot, Dijon mustard, and salt. Whisk thoroughly and let it sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Toast the walnuts: Place the coarsely chopped walnuts in a small skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning and cook until the walnuts become fragrant and golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and set the toasted walnuts aside to cool.
- Emulsify the dressing: While continuously whisking the citrus dressing, slowly pour in the extra-virgin olive oil. Continue whisking until the dressing is fully emulsified and smooth in texture.
- Assemble the salad: Gently fold the chopped avocado, fresh raspberries, baby spinach, and the orange segments reserved earlier into the bowl with the dressing. Toss carefully to evenly coat all ingredients with the dressing without mashing the delicate fruit and greens.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle the toasted walnuts evenly over the top of the salad. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and contrasting textures at their peak.
Notes
- Supremé means peeling the orange to remove all pith and membranes, leaving only the pure fruit segments.
- To avoid browning, toss chopped avocado with the dressing promptly before serving.
- Use fresh baby spinach for the best texture and flavor; avoid wilted or older leaves.
- To toast walnuts evenly, keep stirring and watch closely to prevent burning.
- This salad is best served fresh, as the dressing can wilt the spinach if left too long.
