I love it when I open the fridge planning to make myself something only to find that my husband has eaten the ingredients I need. And by "love", I mean I want to pull my hair out a little bit.
{P.S. Did you know that your hair falls out like crazy after you have a baby? I'm talkin' bald spots. Mine is just now starting to grow back, so maybe I'll refrain from the frustrated hair pulling for now.}
But...marriage vows, right?
This Mandarin Avocado Salad is not something I'd normally think to put together, but I was inspired by a salad that I get at a local spot that serves grilled chicken on a bed of greens with avocado, mandarin oranges, red onion and a citrus vinaigrette. Such a refreshing combo, it's hard for me to choose anything else when I visit.
Though my plans were originally to recreate the salad, my hopes were dashed when I discovered that dear husband had polished off the salad greens and chicken. Oh, well... Lucky for him this works just as well! The creamy avocado, sweet mandarin oranges, juicy tomatoes, salty feta and tangy vinaigrette form a harmonious little dish that works well as an appetizer or a light lunch.
Simple, fresh and summery.
I guess the husband managed to avoid the doghouse... this time.
Mandarin Avocado Salad
Ingredients
Vinaigrette
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar {I used Colavita Chardonnay Vinegar}
- 2 tablespoons Orange Olive Oil {or regular olive oil}
- 1 teaspoon juice/syrup from canned mandarin oranges
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Salad
- 1 large avocado peeled, pit removed and cubed
- About ½ cup canned mandarin oranges drained
- About 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- {Optional} Thinly sliced red onion
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
Vinaigrette
- Whisk together all ingredients until well combined and emulsified.
Salad
- Place all ingredients except feta cheese in a bowl. Drizzle with citrus vinaigrette and toss gently to coat.
- Portion out servings and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese.
Notes
Note: If you don't have orange olive oil, you can use regular and add about ½ teaspoon orange zest for orange flavor.