Citrus Bliss Spinach Salad with Avocado and Pomegranate
Indulge in a vibrant and refreshing Citrus Bliss Spinach Salad that brings together the creamy richness of ripe avocado, the tart freshness of red grapefruit, and the jewel-like sweetness of pomegranate seeds. This delightful salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a powerhouse of nutrients, making it a perfect choice for a healthy lunch or dinner. As a finalist in Cooking Light's Ultimate Reader Recipe Contest, published in their Jan/Feb 2010 issue, this salad combines colorful ingredients that burst with flavor in every bite. Enjoy a light and zesty dressing that enhances the natural flavors while providing a satisfying crunch from sunflower and poppy seeds. Whether served as a starter or a main dish, this salad will brighten any meal.
N/A
Servings
50
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ripe avocado
1 (peeled and cut into 1/4 inch slices)
Lime
1/2 (juiced)
Fresh baby spinach
6 ounces (washed and dried)
Red grapefruit
8 ounces (sectioned (fresh or canned))
Sugar
2 tablespoons (granulated)
Raspberry vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons (to taste)
Dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Salt
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
Canola oil
1 tablespoon (for dressing)
Poppy seed
1 teaspoon (for dressing)
Sunflower seeds
1 tablespoon (for topping)
Pomegranate seeds
1/2 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the avocado. Peel and slice the ripe avocado into 1/4 inch slices, then brush them lightly with lime juice to prevent browning and add a touch of zest.
2
On each of the six small plates, arrange approximately 1.5 cups of fresh baby spinach as the base.
3
Evenly distribute the avocado slices and vibrant red grapefruit sections on top of the spinach on each plate.
4
In a small bowl, combine the sugar, raspberry vinegar, dry mustard, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until the sugar is completely dissolved.
5
Gradually add the canola oil to the mixture while stirring continuously with the whisk to create a smooth dressing. Finally, gently stir in the poppy seeds.
6
Drizzle about 1.5 tablespoons of the dressing over each salad, ensuring an even distribution for optimal flavor.
7
For the finishing touch, sprinkle each salad with 1/2 teaspoon of sunflower seeds and approximately 1 tablespoon of pomegranate seeds to add crunch and jewel-toned sweetness.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
5g
Carbs
1g
Protein
2g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus Bliss Spinach Salad?
It is a vibrant, refreshing salad that combines baby spinach, ripe avocado, red grapefruit, and pomegranate seeds with a zesty homemade dressing.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main components include fresh baby spinach, sliced avocado, red grapefruit sections, and pomegranate seeds.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 50 calories.
Is the Citrus Bliss Spinach Salad vegan?
Yes, all the ingredients listed, including the dressing, are plant-based and vegan-friendly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the salad and its dressing are naturally gluten-free.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe is designed to be divided among six small plates, serving six people.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 3 grams of fat in each serving.
How do I prevent the avocado slices from browning?
Brush the avocado slices lightly with lime juice immediately after slicing to maintain their green color.
What type of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The dressing uses raspberry vinegar to add a tart, fruity flavor.
Can I use canned grapefruit?
Yes, you can use either fresh red grapefruit sections or canned ones.
How much spinach is needed for the base?
The recipe requires 6 ounces of fresh baby spinach, or about 1.5 cups per plate.
What provide the crunch in this salad?
Sunflower seeds and poppy seeds provide a satisfying crunch to the dish.
How much dressing should be applied to each salad?
Drizzle about 1.5 tablespoons of the prepared dressing over each plate.
What are the ingredients for the salad dressing?
The dressing consists of sugar, raspberry vinegar, dry mustard, salt, canola oil, and poppy seeds.
Where was this recipe originally published?
It was a finalist in Cooking Light's Ultimate Reader Recipe Contest and published in their Jan/Feb 2010 issue.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each serving contains 5 grams of carbohydrates.
Does this salad contain fiber?
Yes, each serving provides 2 grams of fiber.
How much protein is in this salad?
The salad contains 1 gram of protein per serving.
What type of mustard is used for the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of dry mustard.
How should the avocado be sliced?
The avocado should be peeled and cut into 1/4 inch slices.
How much pomegranate seed topping is used?
The recipe uses approximately 1/2 cup of pomegranate seeds in total, which is about 1 tablespoon per serving.
Is there salt in the recipe?
Yes, the dressing includes 1/8 teaspoon of salt.
What kind of oil is recommended for the dressing?
Canola oil is used to create a smooth, neutral-flavored dressing.
How much sugar is in the dressing?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
What is the weight of the grapefruit required?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of red grapefruit sections.
How much lime juice is needed?
The juice from half a lime is used to brush the avocado slices.
What color grapefruit is best for this recipe?
Red grapefruit is recommended for its vibrant color and sweetness.
How many sunflower seeds are used?
A total of 1 tablespoon of sunflower seeds is used, or roughly 1/2 teaspoon per plate.
What is the first step in assembling the salad?
The first step is preparing the avocado by slicing it and brushing it with lime juice.
What is the final garnish for the salad?
The final garnish is a sprinkle of sunflower seeds and pomegranate seeds.