Avocado Grapefruit Salad

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.