Citrus-based salads are so refreshing, and lighten up any meal. This salad was the answer to the dozens of mandarin oranges I had gathered off the tree in my yard. You could substitute regular oranges as well. The mandarins, avocado, and pomegranate seeds are nicely complimented by a dressing of lavender, thyme, and honey.

There’s just something about breaking apart a fresh pomegranate with your hands, scooping out the seeds, and scattering them over a dish. The fruit automatically lightens the dish bringing a burst of freshness both in the form of taste and appearance. To learn how to effectively gather the seeds of a pomegranate see this description from Italian Dish.

Ingredients

• 8 to 10 mandarin oranges
• 1/2 avocado
• 1/3 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 2 Tablespoons cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon freshly chopped thyme
• 1 teaspoon freshly chopped lavender
• salt to taste

Peel the skins off the oranges and arrange the segments on the bottom of a serving bowl. Place the sliced avocado and pomegranate seeds on top of the oranges. Whisk together the rest of the ingredients and pour over the salad.

Serves 4 as a side dish