13 Refreshing Grapefruit Salads for Summer

Look, I get it. When someone says “grapefruit salad,” your first instinct might be to run in the opposite direction. It sounds like something your fitness-obsessed aunt would force on you at a family barbecue. But hear me out—grapefruit is basically summer in fruit form, and when you pair it with the right ingredients, it transforms into something legitimately crave-worthy.

I’m talking about vibrant, tangy, sweet-meets-savory combinations that’ll make you forget you’re eating something that’s technically good for you. These 13 recipes range from ridiculously simple to “wow, I’m kind of a chef now,” and every single one hits that perfect balance between refreshing and satisfying. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or trying to impress someone at a potluck, there’s a grapefruit salad here with your name on it.

1. Classic Grapefruit & Avocado Salad

Why It’s Awesome: This is the gateway drug of grapefruit salads. Sweet, creamy, tangy—it’s got everything going on and comes together faster than you can say “summer body.”

Ingredients

• 2 ruby red grapefruits, peeled and segmented
• 2 ripe avocados, sliced
• 4 cups mixed greens
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup toasted pepitas
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Toss your mixed greens onto a large platter or bowl.
2. Arrange the grapefruit segments and avocado slices on top.
3. Scatter the red onion and pepitas over everything.
4. Whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad right before serving.

Why You’ll Love It

The creaminess from the avocado balances out the grapefruit’s tartness perfectly. Plus, those pepitas add a satisfying crunch that keeps things interesting. I’ve made this at least a dozen times, and it never gets old.

2. Grapefruit & Shrimp Salad with Cilantro-Lime Dressing

Why It’s Awesome: Want to feel fancy without actually doing fancy-level work? This protein-packed beauty looks like it came from a bistro menu but takes about 20 minutes total.

Ingredients

• 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 grapefruits, segmented
• 6 cups butter lettuce
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Arrange the butter lettuce on plates or a serving dish.
2. Top with shrimp, grapefruit segments, and cucumber slices.
3. Blend the cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.

Why You’ll Love It

The cilantro-lime dressing is chef’s kiss. It’s bright, zesty, and makes the whole thing taste way more elevated than the effort required. IMO, this is the perfect lunch when you’re trying to eat light but still want to feel satisfied.

3. Arugula, Grapefruit & Feta Salad

Why It’s Awesome: Peppery arugula meets tangy grapefruit and salty feta—it’s basically a flavor explosion in your mouth.

Ingredients

• 5 cups arugula
• 2 pink grapefruits, segmented
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the arugula in a large bowl.
2. Add the grapefruit segments and feta cheese.
3. Sprinkle the toasted almonds on top.
4. Whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, Dijon, salt, and pepper.
5. Toss everything together right before eating.

Why You’ll Love It

Here’s the thing: some people add goat cheese to this instead of feta, and while I respect everyone’s choices, feta is the move here. The crumbly texture and sharp saltiness just work better with the citrus. Trust me on this one.

4. Grapefruit & Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Why It’s Awesome: That poppy seed dressing? Total throwback vibes, but in the best possible way. It’s sweet, tangy, and weirdly addictive.

Ingredients

• 6 cups baby spinach
• 2 grapefruits, peeled and sectioned
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup candied pecans
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• Salt to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine spinach, grapefruit sections, and red onion in a bowl.
2. Top with candied pecans.
3. Mix mayonnaise, vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, and salt until smooth.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss.

Why You’ll Love It

The candied pecans are basically dessert masquerading as a salad topping, and I’m not mad about it. This one’s perfect when you want something that feels a little indulgent but still counts as eating your greens.

5. Grilled Chicken & Grapefruit Salad

Why It’s Awesome: Need a full meal situation? This hearty salad brings the protein and keeps things light at the same time.

Ingredients

• 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
• 2 grapefruits, segmented
• 5 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 avocado, diced
• ¼ cup sunflower seeds
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Chop the romaine and spread it across a large platter.
2. Layer the grilled chicken slices, grapefruit segments, and avocado on top.
3. Sprinkle with sunflower seeds.
4. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
5. Drizzle the dressing over everything.

Why You’ll Love It

This is my go-to when I need lunch that’ll actually keep me full until dinner. The grilled chicken adds substance without weighing you down, and the grapefruit keeps it feeling summery and fresh.

6. Grapefruit, Beet & Goat Cheese Salad

Why It’s Awesome: This one looks like it belongs on Instagram. The colors alone are ridiculously pretty, and the flavor combo is next-level.

Ingredients

• 3 medium beets, roasted and sliced
• 2 grapefruits, segmented
• 4 cups mixed greens
• ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese
• ¼ cup walnuts, toasted
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Roast your beets until tender, then slice them into rounds.
2. Arrange the greens on plates and top with beets and grapefruit.
3. Add goat cheese and walnuts.
4. Combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper in a jar and shake well.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad.

Why You’ll Love It

The earthy sweetness of the beets with the tangy grapefruit is honestly so good. Plus, goat cheese works perfectly here—it’s creamy without being heavy. FYI, roasting beets is easier than you think, and you can do it ahead of time.

7. Asian-Inspired Grapefruit & Cabbage Slaw

Why It’s Awesome: Crunchy, refreshing, and packed with flavor—this slaw is what happens when grapefruit goes on vacation to Southeast Asia.

