Orange And Onion Salad
A fresh, tangy salad combining sweet oranges, crisp onions, and creamy avocado, perfect for light lunches or as a vibrant side dish with rich meat mains.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak sliced onions in salted ice water while peeling and slicing oranges and avocado.
- Drain onion slices and arrange alternately with orange and avocado slices on top of lettuce leaves.
- Pour French dressing with tarragon leaves over the salad.
- Serve with chili con carne or any rich meat dish.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Orange and Onion Salad, consider adding a sprinkle of salt to the avocado to bring out its creaminess. If you're out of French dressing, a simple mix of olive oil, vinegar, and tarragon can serve as a substitution. For added texture, you might include nuts or seeds, or try using mixed greens instead of lettuce. This salad also complements Mediterranean recipes beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This Orange and Onion Salad pairs beautifully with chili con carne or any rich meat dish, adding a refreshing contrast. You can also serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a lighter meal. For a complete spread, consider offering sides like Herbed Grill Vegetables or a hearty Gazpacho(Cold Soup) to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To keep the avocado from browning, consider squeezing a bit of lemon juice over it before storing. However, the salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the dressing can cause the lettuce to wilt if stored for too long.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange And Onion Salad contains roughly 161 calories, with 12g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (90% of the Daily Value), calcium (44% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 this salad ahead of time?
While you can prepare the components ahead of time, it's best to assemble the salad just before serving to maintain freshness and texture. Slice the oranges and avocado and store them separately in the refrigerator until you're ready to combine everything.
What can I use instead of red onion?
If you don't have red onion on hand, you can substitute it with yellow onion or shallots for a milder flavor. Soaking the onion in salted ice water for a few minutes can help reduce its sharpness, making it more palatable in the salad.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this Orange and Onion Salad is suitable for a vegan diet as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that the French dressing you use is vegan-friendly, or make your own using olive oil and vinegar, along with tarragon for flavor.
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).