Jicama and Orange Salad

This Jicama and Orange Salad has quickly become a favorite in our house because it's the perfect mix of refreshing, crunchy, and just the right amount of tangy. The jicama gives it that satisfying crunch, while the oranges bring in a burst of sweet citrus, and the avocado makes everything feel creamy and comforting. We love making this on busy weeknights because it's super quick but feels like a special side dish that brightens up dinner. The Tajin sprinkle adds just enough kick to balance out the sweetness, and the lime dressing ties everything together perfectly. Whether you're serving it alongside a grilled chicken or just enjoying it on its own, this salad is light, fresh, and always a hit with the family. And bonus: it's meal prep-friendly, so it's just as good the next day!

The Freshest Salad You'll Want on Repeat

Here are some of our favorite reasons why we love this salad:

• Crisp and refreshing: The jicama and oranges create the perfect balance of crunch and sweetness, making every bite light, fresh, and super satisfying.
• Quick: This salad comes together in just a few minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute get-togethers. No cooking required. Just chop and toss!
• Flavors that pop: The citrus dressing with a hint of sesame oil gives the salad a tangy, nutty kick. Add a dash of Tajin for a zesty finish that brings it all together.
• Meal prep-friendly: This salad is great for meal prep! Make a big batch and store the dressing separately. It'll stay fresh for a couple of days and taste even better the next day!
• Customizable: Swap out avocado for mango if you're craving something a bit sweeter, or add chopped nuts for extra crunch. It's a salad that works with whatever you've got on hand.
• Light yet filling: The jicama, avocado, and edamame make it crunchy and hearty without weighing you down, making it perfect as a light lunch or side dish.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Here are the main ingredients for this salad. Make sure to check the recipe card for the full list of ingredients:

• Jicama: This crispy, mildly sweet root vegetable adds the perfect crunch to your salad. It's like a cross between an apple and a potato. When choosing jicama, look for firm, blemish-free bulbs. If you don't have jicama, cucumber can be a good substitute for similar crunch.
• Oranges: The sweet, juicy citrus adds a fresh, tangy flavor that complements the crunch of the jicama. Make sure to choose sweet, ripe oranges for the best flavor. If you prefer a less sweet option, you could swap oranges for grapefruit for a more tart kick.
• Herbs: Fresh cilantro and mint pack tons of bright, herbal flavor into this salad. If you're not a fan of cilantro, try parsley for a more neutral flavor. As for the mint, you can swap it with basil if you like.
• Tajin: This chili-lime seasoning gives the salad a zesty kick and a touch of smoky heat. It's optional but highly recommended for that extra burst of flavor. If you don't have Tajin, use chili powder or chili-lime seasoning as a substitute.
• Sesame oil: In the dressing, sesame oil provides a warm, nutty flavor that balances the citrus and adds depth to the salad. If you're out of sesame oil, a good alternative is olive oil with a dash of toasted sesame seeds for the same nutty note.

Can I make any swaps to this recipe?

Absolutely! There are so many ways to change up this recipe to make it your own. Here are some of our favorites:

• Tropical fruit: Swap the oranges for mango or pineapple for a sweet, tropical flavor.
• Spicy kick: If you like some heat, add fresh sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
• Creamier dressing: For a richer dressing, blend in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or avocado for extra creaminess.

How to Make a Jicama and Orange Salad

This salad is super quick to whip up! Here’s how to make it:

Step One: Make the Dressing

Whisk together the lime juice, orange juice, sesame oil, and other dressing ingredients until smooth. Taste and adjust if needed.

Pro tip: If you want the dressing a bit sweeter, add a small drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

Step Two: Prep the Salad

Chop the jicama, oranges, avocado, and veggies like cabbage, onions, and cilantro.

Step Three: Toss Together

Combine all the veggies and herbs in a large bowl and pour the dressing over the top. Toss to combine, making sure everything gets coated evenly.

Pro tip: If you're meal prepping, you can store the dressing separately until you're ready to serve, keeping the salad fresh longer.

Step Four: Serve

Top the salad with a sprinkle of Tajin, and serve!

Pro tip: To add texture, you can sprinkle some chopped nuts or crispy chickpeas on top.

Different Ways to Use a Jicama and Orange Salad

This salad is perfect for so many dishes! Here are some of our favorites:

• As a side dish: Serve this jicama and orange salad alongside Grilled ChickenBreast, Grilled Mahi Mahi, or Blackened Steak for a refreshing contrast to your main dish.
• Tacos: Use this crunchy, citrusy salad as a topping for Steak Tacos or Carnitas Tacos.
• Burrito bowls: Add this salad as a fresh, zesty topping to Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls for the perfect balance of crunch and flavor!
• Fajitas: Serve the salad alongside Grilled Chicken Fajitas, Steak Fajitas, or Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas. The citrusy crunch is a great contrast to the smoky, spiced fajitas!
• As a snack: Pair the salad with some Baked Tortilla Chips or crispy pita chips for a light snack that's full of flavor and texture.

Keeping This Salad Fresh and Making Ahead

Learn how to keep this salad fresh in the fridge and make it ahead of time:

Storing: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Make-ahead: You can make the salad up to 2 days ahead (just don't add the dressing until you're ready to serve). Store everything separately for the freshest taste.

Leftover ideas: Use leftovers as a topping for Pork Tacos or Fajita Tacos. Just scoop the salad into a tortilla for a fresh, satisfying meal.