White Bean & Avocado Salad

White Bean & Avocado Salad

serves 2

2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 can white beans (400g / 14oz), drained
1 bag baby spinach
1 avocado
small handful roast almonds

1. Combine lemon juice with 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a large salad bowl. Season generously.

2. Toss drained beans and baby spinach in the dressing.

3. Halve avocado and scoop out bite sized pieces of flesh with a spoon and add to the salad.

4. Divide salad between two plates and serve with almonds sprinkled over.

Prepare Ahead?

Avocado can go brown if prepared in advance and salad will go soggy so best to make just before you’re ready to serve.

Leftover Potential

The salad leaves will wilt and the avocado may brown a little, but some people don’t mind that.

Variations

carnivore – avocado and bacon are great friends. Replace the almonds with some crispy fried bacon or chorizo pieces. Add in a few halved tomatoes for a classic BLT salad.

no baby spinach – just substitute in whichever mixed salad leaves you have on hand.

nut-free – replace the almonds with some halved cherry tomatoes, for colour OR some finely diced red onion for crunch.

mexican salad – replace lemon juice with lime and toss in a little dried or fresh chilli to spice things up.

carb lovers / more substantial – toss in torn sourdough bread.

Waste Avoidance Strategy

lemon – will keep in a plastic bag in the fridge for months.

white beans, almonds – pantry.

baby spinach – best to use for another meal. Can be frozen but will wilt when defrosted.

avocado – use for another meal.

Problem Solving Guide

avocado browned – next time try choosing an avocado that feels firm, rather than squishy and soft. For now just dig out and discard the icky bits as best you can.

too acidic – I’ve intentionally made this dressing quite punchy, but lemons can vary in their strength. If you find it too intense, toss in a little more olive oil to mellow things out.

too bland? avocado needs some seasoning to cut through the fattiness so be generous with the salt and pepper. A little more lemon may also help liven things up.

Serving Suggestions

Wonderful as a simple Summer meal on it’s own. Or serve as a substantial side salad to pan fried fish or roast chicken.

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