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!
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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.
But a few weeks later, I'm sitting around eating grapefruit. Who would have thought?!
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.
Recipe tips
- 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 recipe, I'd love to hear what you think in the comments below!
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📖 Recipe
Grapefruit Salad with Cilantro and Goat Cheese
Ingredients
For the dressing:
- ⅓ cup fresh cilantro, packed, stems mostly removed
- 1 medium-sized pink grapefruit, juiced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ tablespoon white wine vinegar
For the salad:
- 4-5 cups greens/herb mix, packed (see note)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, packed, stems mostly removed
- ½ cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 large pink grapefruit, sliced with skin on or peeled and split into wedges (see note)
- ½ medium-sized red onion, peeled and sliced lengthwise
Instructions
Make the dressing:
- Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend on high until well combined but bits of cilantro still remain.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Just shake or stir before adding to the salad.
Assemble the salad:
- In a large bowl, add the greens/herb mix, cilantro, goat cheese, grapefruit and onion. Add the desired amount of dressing and toss to combine.
Notes
- 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.
- I thinly sliced the grapefruit with the skin on, and added them to the salad. You can also peel the grapefruit, and add slices or chunks to the salad.
- If the extra cilantro is too overpowering for you, just leave it out or substitute more parsley. You can also substitute parsley for cilantro in the dressing, just note it will change the taste.
- If you're prepping this salad in advance, add the dressing to the salad just before serving to prevent the greens and herbs from wilting.
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Nutrition Facts per Serving
Disclaimer
Nutrition information is an estimate only and will vary depending on the substitutions made and the brands used.
Did you make this recipe or have any questions?
I love reading your comments and addressing your questions, so please leave your comments and ratings or questions below!
Kelly | Foodtasia says
Leanne, I love this salad and all its flavors and textures! The grapefruit and goat cheese make such a zesty combination. Can't wait to serve this to my family. I'm sure they'll love it!
Leanne says
Thank you Kelly! I'm a bit obsessed with the cilantro and goat cheese combo lately, and the grapefruit just adds a nice zing!
Marisa F. Stewart says
You've got my mouth watering. It looks so pretty and springlike. And yes, I'm ready for spring. REally, I'm very much like you. The first time I tasted cilantro I couldn't see what all the fuss was about. And grapefruit? Well in my adult years I like it much better than I did as a child. This salad looks like just what I'm looking for to get out of the winter doldrums. We've got the goat cheese in the fridge just waiting to be put to use.
Leanne says
Thanks Marisa! I'm glad you're feeling the spring vibes from this salad. It was definitely what I was going for!
Tammy says
I love the combination of citrus and goat cheese. This salad sounds so delicious and refreshing...perfect for spring gatherings!
Leanne says
Thanks Tammy! It would definitely be a nice side salad for a spring brunch! Great idea!
Donna says
Wow, I would never have thought to pair them, but goat's cheese and grapefruit go perfectly together!!
Leanne says
Thank you! They are a great duo! Hope you get a chance to try it Donna!
Alisha Rodrigues says
We love our salads for dinner to make sure we keep it light and healthy, so, I'm always looking for good salad recipes to try. This one looks fabulous. Love the combination of grapefruit and cheese
Leanne says
Thanks Alisha! I often eat salads for dinner too! They can be so filling when you add the right ingredients!
Anne Lawton says
I love everything about this salad! So healthy and full of delicious ingredients. This will be on my table soon.
Leanne says
Thanks Anne! Hope you enjoy this one as much as we do!
Jenni LeBaron says
I love a good grapefruit salad, especially when it's topped with a bit of creamy goat cheese like this is. Sucha pretty arrangement of flavors and color!
Leanne says
Thanks Jenni! Goat cheese or feta are my go-to salad toppers! The goat cheese just works so well with the cilantro and grapefruit in this one!
Terri says
I have never been a big grapefruit fan either. But given that you weren't either and you've 'evolved'- maybe I can too? But I tell ya, looking at this salad alone, is enough to turn me!~
Leanne says
Thanks Terri! That's so nice of you to say! Hope your taste buds give grapefruit another try! 😉
Kristen says
What a thoughtful combination of ingredients, I absolutely love it! It doesn’t hurt that it’s beautiful too.
Leanne says
Thanks so much Kristen! That's very sweet of you!