Grapefruit Salad with Cilantro and Goat Cheese is refreshing and tart, with mixed greens, herbs and creamy goat cheese, all topped with a citrusy cilantro dressing. It’s great as a side salad or add some protein to make it an entrée!
Truth time. While I’ve been eating this salad on repeat all week, I’ve never been much of a fan of grapefruit. I mean, I love the smell of grapefruit, and enjoy grapefruit flavoured beverages, but to sit down and eat a full grapefruit just never occurred to me.
It was one of those things I tried as a child, and thought it tasted like germs, so I’ve avoided it as an adult.
I also avoided cilantro until a few years ago because, like some people, it tasted like soap to me.
But that’s a story for another day. My point is, in adulthood, my tastes have evolved. (I would say matured, but that might be stretching it!)
Since Christmas, I’ve been in full citrus mode (hello, Cara Cara oranges, I will miss you when you’re gone)!
So in the spirit of devouring all things citrus, I picked up some pink grapefruit to try in a few recipes. To be honest, I just thought they would look great in pictures, and add a nice flair to some cocktails.
And my favourite way to enjoy grapefruit has been in this Grapefruit Salad with Cilantro and Goat Cheese. The refreshing and tart taste of the grapefruit pairs nicely with the citrusy cilantro and other herbs. And the creaminess of the goat cheese and crunch from the red onion, add contrasting textures to this salad.
The best part – this one is so quick and easy to whip up, and makes a great side salad, or full entrée if you add some protein.
Add a slice of grapefruit to the top and enjoy it as a two-bite appetizer or snack. While some cheeses don’t pair well with citrus, soft cheese like goat cheese works well to offset the acidity. You can try your favorite cheese (feta is another popular option) but goat cheese is perfect for spreading on bread.
Some tips for making Grapefruit Salad with Cilantro and Goat Cheese:
- I used a fresh herb mix that included baby lettuce, red and green chard, arugula, radicchio, parsley, dill, celery leaves and cilantro. If you can’t find a herb mix to purchase, you can make your own by using whatever greens and herbs you have on hand.
- The recipe calls for extra cilantro (in addition to the herb mix). If this flavour is too overpowering for you, just leave out the extra cilantro or substitute more parsley.
- I thinly sliced the grapefruit with the skin on, and added them to the salad in a more decorative way. You can absolutely peel the grapefruit, and add slices or chunks to the salad.
- The salad is topped with a simple cilantro dressing made with fresh cilantro, extra virgin olive oil, fresh grapefruit juice, honey and white wine vinegar. Again, if cilantro is not your thing, you can add parsley, but just note it will change the taste.
- For a dairy-free version of this salad, you can use avocado instead of goat cheese. It will replace the creamy texture of the cheese, and also add some healthy fats.
If you make this Grapefruit Salad, I would love to hear about it in the comments below. Or take a pic and share it on Instagram by tagging @crumbtopbaking.
And if you’re looking for other refreshing salad recipes, you can always check out the following on Crumb Top Baking:
Here’s What Happens When You Eat Grapefruit Every Day
FAQ
What cheese goes best with citrus?
What can I eat with grapefruit?
What are some good combinations of cheese and fruit?
Here are some interesting combinations that highlight several different flavors and characteristics of both the cheese and the fruit: Strawberries and Ricotta. This one is another classic, but is so good I had to include it.
Can I substitute gruyere cheese with cottage cheese?
Gruyere cheese is hard whereas cottage cheese is soft. Depending on what dishes you would like to make. They both have different textures and tastes. In terms of nutrients, cottage cheese has much lower calorie and fat content compared to Gruyere cheese. So, it will be dependent on the use of the substitution.
What cheese goes well with cranberries?
Cranberries and mozzarella. Cranberries are tart and have a great crunch to them, while mozzarella is smooth and creamy. The perfect pairing, especially since neither one has intensely bold flavors that take over. Blueberries and feta. Feta cheese has a distinct flavor, but luckily, blueberries are mild enough to take on some of the tanginess.
What to eat with pink grapefruit?
Whether you’re looking to take a scallop dish to the next level, give a little pep to a simple shrimp salad, or liven up a piece of tilapia or flounder with a fresh grapefruit salsa, there are plenty of ways to incorporate this pink fruit into your next fish-centric meal. Under the Broiler, Baby!