Ingredients

Dressing :
2/3 cup light olive oil
1/2 cup white sugar
1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
2 teaspoons minced onion
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1/2 teaspoon salt
Salad :
1 package spring mix salad greens
1 bunch green onions , chopped
1 avocado , chopped
1 green apple , cored and chopped
1 pkg . crumbled goat cheese
1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries
1/2 cup golden raisins
1 can mandarin oranges , drained
1/4 cup seasoned walnuts , or to taste ( optional )
Arizona's warm climate is perfect for cultivating a wide variety of citrus fruits, making them a staple in many local dishes. Gina's Arizona Citrus Salad is a refreshing mix of citrus fruits, spring greens, and tangy goat cheese that's perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner. The juicy mandarin oranges and crisp green apple provide a nice contrast to the creamy avocado and crumbled goat cheese, while the sweet dried cranberries and golden raisins give the salad a nice chewy texture. The homemade poppy seed dressing adds just the right amount of sweetness to tie everything together.

Instructions

1.In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, sugar, orange juice, poppy seeds, minced onion, Dijon mustard, orange zest, and salt to make the dressing.
2.In a large salad bowl, toss together the spring mix greens, chopped green onions, chopped avocado, chopped green apple, crumbled goat cheese, dried cranberries, and golden raisins.
3.Drizzle the dressing over the top of the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
4.Top the salad with mandarin oranges and seasoned walnuts, if desired.

PROS

This salad is packed with nutrients from the variety of colorful fruits and vegetables.

It’s also a great source of fiber and healthy fats from the avocado and walnuts.

The tangy goat cheese adds a nice contrast to the sweet fruits, making this salad a crowd-pleaser.

CONS

The dressing contains sugar, which may be a concern for those watching their sugar intake.

This salad may also be higher in calories if you add the optional seasoned walnuts.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This salad is loaded with healthy nutrients.
The orange juice and mandarin oranges are high in vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and fight off illnesses.
The avocado is high in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
The dried cranberries and golden raisins are a good source of dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion and help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

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