15-Minute Cherry Orange Salad
A vibrant salad combining sweet orange segments, tart dried cherries, and creamy avocado over mixed greens. The homemade citrus vinaigrette balances orange and lemon juices with Dijon mustard for a bright, tangy flavor that complements the fruit perfectly. The avocado is lightly dressed separately to prevent browning and maintain its creamy texture. This refreshing salad works beautifully as a light lunch or elegant side dish for dinner parties.
Ingredients
- 10 cups salad greens, mixture of baby spinach and spring mix
- ⅓ cup dried tart cherriesdried cranberries1:1
Similar tartness and texture
- 2 oranges, supremed
- 1 large avocado, cubed
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
Instructions
- 1
Add salad greens to a serving bowl and arrange oranges and cherries over the surface
- 2
Place avocados in a small bowl
- 3
Whisk together orange juice, lemon juice, rice vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper
- 4
Slowly drizzle in oil while whisking continuously
- 5
Taste and adjust seasonings with more salt or pepper if needed
- 6
Drizzle some dressing over avocados and toss gently to coat
- 7
Arrange dressed avocados over the salad
- 8
Toss salad with remaining dressing before serving
Tips
Supreme oranges by cutting away peel and pith, then slicing between membranes for clean segments without bitter white parts.
Toss avocado separately with dressing to prevent browning and maintain the best texture and color.
Good to Know
Keep assembled salad refrigerated up to 2 hours. Store dressing separately up to 1 week.
Make dressing up to 1 day ahead. Prep oranges and greens morning of serving.
Serve immediately after tossing with dressing to prevent wilting.
Common Mistakes
Don't dress the entire salad until serving to avoid soggy greens
Don't skip dressing the avocado separately to prevent browning
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Prepare components separately and store in refrigerator. Assemble and dress just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent soggy greens.
What if I can't find dried tart cherries?
Substitute with dried cranberries, dried blueberries, or fresh pomegranate seeds. Dried cranberries are the closest match for tartness and texture.
How long will leftover dressing keep?
Store covered in refrigerator up to 1 week. Whisk or shake well before using as ingredients may separate naturally.