Orange, Date, and Avocado Salad Recipe for the Month of April

Orange, Date, and Avocado Salad Recipe for the Month of April


### Embracing Easter with Citrus: A Revitalizing Salad Recipe

As the Easter season draws near, many are seeking ways to relish seasonal produce while enjoying time with family and friends. Incorporating fresh flavors into your holiday dishes is best achieved through colorful salads. This article will delve into a delightful citrus salad recipe that showcases the final citrus fruits of the season, along with some exciting links to culinary projects and books to ignite your cooking creativity.

#### The Citrus Salad

This citrus salad is not only aesthetically pleasing but also brimming with taste and nutrition. The mix of sweet citrus, smooth avocado, and crunchy hazelnuts provides a delightful contrast that is ideal for any spring event. Here’s how to prepare it:

**Ingredients:**
– Mixed citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits, lemons)
– Mature avocado
– Toasted hazelnuts
– Sweet dates, pitted and chopped
– Extra virgin olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh bitter greens (like arugula or radicchio)
– Crusty bread for serving

**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Citrus:** Peel and segment the citrus fruits, discarding any seeds. Arrange the segments on a serving platter.
2. **Slice the Avocado:** Halve the avocado, remove the pit, and slice it into thin wedges. Distribute the avocado slices among the citrus segments.
3. **Add the Greens:** Scatter the bitter greens over the citrus and avocado.
4. **Top with Hazelnuts and Dates:** Sprinkle the toasted hazelnuts and chopped dates over the salad to enhance texture and sweetness.
5. **Dress the Salad:** Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
6. **Serve with Bread:** Present the salad with slices of crusty bread to soak up the delightful juices.

This salad serves as an ideal side dish for Easter brunch or dinner, providing a refreshing counterpoint to heavier fare.

#### Culinary Inspirations and Recommendations

While savoring your salad, consider exploring some of the following culinary projects and books that can elevate your cooking endeavors:

– **Popl Burger:** Following the temporary closure of Noma, the team launched Popl, an outdoor burger spot featuring a vegetarian burger crafted from fermented quinoa. Check their Instagram for enticing visuals.

– **To Asia With Love by Hetty McKinnon:** This recent book is filled with uncomplicated noodle dishes that are sure to inspire your weeknight meals.

– **Coming Clean Project Podcast:** Tune in as Luise and her co-hosts discuss the shift to a plant-based diet and explore food toxins in their engaging podcast sessions.

– **David Chang’s Microwave Salmon:** A humorous spin on cooking that has sparked lively online discussions.

– **Rachel Karten’s Newsletter:** For those curious about a career in social media, Rachel’s newsletter offers insightful information and job listings.

– **Heidi Swanson’s Super Natural Simple:** A much-anticipated book that embodies the California lifestyle with stunning recipes.

– **Vegetable Tattoos:** A new edition of this project is on the way, featuring beautiful illustrations by Penelope Dullaghan.

– **Simply Julia by Julia Turshen:** A book that balances creativity and health in its culinary approach.

#### Easter Cooking Tips

If you’re still considering what to prepare for the Easter holiday, here are some extra suggestions:

– **Soups:** Opt for Asparagus & Spinach Soup or Carrot, Tomato & Coconut Soup for a warm starter.
– **Salads:** In addition to the citrus salad, enjoy Grilled Asparagus and Creamy Lemon Quinoa or Spring Celebration Salad.
– **Pies:** Perfect Picnic Pie and Beet & Greens Tart are excellent choices for a savory flair.
– **Chocolate Treats:** Conclude your meal on a sweet note with Chocolate Tahini Cups or Banana, Almond & Chocolate Cake.

With this citrus salad and these culinary inspirations, you’re well on your way to a joyous Easter celebration. Relish the tastes of spring and the company of cherished ones!