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.
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.
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:
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Winter Citrus Crunch Salad
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Blueberry Peach Quinoa Salad
-
Winter Sunshine Salad with Citrus Honey Dressing
Grapefruit Salad with Cilantro and Goat Cheese
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 side salads
- Category: Dinner; Lunch
Description
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!
Ingredients
For the dressing:
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, packed, stems mostly removed
- 1 medium-sized pink grapefruit, juiced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 tablespoon white wine vinegar
For the salad:
- 4-5 cups greens/herb mix, packed (see note)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, packed, stems mostly removed
- 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 large pink grapefruit, sliced with skin on or peeled and split into wedges (see note)
- 1/2 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.
This is one spectacular salad, Leanne! Love the mix of herbs! Swooning over your photos too! (btw, I would totally eat the grapefruit peel!)
Thanks Marissa! Appreciate it! I haven’t tried eating the peel, but maybe I’ll give that a go next time!
Hhaha.. I have never thought that grapegruit tasted like germs! I wonder what that even tastes like!
This is such an interesting combo! I don’t make nearly enough salad (read: none at all) I especially like the goat cheese in this!
Haha! I don’t know where I got that from. But I remember thinking it ever since I was a child! Some things just stick with you! Hope you give this salad a go!
That herb mix is awesome! Add all the other great ingredients and you have one super tasty salad! P.s. do you eat the grapefruit with the peel?? I could never ever… 🙂
Thanks Nicoletta! I have never tried to eat the grapefruit peel. I just thought it would look pretty in the salad!
What a gorgeous salad! I am huge grapefruit fan, so this is going on our menu for this weekend!! I love every single thing in this salad!
Thanks Pam! I hope it made it to the menu and you enjoyed it as much as we do!
This salad looks amazing. I have never been a big fan of grapefruit either but I may have to try this.
Thanks Terry! It’s definitely worth a try! Hope you give it a chance!
Yummm!!! I have been searching for a new salad to switch up the kale caesar I’ve been eating all winter. I love the flavour combinations you’ve got goin’ on, especially the goat cheese and grapefruit! Can’t wait to taste it 🙂
Thanks Aleta! I’m with you on the kale caesar salad! I’ve been enjoying that one this winter too! But this goat cheese and grapefruit salad was a nice change!
What a beautiful winter salad – yay to the season of citrus fruit! The combination of grapefruit and cilantro is unusual for me, but I bet it’s super delicious. Well done!
Thanks Ben! Loving citrus season! While I’ll be sad to see it go, it means spring is all the closer!
What a fun and refreshing salad, perfect during the citrus season. Thanks for this delicious easy recipe!
Thanks so much Sabrina!
I’ve been living off of citrus (almost!) and grapefruit is one that I’ve always loved. I don’t think it needs sugar to be delicious either. 🙂 This looks perfectly refreshing with the grapefruit and cilantro, and the creamy goat cheese is such a great addition!
Thanks Marcie! I’m with you, I don’t need any sugar on grapefruit to enjoy it! Hope you’re having a great week!
This salad looks so, so good! I love the use of winter citrus for this salad but I REALLY love the dressing with cilantro in it. \
Thanks Sharon! The dressing is really nice on all kinds of salad! I made a beef fajita salad last week, and the cilantro dressing was a great addition!
Sounds refreshing
It really is!
Possibly the best comment I’ve read all week. “Tasted like germs” HAHA! You’re funny! I’ve always loved grapefruit, even as a kid. How have I never added it to salad!? I’ve got to try this – stat! Have a great week!
Hahah! I’m glad you liked that one! It’s just what I always thought it tasted like! Hope you get to try grapefruit in salad some time soon! They really add a nice flavour to greens!
love citrus in salad! definitely ordered a salad with citrus in it once because of only the citrus lol.
Haha! I’m right there with you Heather!
Love grapefruit and cilantro has grown on me and now I’m the biggest fan! Such a refreshing salad, definitely much needed as I look outside and see the blustery snow. Extra goat cheese for me please 😉 Happy Monday!
Thanks Dawn! Cilantro has grown on me too, and I’m so glad it did! And yes, extra goat cheese all around!
This salad looks gorgeous! love all of the elements – the tangy goat cheese, the spicy red onion and of course those grapefruits are beautiful and juicy! I think I would add some grilled chicken to this and call it a day!
Thanks Haylie! Totally agree. Love this salad with chicken or salmon. It makes a filling meal!
This is one gorgeous salad! My family will love it! It’s everything we need as we march through these gray days!
Thanks Annie! We’re definitely in need of some spring-ish salads to get us through the last of winter!
I LOVE grapefruit–but it’s so funny you thought it tasted like germs :). I want to sit down to a huge bowl of this gorgeous salad today. SO GOOD! Have a great week, Leanne!
Haha! I know, it’s a bit funny. Glad I like the taste of them now! Thanks Kelsie!
What a delicious combination Leanne! I love citrus recipes during the winter! A pop of color and so delicious. Getting this one our menu. Happy Monday!
Thanks Mary Ann! The pop of colour is definitely what I was going for to try to brighten up the last of our dreary winter days!