Old Mission Salad
A vibrant, refreshing salad featuring sweet oranges, creamy avocado, and tangy dressing, perfect for light lunches or summer gatherings with fresh, citrusy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Halve the avocado, remove the pit and peel.
- Slice the avocado into a container of an electric blender; add oil, lemon juice, garlic, sugar, salt, and mustard.
- Cover and whirl until smooth.
- Scrape the dressing into a small serving bowl.
- Pare the oranges, removing rind and white membrane.
- Cut the oranges into 1/4-inch thick crosswise slices.
- Cut the red onion into 1/8-inch slices.
- Line a large chilled salad plate with lettuce leaves.
- Arrange the orange slices overlapping with the onion slices on the lettuce.
- Spoon some of the avocado dressing over the top.
- Garnish with sliced ripe olives.
- Serve with the remaining dressing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dressing, consider adding a tablespoon of Greek yogurt. If you don't have navel oranges, any sweet orange variety will work. For a lighter flavor, replace the vegetable oil with a light olive oil or avocado oil. You can also experiment by adding fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for an extra layer of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal. Serve alongside crusty bread or a light soup to round out the meal. For an even more vibrant flavor, drizzle some Balsamic Vinaigrette over the top before serving. Enjoy as a refreshing side dish at a summer barbecue or a light lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The avocado dressing can be kept for up to two days, but it may brown slightly. To prevent this, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the dressing. Reassemble the salad fresh when ready to serve for best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Mission Salad contains roughly 282 calories, with 1g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2050mg per serving (89% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dressing in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the avocado dressing a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, pressing plastic wrap onto the surface to minimize browning. Give it a good stir before using to ensure a smooth consistency.
What can I substitute for ripe olives?
If you don’t have ripe olives, consider using capers or chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile. Both will add a nice briny kick to the salad and complement the citrus flavors well.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this Old Mission Salad is entirely vegan! The avocado dressing provides healthy fats and flavor without any animal products. It's a great option for those following vegan recipes or looking for a plant-based meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).