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
Description
A quick, vegan, gluten-free salad featuring creamy avocado, tangy grapefruit, crisp onion, and a hint of Caribbean heat, accented by the heat of bird's eye pepper, perfect for a quick, healthy meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
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.
Note
If you’re making this recipe gluten free, be sure to go through the entire list of ingredients to ensure they meet with your specific gluten free dietary needs.
