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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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? ›

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.

What does grapefruit go well with? ›

Below you can find some of the many different sweet flavors that pair well with grapefruit:
  • Ginger.
  • Mint.
  • Honey.
  • Cinnamon.
  • Mulling spices.
  • Chia seeds.
  • Other citrus (lemons, limes, oranges)
  • Berries (strawberries, blueberries, cranberries)

What flavors compliment grapefruit? ›

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 happens to your body when you eat grapefruit everyday? ›

Grapefruit, like other fruits, provides a good helping of fiber, which can help support: Heart health: Fiber-rich foods can reduce inflammation and ease high blood pressure. Gut health: Fiber helps prevent constipation and encourages beneficial bacteria growth.

Why should you not eat grapefruit everyday? ›

It particularly affects certain anti-cholesterol statin drugs, as well as some medicines used to treat high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats and even allergies. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can cause too much or too little of a drug to stay in the body.

What Cannot be eaten with grapefruit? ›

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).

What to avoid when eating grapefruit? ›

Medicines affected by grapefruit
  • Statins. Statins are medicines that lower your cholesterol. ...
  • Calcium channel blockers. ...
  • Anticoagulants. ...
  • Antiplatelet medicines. ...
  • Ciclosporin and immunosuppressants. ...
  • Entocort. ...
  • Cytotoxic medicines. ...
  • Other medicines.

Can you eat eggs with grapefruit? ›

Generally, people following the grapefruit diet can prepare their foods however they like, including with spices, salad dressings, or butter. Examples of meals include: Breakfast: two boiled eggs, two slices of bacon, and 1/2 grapefruit or 8 ounces of grapefruit juice.

Why don't we eat grapefruit like oranges? ›

Why is eating a grapefruit like you would an orange super weird? It's not that weird, I do it too. It's not the usual way, but only because the skin of each section is tougher than an orange's. Also, most people don't like the way the pith is bitter.

Why can't you eat grapefruit with anxiety? ›

One of the medications that interact with grapefruit is Zoloft (sertraline). The medication is used to treat anxiety, and according to older research, it is known to interact with grapefruit juice. This leads to blocking the enzyme metabolizing the sertraline, increasing the levels in the blood.

What is the healthiest way to eat grapefruit? ›

The grapefruit is very healthy eaten as a snack or as part of your breakfast. You can eat it any way you want: peeled or cut in halves, eighths, or quarters.

What do people sprinkle on 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 do you sprinkle on grapefruit? ›

Many of us consider grapefruit's natural granular mate to be sugar. But it seems generations of Americans were more inclined to pair their grapefruit with another easy-to-sprinkle crystal: salt.

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.

Can you freeze fresh grapefruit? ›

To prepare grapefruit for the freezer, peel it and remove the white, soft, and spongy part of the fruit — also known as the pith. Once peeled, you can freeze whole or cut it into sections. It's also a good idea to remove the seeds at this point by using a grapefruit spoon, as recommended by Eat Delights.

Why was grapefruit the forbidden fruit? ›

Well, the grapefruit was originally called the “forbidden fruit” because in 1750, Reverend Griffith Hughes came upon the grapefruit and called it that while he was looking for the origin of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the Garden of Eden.

What happens if you freeze a grapefruit? ›

According to the FDA, freezing does not destroy nutrients, so your frozen grapefruit will retain most of its nutritional value. While freezing can alter the texture of grapefruit, making it softer than a fresh one, it's perfect for smoothies, sorbets, or as a refreshing addition to water.

How do you store grapefruit for a long time? ›

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.

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