Creamy Avocado Spinach White Bean (Printable)
Creamy avocado and white beans atop baby spinach, dressed with lemon-yogurt — a quick, nourishing lunch option.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Base
01 - 4 cups baby spinach leaves, washed and dried
02 - 1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and sliced
03 - 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
04 - 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
05 - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
→ Dressing
07 - 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
08 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
10 - 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
11 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
12 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
13 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Garnish (optional)
15 - 1 tablespoon toasted pumpkin seeds
16 - Additional lemon zest
# How-To Steps:
01 - Spread baby spinach evenly in a large salad bowl as the foundation.
02 - Distribute white beans, avocado slices, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and chopped parsley evenly over the spinach.
03 - In a small mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
04 - Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the assembled ingredients in the salad bowl.
05 - Gently toss the salad with tongs or serving spoons to evenly coat with dressing, or serve with the dressing drizzled on top for a composed presentation.
06 - Top with toasted pumpkin seeds and additional lemon zest if desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The creamy avocado and tangy yogurt dressing taste gourmet but come together in a flash.
- Making it feels like a pick-me-up—especially for busy days when you crave something vibrant, filling, and nourishing.
02 -
- If you add the dressing too early and leave it sitting, the spinach wilts fast—dress just before serving for the freshest taste.
- I once forgot to rinse my canned beans and noticed the salad tasted off—don’t skip that quick rinse.
03 -
- Use a microplane for zesting to avoid bitter lemon pith—this took me three tries to learn.
- Slicing onion extra thin and soaking it briefly reduces sharpness without losing its kick.