Strawberry Orange Avocado Salad ~ A Sure Sign of Spring

Sure signs of spring in my home when I was a child were the appearance of asparagus and this green salad with strawberries, oranges and avocados.  My mother loved this salad and served it often through the early summer months. The flavors are crisp and light and they pair perfectly with meat and poultry, especially those that are grilled and barbecued.  We don't have local berries yet, but those available in the market are sweet enough for this family favorite.  I know you'll like this dressing - it's delicious on spinach salad too.

Strawberry Orange Avocado Salad...from my mom's recipe file

Dressing:

1/2 teaspoon grated orange peel

1/4 cup fresh orange juice

1/2 cup oil

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 green onion, thinly sliced

Salt and Pepper

Salad:

8 cups mixed greens

1 small can mandarin oranges, drained

1 cup sliced strawberries

1/2 medium avocado, cut into cubes

Combine dressing ingredients.  Mix well and refrigerate.

Combine greens and fruits, toss with dressing and serve. Strawberries and avocadoes seem like an unlikely pair, but they work perfectly together.  Occasionally I add a sprinkle of chopped pecans for a little crunch.  Either way...delicious!