30 Ways to Use Grapefruit, Enjoy the Bold Citrus at Every Meal With Our Recipes for co*cktails, Salads, and More (2024)

If lemons are sour and oranges sweet, grapefruit picks up the slack in between. The popular citrus fruit comes in white, pink, and red varieties and is available year-round. We love to eat it at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Grapefruit shines in dishes both sweet and savory. Enjoy its bright complexity raw in salads, smoothies, and sorbet, or try broiling or baking grapefruit with fish or meat. Don't overlook the potential of grapefruit in desserts, and do not miss its punch in co*cktails and spritzes.

When shopping for grapefruit, choose ones that are heavy for their size, with smooth, rather than bumpy, skin. These are good indicators that the grapefruit will be juicy.

Orange-Vanilla Shake

01of 30

Grapefruit Sorbet

30 Ways to Use Grapefruit, Enjoy the Bold Citrus at Every Meal With Our Recipes for co*cktails, Salads, and More (1)

As refreshing and delicious as it is beautiful, this grapefruit sorbet is the best way we know to end a meal or cleanse your palate. It's spiked with Campari or Aperol for a bitter contrast to its bright flavor.

View Recipe

02of 30

Grapefruit and Honey Margarita

30 Ways to Use Grapefruit, Enjoy the Bold Citrus at Every Meal With Our Recipes for co*cktails, Salads, and More (2)

You'll love how freshly squeezed grapefruit juice pairs with tequila and honey in our lower-ABV margarita. The honey replaces the usual orange liqueur, and it's a taste upgrade we're really on board with.

View Recipe

03of 30

Grapefruit With Pistachios

30 Ways to Use Grapefruit, Enjoy the Bold Citrus at Every Meal With Our Recipes for co*cktails, Salads, and More (3)

Don't be fooled by the short ingredient list—this sweet-and-salty brunch dish packs a wallop.

View Recipe

04of 30

Grapefruit, Salmon, and Avocado Salad

30 Ways to Use Grapefruit, Enjoy the Bold Citrus at Every Meal With Our Recipes for co*cktails, Salads, and More (4)

Sweet-tart grapefruit, buttery avocado, roasted salmon, and crisp greens make a satisfying main dish salad. A super simple lime vinaigrette ties all the flavors together.

View Recipe

05of 30

Honey Zabaglione With Grapefruit

30 Ways to Use Grapefruit, Enjoy the Bold Citrus at Every Meal With Our Recipes for co*cktails, Salads, and More (5)

Red grapefruit segments are stunning against the pale golden yellow of zabaglione. Our take on the classic Italian dessert adds honey and whipped cream to the whipped egg-yolk mixture for a sweeter taste and richer texture.

View Recipe

06of 30

Seared Halibut Tacos With Grapefruit-Avocado Salsa

30 Ways to Use Grapefruit, Enjoy the Bold Citrus at Every Meal With Our Recipes for co*cktails, Salads, and More (6)

Ruby red grapefruit meets avocado, and it's a perfect pairing. This salsa is too good to save for fish tacos and also too good not to serve with them.

View Recipe

07of 30

Strawberry-Grapefruit Smoothie

30 Ways to Use Grapefruit, Enjoy the Bold Citrus at Every Meal With Our Recipes for co*cktails, Salads, and More (7)

Grapefruit and strawberry make surprisingly delicious partners in this antioxidant-packed smoothie. Sweet apple and fresh ginger add extra oomph.

08of 30

Mixed Grapefruit With Ricotta and Cardamom Honey

30 Ways to Use Grapefruit, Enjoy the Bold Citrus at Every Meal With Our Recipes for co*cktails, Salads, and More (8)

Simmering honey with crushed green cardamom pods yields an incredible sauce for colorful grapefruit segments and fresh ricotta.

View Recipe

09of 30

Warm Duck Salad With Caramelized Beets

30 Ways to Use Grapefruit, Enjoy the Bold Citrus at Every Meal With Our Recipes for co*cktails, Salads, and More (9)

Use ruby red or oro blanco grapefruits in this colorful and hearty winter salad. They complement the roasted beets, duck breast, and bright herby sauce.

