Fresh Blood Orange Avocado Salad Recipe

Bright, colorful, and full of fresh flavor, this blood orange avocado salad looks fancy but is very easy to make. It’s the kind of salad that feels special without taking much time or effort.

I make this salad often during citrus season. It works well for a quick lunch, a dinner party side dish, or a holiday table that needs something fresh to balance rich foods. Once you try it, you’ll see why this recipe is always a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Blood Orange Avocado Salad

This salad truly checks all the boxes, which is why it’s a favorite in my kitchen.

It’s fresh and vibrant, yet filling thanks to the healthy fats in avocado. It looks beautiful on the plate but comes together in just minutes. Best of all, it’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, making it perfect for serving guests with different food needs.

The mix of sweet citrus, creamy avocado, and peppery greens creates a light but satisfying balance. Even people who don’t usually love salad tend to enjoy this one.

Ingredients for Blood Orange Avocado Salad

This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients. When the produce is good, you don’t need much else.

Blood oranges are the star. They add natural sweetness, bright color, and bold citrus flavor. Ripe avocados bring a creamy texture that balances the sharpness of the oranges. Mixed greens or arugula make a great base and add a light bite.

Thin slices of red onion or shallot add gentle sharpness without overpowering the salad. A simple dressing made with olive oil and fresh citrus juice pulls everything together. You can keep it simple or add extras like nuts, herbs, or cheese if you like.

How to Make Blood Orange Avocado Salad

Start by preparing the blood oranges. Use a sharp knife to remove the peel and white pith, then slice the oranges into rounds or segments. Removing the pith helps keep the salad sweet, not bitter.

Slice or cube the avocado right before serving to keep it fresh and green. Add the greens to a large bowl or serving platter, then layer the blood oranges and avocado on top.

Drizzle lightly with olive oil and fresh citrus juice. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Toss gently so the avocado stays intact, and serve right away for the best flavor and texture.

Best Dressing Options for Citrus Avocado Salad

A simple dressing works best for this citrus avocado salad. The blood oranges already bring plenty of flavor, so there’s no need to overdo it.

Olive oil and fresh orange juice create a clean, light dressing that lets the ingredients shine. If you want a touch of sweetness, a small drizzle of honey works well. For more tang, add a splash of lemon juice or a little Dijon mustard.

The key is balance—enough acidity to brighten the avocado, and enough fat to smooth out the citrus.

Variations and Add-Ins

This blood orange avocado salad is easy to adjust based on what you have on hand.

For protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon can turn it into a full meal. Nuts like pistachios, almonds, or walnuts add crunch and pair well with citrus. If you enjoy cheese, feta or goat cheese adds a creamy, salty contrast.

Fresh herbs like mint, basil, or parsley add extra freshness. You can also swap blood oranges for cara cara or navel oranges if blood oranges aren’t available.

When to Serve Blood Orange Avocado Salad

This salad works for many occasions. It’s light enough for lunch but elegant enough for guests.

Serve it with roasted chicken or fish for dinner, or add it to a holiday spread to balance heavier dishes. It’s also great for brunch, potlucks, or special occasions like Valentine’s Day, when color and presentation matter.

Anytime you need something fresh, colorful, and crowd-pleasing, this salad is a great choice.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This salad tastes best when fresh, especially because of the avocado. If you want to prep ahead, keep the ingredients separate.

You can slice the oranges and wash the greens in advance. Assemble everything just before serving. Tossing avocado with citrus juice can slow browning, but it’s still best added last. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a short time, though the texture will soften.

Freezing is not recommended, as the fresh ingredients do not freeze well.

FAQs