Winter Citrus Salad with Avocado (Printer-friendly)
Refreshing citrus layers with avocado and fennel create a vibrant winter dish perfect for any table.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Citrus
01 - 2 large oranges, peeled and sliced into rounds
02 - 2 blood oranges, peeled and sliced into rounds
03 - 1 grapefruit, peeled and sliced into rounds
→ Vegetables & Fruits
04 - 1 large fennel bulb, thinly sliced (fronds reserved for garnish)
05 - 2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and sliced
→ Dressing
06 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
07 - 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
08 - 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (use maple syrup for vegan option)
09 - 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
11 - 2 tbsp toasted pistachios or slivered almonds
12 - Reserved fennel fronds
13 - Flaky sea salt (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Slice off the top and bottom of each citrus fruit. Using a sharp knife, remove the peel and pith following the curve of the fruit. Slice crosswise into 1/4-inch rounds and remove any seeds.
02 - Layer the citrus rounds on a large serving platter, creating slight overlaps for visual appeal. Alternate varieties for color contrast.
03 - Using a mandoline or sharp knife, thinly slice the fennel bulb. Scatter slices evenly over the arranged citrus. Reserve fronds for final garnish.
04 - Halve avocados and remove pits. Score flesh while still in skin, then scoop out or peel and slice into crescents. Arrange over the salad.
05 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until fully emulsified.
06 - Drizzle dressing evenly over salad immediately before serving. Top with toasted pistachios or almonds, reserved fennel fronds, and flaky sea salt if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It captures the exact moment winter meets spring on your plate
- The dressing takes thirty seconds and makes everything taste alive
02 -
- Avocados oxidize fast, so slice them absolutely last
- The dressing can be made ahead but the salad must be assembled fresh
03 -
- Let the salad sit for five minutes after dressing so the flavors can get acquainted
- Room temperature citrus tastes more vibrant than cold from the fridge