View Recipe

10of 30

Winter Fruit Salad

30 Ways to Use Grapefruit, Enjoy the Bold Citrus at Every Meal With Our Recipes for co*cktails, Salads, and More (10)

Colorful, crunchy, and fresh, this gorgeous salad is a welcome refresher in the winter. Grapefruit segments, slices of Asian pear, and pomegranate arils are drizzled with honey and sprinkled with sea salt and mint leaves. It’s that simple—and so good!

View Recipe

11of 30

Basil-Yogurt Panna Cotta With Grapefruit Gelèe

30 Ways to Use Grapefruit, Enjoy the Bold Citrus at Every Meal With Our Recipes for co*cktails, Salads, and More (11)

An elegant yet easy dessert that's also naturally gluten-free and no-bake. The grapefruit gelée (think fancy French Jell-O) is chilled until partially set. Then, a basil-infused yogurt is added, so the two elements form pretty swirls.

View Recipe

12of 30

Pomegranate-and-Pink-Grapefruit Punch

30 Ways to Use Grapefruit, Enjoy the Bold Citrus at Every Meal With Our Recipes for co*cktails, Salads, and More (12)

A sophisticated, non-alcoholic punch that looks as good as it tastes. After pouring a grapefruit-lychee juice mix, top each glass with a drizzle of pomegranate syrup and arils that falls to the bottom, giving the drink a striking ombre look. Top with prosecco if you prefer a lightly boozy drink.

View Recipe

13of 30

Black-and-Pink Grapefruit Cookies

30 Ways to Use Grapefruit, Enjoy the Bold Citrus at Every Meal With Our Recipes for co*cktails, Salads, and More (13)

Like black-and-white cookies, only better: pink grapefruit zest gives these cookies a zing, while the fruit's juice and more zest flavor the pink frosting.

View Recipe

14of 30

Grapefruit and Smoked-Trout "Cobb" Salad

30 Ways to Use Grapefruit, Enjoy the Bold Citrus at Every Meal With Our Recipes for co*cktails, Salads, and More (14)

Nutty farro and flaky smoked trout make this elegant take on Cobb salad substantial enough for lunch or dinner. Thinly sliced grapefruit and avocado, crunchy romaine and watercress, and a zingy grapefruit-Dijon vinaigrette complete the dish.

View Recipe

15of 30

Grapefruit and Vinegar-Roasted Beets With Salsa Verde

Contrast makes a simple side dish come alive. Tender, caramelized beets are paired with juicy grapefruit rounds and a briny, herb-packed salsa verde.

View Recipe

16of 30

Spicy Grapefruit Spritz

30 Ways to Use Grapefruit, Enjoy the Bold Citrus at Every Meal With Our Recipes for co*cktails, Salads, and More (16)

This all-ages thirst-quencher gets its heat from thinly sliced jalapeno. Spike it with tequila or mezcal for co*cktail hour.

View Recipe

17of 30

Spice-Rubbed Fresh Ham With Citrus Glaze

30 Ways to Use Grapefruit, Enjoy the Bold Citrus at Every Meal With Our Recipes for co*cktails, Salads, and More (17)

Grapefruit zest goes into the dry rub for this showstopping ham, and grapefruit wedges roasted underneath it make a bright, intensely flavored accompaniment.

View Recipe

18of 30

Salmon Poached in White Wine

30 Ways to Use Grapefruit, Enjoy the Bold Citrus at Every Meal With Our Recipes for co*cktails, Salads, and More (18)

Here, salmon gets a double hit of grapefruit flavor: zest on the fish, and juice-infused hollandaise on top.

View Recipe

19of 30

Vermouth-Grapefruit Sangria

30 Ways to Use Grapefruit, Enjoy the Bold Citrus at Every Meal With Our Recipes for co*cktails, Salads, and More (19)

This low-ABV sipper is superb at brunch (or anytime!). It's a drink for grapefruit lovers, not your usual sangria. Our favorite citrus is juiced, supremed, and thinly sliced into wheels—before it's mixed with vermouth for a crowd-pleasing punch.

