If you’re on the lookout for a vibrant, fresh dish that feels like sunshine on a plate, this Green Salad with Beets, Oranges & Avocado Recipe is exactly what you need. With crisp leafy greens mingling with sweet oranges, creamy avocado, and the earthy crunch of beets and pepitas, every bite bursts with a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. This salad is simple enough for a quick lunch but elegant enough to impress at dinner, making it a versatile favorite you’ll keep coming back to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with thin, red-purple sticks of beetroot, piled loosely and showing fresh, slightly wet texture. The beetroot pieces are uneven in length but consistently thin, creating a vibrant and simple look. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface with soft natural light highlighting the deep color and smooth texture of the beetroot sticks. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward, colorful, and pack a punch of texture and flavor. Each one plays a vital role in making this salad both refreshing and satisfying, from the leafy greens to the zesty vinaigrette that brings everything together.

Leafy greens (4 cups): A mix of chard, kale, arugula, and spinach adds vibrant color, nutrition, and a variety of textures.
Oranges (3 small): Peeled and sliced to add juicy sweetness and a citrusy brightness that elevates the salad.
Avocado (1, diced): Creamy and buttery, it provides richness that balances the salad’s sharp and sweet elements.
Carrot (1 large, julienned): Adds a satisfying crunch and a subtle earthiness.
Beet (1 small, julienned): Brings an earthy sweetness and an eye-catching pop of deep, ruby red.
Feta or goat cheese (½ cup, crumbled): Creamy and tangy, it ties together the vibrant flavors beautifully.
Toasted pepitas (¼ cup): Adds a nutty crunch that keeps the salad interesting in every bite.
White balsamic vinaigrette (⅓ cup): Or any vinaigrette you love, it provides a bright, tangy dressing that brings all the ingredients into perfect harmony.

How to Make Green Salad with Beets, Oranges & Avocado Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by peeling and slicing the oranges into gorgeous rounds so their juiciness can shine through. Peel and dice the avocado just before assembling to keep it fresh and creamy. Julienne the carrot and beet into thin, matchstick-like pieces to ensure every bite has that satisfying crunch and earthy undertone.

Step 2: Toss the Salad

Grab a large bowl and combine the leafy greens, orange slices, diced avocado, carrot, julienned beet, pepitas, and crumbled cheese. Drizzle the white balsamic vinaigrette evenly over everything. Now comes the fun part—toss gently but thoroughly until all the flavors meld together and every leaf is lightly coated in that tangy dressing.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately for the freshest experience. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper on top adds a subtle spice that perfectly complements the sweet and savory elements of this Green Salad with Beets, Oranges & Avocado Recipe.

How to Serve Green Salad with Beets, Oranges & Avocado Recipe

A clear glass bowl holds a colorful salad arranged in sections. Starting from the left, there are dark green baby spinach and mixed greens, topped with a small amount of white crumbled cheese and green pumpkin seeds next to it. Moving clockwise, there are small cubes of bright green avocado, followed by round, bright orange slices of citrus fruit. Above the oranges, finely shredded orange carrots sit beside thin, long strips of deep red beetroot. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To take your salad next-level, consider adding a few more toasted pepitas or a handful of fresh herbs like mint or basil. These small touches elevate the texture and add bursts of freshness that keep the palate excited.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, seared fish, or even a light quinoa pilaf. It adds a crisp, refreshing component that complements protein-rich dishes without weighing you down.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, layer the salad ingredients in a clear glass bowl or jug for a stunning visual effect that shows off the brilliant colors. Alternatively, serve in individual bowls, each topped with a beautifully fanned avocado slice and an orange wheel for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover salad, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep the dressing separate if possible to avoid soggy greens and add it just before serving the next day to maintain freshness and texture.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and isn’t suitable for freezing due to the delicate nature of the greens and avocado. Freezing would alter the texture and flavor in a way that wouldn’t do this vibrant dish justice.

Reheating

Since this salad is meant to be served cold and fresh, reheating is not recommended. Instead, prepare enough to enjoy immediately or store the components separately and assemble just before eating.

FAQs

Can I use different greens for this salad?

Absolutely! This Green Salad with Beets, Oranges & Avocado Recipe is flexible, so feel free to swap in your favorites like baby spinach, romaine, or even butter lettuce depending on what’s in your fridge.

What if I don’t have white balsamic vinaigrette?

No worries! You can use any vinaigrette you enjoy. A simple lemon vinaigrette or even a honey mustard dressing can complement the salad nicely, just keep it light to not overpower the fresh ingredients.

Can I add protein to make it a full meal?

Yes, adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas makes this salad more filling and turns it into a wholesome, balanced meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

How do I keep the avocado from browning?

To keep avocado fresh-looking, toss it with a little lemon or lime juice before mixing it in the salad. Also, prepare the avocado right before serving for the best color and texture.

Are pepitas necessary?

While pepitas add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, you can substitute with toasted walnuts, sunflower seeds, or even sliced almonds if you prefer. They all bring extra texture to this vibrant salad.

Final Thoughts

This Green Salad with Beets, Oranges & Avocado Recipe is truly one of those dishes that brings a spark to your mealtime. Its balance of fresh, sweet, creamy, and slightly tangy elements makes it a crowd-pleaser with minimal effort. I can’t wait for you to try it and, trust me, it might just become your go-to salad whenever you want something light, bright, and absolutely delicious.