Avocado Mango Arugula Salad with Cilantro Citrus Dressing

This has been one of my favorite salads for a few years now, after I had it at a friends dinner party.

When we were invited to an impromptu neighborly pot-luck chili party this week end, I was asked to bring a salad and I new instantly it had to be this one. It fits in perfectly with the Southwestern theme. When it comes to salads it really is all about the dressing. A delicious dressing can transform a plain old plate of lettuce into something really special. This dressing is so bright and delicious and just brings all the other ingredients into perfect harmony. I am so glad I finally got this one onto the blog. You will love it!

Ingredients:

For the Cilantro Citrus Dressing:

2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice

1 teaspoon lime zest

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped

2 teaspoons red wine or apple cider vinegar

1/2 teaspoon honey

Pinch of cayenne

Salt and pepper, to taste

I like to put all the ingredients into a jar with a lid and shake it all until well blended. Taste on a piece of lettuce and adjust seasonings. Set aside.

For the Salad:

1 ripe avocado, sliced

1 ripe mango, sliced

1/2 medium red onion, sliced

1 red pepper, sliced

6 cups (5 ounces) baby arugula (spinach or other spring greens work great too!)

Preparation:

Place arugula on a large serving platter or in a large bowl. Top with avocado, mango, onion and peppers. Drizzle salad with some of the dressing just before serving.You may not need all of it. In my opinion it is better to under dress than over dress a salad. You do not want a big puddle on the bottom Toss lightly and serve immediately. Leftover dressing will keep in jar, refrigerated, for a few days.

Serves 8