Avocado Mango Arugula Salad with Cilantro Citrus Dressing

A writer has to know his or her audience and learn to listen to what they want. I have noticed that when I post a recipe that is fried, decadent or more rarely, a dessert, it gets a lot of attention and comments. When I post a recipe that is healthier, it gets some attention but less than the fried food. When I post an essay or review, it gets the least attention of all.

But even though fried foods get the loudest response from my readers, salads are pretty popular too. Now that it's Spring and the weather is warmer, we are all going to be eating more salads. This salad is not only healthy, it's super-colorful and beautiful. Creamy green avocado, sweet yellow mango, spicy arugula topped with a zingy dressing of cilantro and citrus.

I like this salad because it just looks....well, it looks happy! It looks like warm weather, fun and smiles - all in a healthy, compassionate package. Serving this salad is guaranteed to induce good moods...and maybe help me feel better that my audience loves me more for my recipes than my thoughts. I guess the way to an audience's hearts is through their stomachs. Enjoy!

Avocado Mango Arugula Salad with Cilantro Citrus Dressing

For the Cilantro Citrus Dressing:

Ingredients
2 Tbs. fresh orange juice
1 Tbs. fresh lime juice
1 tsp. lime zest
2 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbs. fresh cilantro, chopped
1 Tbs. fresh chives, chopped
2 tsp. red wine or apple cider vinegar
Pinch of cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until incorporated.

For the Avocado Mango Arugula Salad:

Ingredients

1 ripe avocado, sliced

1 ripe mango, sliced

½ large or 1 small red onion, sliced

1 red bell pepper, sliced

6 cups baby arugula (or green of your choice)

Directions

Place arugula on serving platter or in salad bowl. Top with slices of avocado, mango, onion and peppers.

Drizzle salads with dressing just before serving. Toss and serve.

The "V" Word: Say it. Eat it. Live it.