View Recipe

20of 30

Bitter Greens, Grapefruit, and Avocado Salad

30 Ways to Use Grapefruit, Enjoy the Bold Citrus at Every Meal With Our Recipes for co*cktails, Salads, and More (20)

This sophisticated salad transforms an assortment of ingredients that includes grapefruit, basil, avocado, poppy seeds, and three types of lettuce (escarole, Belgian endive, and frisée) into a harmonious whole.

View Recipe

21of 30

Veal Scaloppine With Ruby Red Grapefruit

30 Ways to Use Grapefruit, Enjoy the Bold Citrus at Every Meal With Our Recipes for co*cktails, Salads, and More (21)

Grapefruit juice and segments cut the richness of the buttery pan sauce in this weeknight veal dish that's fancy enough for company.

View Recipe

22of 30

Citrus Salad With Pomegranate Seeds

30 Ways to Use Grapefruit, Enjoy the Bold Citrus at Every Meal With Our Recipes for co*cktails, Salads, and More (22)

This showstopper (a Martha holiday brunch original) is worth every minute spent peeling, seeding, and scattering. Tackle the prep in stages—the fruit can be segmented one day ahead, and the full salad stored in the fridge for up to eight hours.

View Recipe

23of 30

Broiled Grapefruit

30 Ways to Use Grapefruit, Enjoy the Bold Citrus at Every Meal With Our Recipes for co*cktails, Salads, and More (23)

A round of blood orange and a caramelized brown-sugar crust make the proverbial "diet plate" anything but plain. You could also dust with confectioners' sugar or add a dollop of yogurt.

View Recipe

24of 30

Warm Grapefruit Tea

30 Ways to Use Grapefruit, Enjoy the Bold Citrus at Every Meal With Our Recipes for co*cktails, Salads, and More (24)

Freshly squeezed ruby red juice is sweetened with honey and infused with cinnamon and allspice. Enjoy this noncaffeinated tea before bed, to soothe a cold, or as an invigorating alternative to spiced apple cider.

View Recipe

25of 30

Lillet Rose Spring co*cktail

30 Ways to Use Grapefruit, Enjoy the Bold Citrus at Every Meal With Our Recipes for co*cktails, Salads, and More (25)

For extra-special occasions, nothing suits like a signature drink. If the edible flowers don't sell you, the base of grapefruit juice, gin, and Lillet Rosé will leave no doubts. (The White Nixon is another favorite.)

View Recipe

26of 30

Miniature Grapefruit Souffles with Ginger

30 Ways to Use Grapefruit, Enjoy the Bold Citrus at Every Meal With Our Recipes for co*cktails, Salads, and More (26)

Fresh ginger and Greek yogurt liven up these single-serving soufflés, while sugar and egg yolks tame grapefruit's trademark bite. The result is a balanced, sophisticated, and memorable dessert.

View Recipe

27of 30

Jasmine Shortbread Sandwiches With Grapefruit Curd

30 Ways to Use Grapefruit, Enjoy the Bold Citrus at Every Meal With Our Recipes for co*cktails, Salads, and More (27)

Homemade grapefruit curd is heaven on fragrant jasmine shortbread—but don't stop there. Try it on toast or stir it into yogurt for a snack that feels like a treat.

View Recipe

28of 30

Seared Scallops with Shaved Fennel, Cucumber, and Grapefruit

30 Ways to Use Grapefruit, Enjoy the Bold Citrus at Every Meal With Our Recipes for co*cktails, Salads, and More (28)

This upside-down salad anchors itself atop tender pan-seared scallops. Zest, juice, and chunks of grapefruit as garnish ensure bright flavor in every bite.

