This simple Avocado Grapefruit Salad is one of those effortless dishes that highlights natural Caribbean flavors without fuss. Perfect for a light lunch or a fresh appetizer, this salad balances creamy avocado, tangy grapefruit, and a hint of spice, ready in just minutes and ideal for vegan, gluten‑free, and health-conscious diets.
Ingredient Guide
- Avocado: Creamy fruit that adds richness and pairs beautifully with tangy citrus.
- Red Onion: Brings a sharp, crisp bite to balance the avocado’s creaminess.
- Grapefruit: Bright and juicy, its citrus segments provide fresh tartness.
- Scotch Bonnet Pepper: Adds a mild hint of Caribbean heat—seeded for less spice.
- Cilantro: Offers fresh, herbaceous notes that lighten the salad.
- Sea Salt: Enhances all flavors in the dish.
- Black Pepper: Adds a warm, subtle heat to finish.
Shopping Made Easy
- Choose ripe, creamy avocados and ripe grapefruits for better flavor.
- Use a sharp knife or segmenting tool to cleanly remove grapefruit segments.
- Make sure scotch bonnet peppers are fresh; substitute a smaller chili if preferred.
Cooking Notes from the Kitchen
- Slice the avocado just before serving and drizzle with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Segment grapefruit by cutting away peel and pith, then slicing between membranes.
- Thinly slice onion for a slight crunch without overwhelming the dish.
- Seed the scotch bonnet to add controlled heat, or omit completely if you prefer no spice.
Can I omit the pepper for no heat?
Yes, with the seeds removed, the pepper adds gentle warmth, but you can skip it entirely for a mellow flavor.
Is this salad meal-prep friendly?
Best to serve fresh; avocado may brown, and grapefruit juices can make it soggy if stored for more than a few hours.
Can I use lime instead of grapefruit?
Lime juice works for drizzling over avocado, but for grapefruit’s distinct sweetness and texture, fresh grapefruit is key.
What’s a good dressing for this salad?
This salad doesn’t need extra dressing. The grapefruit adds brightness, but a light citrus vinaigrette would also complement the flavors perfectly.
Avocado Grapefruit Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Slice the avocados into wedges. If not serving immediately, drizzle with lemon juice to prevent them from browning.
- Thinly slice the red onion and finely chop the cilantro.
- Segment the grapefruit, removing all peel and pith, and separate the segments.
- On a serving plate, arrange the avocado slices, grapefruit segments, and red onion.
- Sprinkle the chopped cilantro and bird’s eye pepper over the salad.
- Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing Caribbean-inspired salad.
