Fresh, easy, and satisfying, this avocado romaine salad combines crisp romaine, buttery avocado, and crunchy toasted walnuts with a zesty Dijon vinaigrette.

Avocado Romaine Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette 🥗
Crisp romaine lettuce, creamy avocado, and crunchy toasted walnuts come together in this romaine lettuce and avocado salad, a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying salad that’s perfect any time of day. Tossed in a bright Dijon mustard vinaigrette, this romaine and avocado salad is healthy, versatile, and perfect as a quick lunch salad, a light dinner side, or a make-ahead dish for meal prep.
The buttery texture of avocado pairs perfectly with the nutty crunch of walnuts, while the crisp romaine provides a refreshing bite in every forkful. This easy recipe is ready in just minutes, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or lunches alike. With simple, wholesome ingredients and minimal prep, it’s easy to customize (add cherry tomatoes, beans, or a sprinkle of cheese) yet delicious on its own.
Why You’ll Love This Romaine Lettuce and Avocado Salad ❤️
- Fresh & crisp: The romaine lettuce stays crunchy and vibrant, providing a refreshing base for every bite.
- Creamy avocado: Ripe avocado adds buttery richness that pairs perfectly with the greens.
- Nutty crunch: Toasted walnuts bring texture and flavor.
- Quick & easy: Ready in under 15 minutes with minimal prep, making it a perfect weeknight salad.
- Versatile & customizable: Enjoy it as a side, a light lunch, or a make-ahead salad. Add tomatoes, grains, or protein to make it a hearty meal.

Ingredients for Romaine and Avocado Salad 🥑
For the Dressing:
- White wine or champagne vinegar – adds bright acidity to balance the richness of avocado.
- Fresh shallots, finely minced – for subtle oniony flavor and depth.
- Dijon mustard – helps emulsify the dressing and adds tang.
- Extra virgin olive oil – smooth, fruity base for the vinaigrette.
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper – season to taste.
For the Salad:
- Romaine hearts, torn into bite-size pieces – choose firm, crisp hearts for maximum crunch.
- Fresh chives, finely chopped – adds a bright, oniony note without overpowering.
- Avocados, thinly sliced – slightly soft but not mushy for creamy texture.
- Walnuts, lightly toasted and coarsely chopped – bring crunch, nuttiness, and healthy fats.
Optional add-ins: cherry tomatoes, grains, or protein of choice.
How to Make Romaine Lettuce and Avocado Salad
- Whisk the dressing: In a large bowl, combine vinegar, shallots, and Dijon mustard. Gradually whisk in olive oil until emulsified. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Prep the salad: Tear romaine hearts into bite-sized pieces and add to bowl. Gently fold in the chopped chives and sliced avocado.
- Toss: Toss gently to coat all ingredients.
- Finish: Top with toasted walnuts and serve immediately.
Variations on This Romaine and Avocado Salad
- Add cherry tomatoes for extra color and acidity.
- Add protein like chickpeas, or grains to make it a meal.
- Swap walnuts for almonds.

How to Serve Romaine Lettuce and Avocado Salad
- As a side salad for dinner.
- Alongside sandwiches or wraps for lunch.
- With your favorite protein added to make it a main meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Romaine Lettuce and Avocado Salad
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes — prep the walnuts and dressing ahead; add avocado last.
Can I use other lettuces?
Yes — butter lettuce or green leaf works, but romaine gives the best crunch.
Is this salad vegan?
Yes — naturally vegan and gluten-free.
Can I customize it?
Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes, grains, or protein turn it into a meal.
Wrap Up
With every bite of this romaine lettuce and avocado salad, you get the perfect balance of textures and flavors: crisp romaine, creamy avocado, and crunchy toasted walnuts coated in a bright Dijon mustard vinaigrette. Quick and easy to make, this romaine and avocado salad is healthy, satisfying, and versatile; enjoy as a light lunch, weeknight side, or make-ahead salad. Keep it classic, add cherry tomatoes or toss in grains or protein to make it a complete meal. Whichever way you serve it, this avocado romaine salad is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
More Easy Salads
Avocado and Romaine Salad with Walnuts
Fresh, crisp romaine lettuce and avocado salad with chives, walnuts, and Dijon vinaigrette. Quick, healthy, and full of flavor!
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons/30ml white wine or champagne vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon shallots, finely minced
- 2 teaspoons/10ml Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup/ 60ml extra virgin olive oil
- Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 2 romaine hearts (1 pound), torn into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
- 2 avocados, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup/ 28g walnuts, lightly toasted and coarsely chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk the vinegar with the shallots and mustard.
- Gradually whisk in the olive oil until incorporated and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Add the romaine, chives and sliced avocados, toss well.
- Top with toasted walnuts and serve.
Notes
Dietary Info:
Gluten Free, Grain Free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Paleo
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 153Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 81mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 7gSugar: 2gProtein: 3g
Nutritional information for recipes contained on this website, such as calories, fat, carbs, etc. are only estimates and are not guaranteed to be accurate.

Sylvie Shirazi is the recipe developer and food photographer behind Gourmande in the Kitchen. For the last 10 years she's been making eating more healthfully easy and accessible with gluten-free, grain-free, paleo and vegan recipes that are free from processed ingredients.





jas says
such a simple and delicious salad, gorgeous photography, I can't wait to try it.
Meeta says
Loving this in every way. However with the weather we are having right now it's more like soup we need to keep warm! Love the freshness here!
Nami | Just One Cookbook says
To be honest with you, I'm getting hungry by just your gorgeous photos of ingredients! So fresh and very appetizing!! Of course, the salad... I have everything in my kitchen too so it's really easy to just start preparing...but only it's midnight now. 🙂 Thank you for this recipe Sylvie!
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
Gorgeous salad. I love the use of avocado's and nuts in my salads 🙂
Jean (Lemons and Anchovies) says
I make a variation of this vinaigrette and really do think it's heavenly especially when paired with avocados. I never tire of it. Next time I'll prepare my salad just the way you've done here--I know I'd be very happy with it.
Sihi says
What an elegant salad! Love the picture of the romaine hearts.
Best,
Sihi
Liz says
Oh, this could easily become my house salad, too! So simple and tasty. Beautifully photographed, too~
Sukaina says
I've currently started a love affair with avocadoes as it's one of Hassan's first food. The last love affair was when Maryam started eating solids!!! And I now realise how much I miss them. Currently my favorite outdoor meal is litte finger sandwiches that we can eat out by the pool in our apartment 🙂
Jen @ Jen's Favorite Cookies says
This salad literally has every ingredient that I love in it! This would make a fantastic lunch! Love it.
El says
My kind of salad. Beautiful.