View Recipe

29of 30

Watercress, Pink Grapefruit, and Walnut Salad

30 Ways to Use Grapefruit, Enjoy the Bold Citrus at Every Meal With Our Recipes for co*cktails, Salads, and More (29)

A sesame-lime vinaigrette lends this tangle of watercress an Asian flair, while the grapefruit adds its lively punch.

View Recipe

30of 30

Grapefruit and Mint Mojito

30 Ways to Use Grapefruit, Enjoy the Bold Citrus at Every Meal With Our Recipes for co*cktails, Salads, and More (30)

The classic mojito gets a tart update from grapefruit-infused rum. Add splashes of mint syrup and seltzer, and you'll wonder why you ever had this co*cktail any other way.

View Recipe

30 Ways to Use Grapefruit, Enjoy the Bold Citrus at Every Meal With Our Recipes for co*cktails, Salads, and More (2024)

FAQs

What can I do with an abundance of grapefruit? ›

I had a similar issue this summer, here's how I used them:
  1. juice in greyhounds.
  2. grapefruit curd on toast and in grapefruit meringue pie. ...
  3. salads— grapefruit rhymes well with avocado, salad greens, watercress, and almonds.
  4. vinaigrette with mirin, rice vinegar, and soy sauce.
  5. ceviche with mint.
Jan 6, 2019

What's the best thing to put on grapefruit? ›

Sprinkle the fruit with salt.

Paul Breslin, PhD, professor of Nutritional Sciences at Rutgers University, explains that sprinkling salt on the fruit reduces the tongue's ability to detect bitter compounds like naringin. "When I add salt to it, I then suppress some of the negative notes like the bitter taste," he says.

What is the best sweetener for grapefruit? ›

Salt Is the Secret to Sweeter-Tasting Grapefruit

While it may seem counterintuitive, salt — not sugar — can make grapefruit taste less bitter and more sweet. Sure, sugar can drown out the bitterness and sour flavor if you sprinkle it on thick enough, but salt actually balances these tastes rather than covering them up.

What does grapefruit pair well with? ›

Grapefruit: Pairs well with banana, basil, black pepper, caramel, coconut, ginger, lemon, lime, melon, mint, papaya, pineapple, pomegranate, raspberry, rosemary, strawberry, thyme, tropical fruits, and vanilla.

What are the benefits of grapefruit and ginger? ›

Grapefruit, a citrus fruit that is rich in anti oxidants and vitamin C amongst other nutrients is considered to be one of the best ways to detoxinate one's body. It aids in fat burning & cleansing of the internal system. Ginger is known for its anti inflammatory properties that also aids digestion.

What happens to your body when you eat grapefruit everyday? ›

Grapefruit may boost your nutrient intake, help you fend off hunger, and support your immune system. Proceed with caution if you take blood pressure- or cholesterol-lowering medications. The compounds in grapefruits may affect how your body absorbs those medications and cause severe side effects.

Does grapefruit cleanse the kidneys? ›

Consuming grapefruit may reduce your risk of developing kidney stones, which result from a buildup of waste materials in the kidneys. These waste materials are products of metabolism that are typically filtered through the kidneys and removed from the body in urine.

What not to mix grapefruit with? ›

Some statin drugs to lower cholesterol, such as Zocor (simvastatin) and Lipitor (atorvastatin). Some drugs that treat high blood pressure, such as Procardia and Adalat CC (both nifedipine). Some organ-transplant rejection drugs, such as Neoral and Sandimmune capsule or oral solution (both cyclosporine).

Does grapefruit cleanse the liver? ›

A World Journal of Gastroenterology study says grapefruit is among the helpful foods. It contains two primary antioxidants– naringin and naringenin– that help reduces inflammation and protect the liver cells, saving the liver from injury.

How to lose belly fat with grapefruit? ›

The short answer is no. Though some fad diets make this claim, it's not scientifically possible. Grapefruit does not increase fat metabolism or target fat deposits in the midsection. In fact, no food can do that.

What soda has grapefruit in it? ›

Fresca Original Grapefruit Citrus Soda is a classic beverage that has been delighting customers for decades.