Ingredients

• 3 cups shredded Napa cabbage
• 2 grapefruits, segmented and chopped
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• ½ cup fresh cilantro
• ¼ cup peanuts, chopped
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon honey

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Toss the cabbage, grapefruit, carrots, and cilantro together in a large bowl.
2. Whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, ginger, and honey.
3. Pour the dressing over the slaw and mix well.
4. Top with chopped peanuts right before serving.

Why You’ll Love It

This is hands-down the best side dish for grilled fish or tacos. The ginger-soy dressing gives it that umami punch, and the grapefruit adds unexpected brightness. Who doesn’t love a recipe that doubles as a conversation starter?

8. Grapefruit & Quinoa Salad

Why It’s Awesome: Meal-preppers, this one’s for you. It holds up beautifully in the fridge and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked quinoa, cooled
• 2 grapefruits, segmented
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cucumber, diced
• ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine the quinoa, grapefruit, tomatoes, cucumber, and mint in a bowl.
2. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Why You’ll Love It

This salad is basically summer in a bowl, and it travels well for picnics or beach days. The mint keeps it feeling fresh and light, while the quinoa makes it filling enough to be a complete meal.

9. Grapefruit & Fennel Salad

Why It’s Awesome: If you’ve never tried fennel raw in a salad, prepare to have your mind blown. It’s crisp, slightly sweet, and pairs beautifully with citrus.

Ingredients

• 1 large fennel bulb, thinly sliced
• 2 grapefruits, segmented
• 4 cups arugula
• ¼ cup shaved Parmesan
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Thinly slice the fennel using a mandoline or sharp knife.
2. Combine fennel, grapefruit, and arugula in a bowl.
3. Top with shaved Parmesan.
4. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and serve immediately.

Why You’ll Love It

Fennel has this refreshing licorice-y flavor that sounds weird but totally works. I was skeptical the first time I made this, but now it’s one of my favorites. The Parmesan adds just enough richness to balance everything out.

10. Tropical Grapefruit & Mango Salad

Why It’s Awesome: This is what happens when grapefruit goes on a tropical vacation and comes back with a tan and a better attitude 🙂

Ingredients

• 2 grapefruits, segmented
• 1 ripe mango, diced
• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
• 4 cups mixed greens
• ¼ cup shredded coconut, toasted
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Arrange the mixed greens on a serving platter.
2. Top with grapefruit, mango, and pineapple.
3. Sprinkle toasted coconut over everything.
4. Whisk together lime juice, honey, and melted coconut oil.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad.

Why You’ll Love It

This salad tastes like a beach vacation, and honestly, sometimes that’s exactly what you need. The toasted coconut takes it over the top—it’s sweet, nutty, and adds an amazing texture.

11. Grapefruit & Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing

Why It’s Awesome: Kale gets a bad rap for being boring, but this tahini dressing situation changes everything.

Ingredients

• 6 cups kale, stems removed and chopped
• 2 grapefruits, segmented
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
• 3 tablespoons tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons water
• Salt and pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Massage the kale with a pinch of salt for about 2 minutes to soften it.
2. Add grapefruit segments, cranberries, and pumpkin seeds to the bowl.
3. Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, water, salt, and pepper until creamy.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well.

Why You’ll Love It

The tahini dressing is creamy, nutty, and makes the kale actually enjoyable to eat. The cranberries add little bursts of sweetness that play perfectly with the tart grapefruit.

12. Grapefruit & Burrata Salad

Why It’s Awesome: Because sometimes you just want to feel fancy AF, and burrata makes everything better. No arguments.

Ingredients

• 2 grapefruits, peeled and sliced into rounds
• 8 ounces burrata cheese
• 4 cups arugula
• ¼ cup pistachios, chopped
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Fresh basil leaves
• Sea salt and cracked pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Arrange the arugula on a large plate.
2. Layer the grapefruit rounds on top.
3. Tear the burrata into pieces and distribute it over the salad.
4. Sprinkle with pistachios and fresh basil.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and honey, then season with sea salt and pepper.

Why You’ll Love It

Look, burrata is basically the food equivalent of a warm hug. When you combine it with bright, tangy grapefruit and crunchy pistachios, you get something that feels indulgent but is still mostly healthy. It’s a win-win.

13. Grapefruit & Edamame Salad

Why It’s Awesome: This protein-packed salad is proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be sad or boring.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shelled edamame
• 2 grapefruits, segmented
• 4 cups baby spinach
• ¼ cup sliced almonds
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine edamame, grapefruit, and spinach in a large bowl.
2. Toast the almonds in a dry pan until golden and add them to the bowl.
3. Whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, and ginger.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together.

Why You’ll Love It

The edamame makes this salad surprisingly filling, and the Asian-inspired dressing ties everything together beautifully. It’s one of those recipes that proves eating healthy can actually taste amazing.

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Final Thoughts

There you have it—13 grapefruit salads that’ll make you actually look forward to eating something fresh this summer. Whether you’re team classic citrus-and-avocado or you’re ready to get adventurous with burrata and fennel, there’s something here for every mood and occasion.

The best part? Most of these come together in under 20 minutes, which means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the sunshine (with a delicious, Instagram-worthy salad in hand, obviously). So grab some grapefruits next time you’re at the store and give one of these a shot. Your taste buds will thank you.