Cool, crispy romaine, smooth avocados and toasty walnuts are dressed with a Dijon mustard vinaigrette in this easy salad.
Late weekend afternoons spent soaking up the sun in the backyard recently has made me realize how a simple change of environment can alter your perspective.
My pace is more leisurely, and my mood greatly improved within minutes of settling into my chair with my stack of magazines, my book and crossword puzzles.
This is what I love about the season; all the time spent outdoors. I’ve taken to eating my meals outdoors as frequently as possible as well. While my al fresco meal of choice will always be an evening picnic at the beach, even a quick meal piled onto a tray and taken to the backyard becomes something special this time of year.
This summertime romaine and avocado salad is a recent example of the type of meal that begs to be enjoyed outdoors. It brings together a delicate balance of light yet rich flavors and crunchy and creamy textures.
It’s swiftly becoming our new house salad and it couldn’t be easier to make. It all starts with fresh, crisp hearts of romaine and ripe buttery avocados which make a delicious team in this salad.
Leafy crispy romaine is torn into coarse bites and tossed with a lively mustard vinaigrette; then luscious, creamy avocado slices join the mix along with fresh chives and lightly toasted walnuts.
The dressing is classically French in nature, made with finely chopped shallots, Dijon mustard and white wine vinegar. I usually do two parts olive oil to one part vinegar and a good dose of mustard since I like it nice and spicy but you can make it mellower by increasing the oil and reducing the mustard.
What results is a bright, kicky dressing and an effortless salad with lively layers of cool romaine, smooth avocado flesh and toasty walnuts, just the thing for a leisurely outdoor lunch or light dinner.

Avocado and Romaine Salad with Walnuts Recipe
A bright, kicky dressing and an effortless salad with lively layers of cool romaine, smooth avocado flesh and toasty walnuts.
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons/ 30ml white wine or champagne vinegar
- 2 teaspoons fresh shallots, finely minced
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 4 Tablespoons/ 60ml extra virgin olive oil
- Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 3 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
Gluten Free, Grain Free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Paleo
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 354Total Fat: 37gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 31gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 76mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 4gSugar: 1gProtein: 2g
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.
Anne says
This salad is delicious! I love the dressing! I made it exactly as directed except I didn't take the time to roast the walnuts which I'm sure would make it even better. The modifications are endless. I think it would be grest with garbanzos, mushrooms, and of course, goat cheese!
Sylvie says
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Denise @ TLT says
How I love summertime and how I love avocado... This salad looks like my perfect dish and can't wait to try it. Compliments for your gorgeous pictures!
JulieD says
I love this...I love avocado with anything but this is just perfect!
Magic of Spice says
What a delicious and delightful salad...perfect for summer!
yumgoggle says
Sylvie, you can always turn anything simple to be really elegant and extraordinary. I love the combination of this salad, the crispiness of romaine and the creaminess of avocado and the crunch and tang of walnut. Just what i need to enjoy the summer heat. Thanks for sharing!