What is the best grapefruit in the world? ›

It's no secret that the Texas Rio Red grapefruit is considered the top grapefruit on the market. Its sweetness and not-too-sour flavor make it the perfect grapefruit to just peel and eat (or segment), as well as for desserts, recipes, and even drinks.

Which grapefruit tastes better? ›

The answer is easy—the deeper the red, the sweeter the grapefruit. Since the Rio red grapefruit is a bold red, it's a no-brainer that these Texas red grapefruits are a perfect sweet treat! If you've ever had white or pink grapefruit, you know they have a more bitter flavor.

What do you call an orange mixed with a grapefruit? ›

An orangelo (Spanish chironja – C. paradisi × C. sinensis) is a hybrid citrus fruit originated in Puerto Rico. The fruit, a cross between a grapefruit and an orange, had spontaneously appeared in the shade-providing trees grown on coffee plantations in the Puerto Rican highlands.

What 2 fruits are crossed to make the grapefruit? ›

Grapefruit is a citrus hybrid that originated in Barbados in the 18th century. It is an accidental cross between the sweet orange (C. × sinensis) and the pomelo or shaddock (C. maxima), both of which were introduced from Asia in the 17th century.

What can you put on grapefruit to make it taste better? ›

To cut the bitterness in grapefruit, you can add something sweet or salty to it.
  1. add cane sugar or brown sugar to it.
  2. drizzle honey on it.
  3. sprinkle salt on it.
  4. mix it with other sweet fruits like bananas, strawberries, kiwi, or mango.

Does grapefruit clean your gut? ›

The Vitamin C in grapefruit will help rejuvenate your body and boost your immune system, but it will also help your body flush out toxins. The fiber in the fruit will help cleanse your colon and digestive tract, which will eliminate your digestive problems.

What color grapefruit is healthiest? ›

Pink and red grapefruit are good sources of beta carotene (a source of vitamin A) and lycopene, an antioxidant "cousin" to beta carotene that has been linked to lower stroke risk. One cup of red or pink grapefruit sections has as much lycopene as a medium 4-ounce tomato. That's all good.

What is grapefruit good for spiritually? ›

Inhaling grapefruit essential oil is said to stimulate the heart, solar plexus and third eye chakras. It helps to cleanse the mind and the aura, and stimulate confidence, intelligence and creativity.

What can I do with a bag of grapefruit? ›

Firstly, here's a couple of quick and easy recipes to make the most of your grapefruit:
  • Grapefruit, mint & ginger dressing (as featured in Good Vibes) ...
  • Quick grapefruit curd. ...
  • Here's a recipe from a national legend for Grapefruit marmalade with cardamom, turmeric & ginger that sounds divine.
Sep 16, 2023

Can I freeze grapefruit? ›

You can also freeze segmented grapefruits for smoothies. Freeze them in flat layers first, and when frozen, store in a resealable freezer bag.

How to preserve grapefruit? ›

Preserved Grapefruit: Peel and de-pith grapefruit segments. Cover the bottom of a jar with a layer of sea salt, then layer grapefruit wedges and a teaspoon each of salt and sugar, repeating until you reach the top of the jar. Top with grapefruit juice, shake and let sit for two days then enjoy!

What is the best storage for grapefruit? ›

Storing a grapefruit:

Store it at room temperature if you plan to eat the fruit soon, because citrus fruits are always juicier when slightly warm. If planning to store grapefruit for a longer period, place the fruit in a plastic bag and store in your fridge crisper. Stored this way, grapefruits will last up to 6 weeks.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rubie Ullrich

Last Updated:

Views: 6344

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (52 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rubie Ullrich

Birthday: 1998-02-02

Address: 743 Stoltenberg Center, Genovevaville, NJ 59925-3119

Phone: +2202978377583

Job: Administration Engineer

Hobby: Surfing, Sailing, Listening to music, Web surfing, Kitesurfing, Geocaching, Backpacking

Introduction: My name is Rubie Ullrich, I am a enthusiastic, perfect, tender, vivacious, talented, famous, delightful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.