Romaine Salad with California Avocado, Orange, and Jicama

Romaine Salad with California Avocado, Orange, and Jicama Recipe - USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

This refreshing Romaine Salad with California Avocado, Orange, and Jicama is a perfect combination of flavors and textures. The citrusy dressing pairs perfectly with the creamy avocado and crunchy jicama, making it a light and delicious salad option.

History

This recipe is inspired by the fresh and vibrant flavors of California cuisine. The combination of citrus fruits, avocado, and jicama is a popular choice in many California restaurants and homes. It's a great way to enjoy the bounty of fresh produce that California has to offer.

Ingredients

3 tbsp orange juice
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp lime juice
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
0.25 tsp salt
0.13 tsp black pepper
pinch of cayenne pepper
0.33 cup olive oil
12 cups baby romaine or lettuce leaves
6 small oranges, peeled and sliced crosswise
0.5 lb (227 g) jicama, julienned
3 california avocados
Shredded mint leaves, for garnish

How to prepare

In a bowl, whisk together orange juice and the next 6 ingredients. Then, whisk in oil and set aside.
Toss romaine lettuce with half of the dressing and divide it among serving plates.
Top each plate with 1 sliced orange, jicama, and 0.5 sliced avocado.
Drizzle the remaining dressing over the plates.
Sprinkle with mint before serving.

Variations

Add some toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
Swap out the jicama for cucumber or radishes for a different texture.
Try using grapefruit or blood oranges instead of regular oranges for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use ripe avocados for the best flavor and texture.

- You can customize the dressing by adding a touch of honey or Dijon mustard for extra flavor.

- Feel free to add grilled chicken or shrimp to make this salad a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is perfect as a side dish for grilled chicken or fish. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and healthy lunch option.

Cooking Techniques

The key to this recipe is in the preparation of the ingredients. Make sure to slice the oranges and avocado thinly and julienne the jicama for a beautiful presentation.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find jicama, you can substitute with cucumber or radishes. You can also use any type of lettuce in place of the romaine.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dressing and chop the ingredients ahead of time, but wait to assemble the salad until just before serving to prevent wilting.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the sliced oranges, avocado, and jicama in a beautiful pattern on top of the lettuce for an eye-catching presentation. Sprinkle with mint leaves for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish. A glass of crisp white wine or a citrusy IPA would also complement the flavors nicely.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The avocado may brown slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this salad contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

This salad is a good source of carbohydrates from the fruits and vegetables. Each serving contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The healthy fats in this salad come from the avocado and olive oil in the dressing. Each serving contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

This salad is not a significant source of protein, with each serving containing approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C from the oranges and jicama. It also provides a good amount of vitamin A and potassium from the avocado.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens, but if you have a sensitivity to any of the ingredients, be sure to check the labels and make any necessary substitutions.

Summary

Overall, this Romaine Salad with California Avocado, Orange, and Jicama is a nutritious and delicious option for a light and refreshing meal. It's packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, making it a great choice for a healthy lifestyle.

Summary

This Romaine Salad with California Avocado, Orange, and Jicama is a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for a summer meal. Packed with fresh flavors and textures, it's a great way to enjoy the bounty of California produce.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer afternoon, and I was visiting my dear friend Mary in California. Mary was known for her exquisite taste in food and had a knack for putting together the most delightful and refreshing salads. As we sat in her sunlit kitchen, sipping on iced tea and catching up on old times, she suddenly got up from her seat and disappeared into the pantry.

A few moments later, she emerged with a platter filled with vibrant greens, juicy oranges, creamy avocados, and crisp jicama. I watched in awe as Mary effortlessly chopped, sliced, and tossed the ingredients together, creating a masterpiece of colors and flavors right before my eyes.

"Try this," she said, handing me a forkful of the salad. The first bite was like a burst of sunshine in my mouth - the sweetness of the orange, the creaminess of the avocado, and the crunch of the jicama all dancing together in perfect harmony. I was hooked.

"Mary, this is amazing! What's in it?" I asked, eager to learn the secret behind this delicious creation.

She smiled and began to tell me how she had learned the recipe from a friend who had traveled to California and brought back the idea from a local restaurant. The combination of romaine lettuce, ripe avocados, juicy oranges, and crunchy jicama was a classic Californian twist on a traditional salad that she had fallen in love with.

As I savored every bite of the salad, I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself. Mary graciously shared the recipe with me, and I made a mental note to recreate this culinary masterpiece for my family back home.

When I returned from my trip, I wasted no time in heading to the grocery store to gather all the ingredients for the Romaine Salad with California Avocado, Orange, and Jicama. As I carefully washed and chopped the romaine lettuce, peeled and sliced the avocado, segmented the oranges, and julienned the jicama, I thought back to my time in California and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with a dear friend.

I tossed the ingredients together in a large bowl, drizzled them with a simple vinaigrette made of olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper, and gently mixed everything together to coat each leaf and chunk with the tangy dressing.

As I took my first bite of the salad that I had recreated from memory, I was transported back to that sunny afternoon in Mary's kitchen. The flavors were just as bright and refreshing as I remembered, and I knew that this recipe would become a cherished favorite in my own kitchen for years to come.

I shared the salad with my family that evening, and their eyes lit up with delight as they tasted the unique combination of sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures. They marveled at how I had managed to create such a delicious and vibrant dish, and I couldn't help but feel proud of myself for mastering a recipe that had brought me so much joy.

From that day on, the Romaine Salad with California Avocado, Orange, and Jicama became a staple at our family gatherings and dinner table. Whenever I make it, I think of Mary and the special bond we share over our love of good food and great company.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that fateful day in California and the discovery of this incredible recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the friendships and memories that food has brought into my life. The flavors and aromas of this salad will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones and the magic of creating something delicious out of simple ingredients.

And so, I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, in the hopes that you too will find joy in the kitchen and create lasting memories with those you hold dear. May this Romaine Salad with California Avocado, Orange, and Jicama bring you as much happiness and fulfillment as it has brought me. Enjoy!