Name: Grapefruit Salad Hero: End Hateful Hunger in 15 Mins
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 to 4 cups fresh arugula; 1 grapefruit, segmented; 1/2 avocado, sliced; 2 to 3 Tablespoons walnuts, chopped; 2 to 3 Tablespoons fresh blue cheese, crumbled; 2 to 3 Tablespoons dried cranberries; 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar; 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon maple syrup; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 1 Tablespoon fresh thyme and/or basil, or 1/2 teaspoon dried, optional

Jump to Recipe

Okay, so listen, you HAVE to try this grapefruit salad! Seriously, the way the juicy, slightly bitter grapefruit bursts in your mouth with the creamy avocado? It’s a match made in heaven! I stumbled on this combo totally by accident when I was trying to use up some leftover ingredients, and wow! Now, it’s my go-to lunch. This grapefruit salad hero is seriously quick – like, ridiculously quick – and so good for you. Plus, you get to whip up a super easy balsamic dressing that just ties everything together. Trust me, you’ll feel like a fancy chef without even trying!

Why This Grapefruit Salad Hero Is a Must-Try

Okay, so why should you make this grapefruit salad, like, right now? Well, for starters, it’s fast! Seriously fast. Plus, it’s so easy even *I* can’t mess it up (and that says a lot!). But the best part? The flavors! Sweet, tangy, savory – it’s all there. Oh, and did I mention it’s actually good for you? Seriously, what’s not to love?

Quick and Easy Grapefruit Salad Hero

Busy weeknights? No problem! This grapefruit salad hero comes together in, like, 15 minutes. Tops! It’s the perfect “I don’t wanna cook” meal.

A Flavor Explosion: The Grapefruit Salad Hero Experience

Wow, the flavors! You’ve got the sweet grapefruit, creamy avocado, a bit of salty blue cheese (yum!), and that tangy balsamic dressing. It’s seriously a party in your mouth!

Healthy and Delicious Grapefruit Salad Hero

Okay, so it tastes amazing, but it’s also good for you. All that grapefruit, avocado, and arugula are packed with good stuff. So you can feel good about eating it. Guilt-free goodness!

Grapefruit Salad Hero Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing grapefruit salad hero. Don’t skimp, okay? Fresh is best! You’ll want:

3 to 4 cups fresh arugula (that peppery bite? Yes, please!)
1 grapefruit, segmented (I’ll show you how to do that, don’t worry!)
1/2 avocado, sliced (gotta have that creaminess!)
2 to 3 Tablespoons walnuts, chopped (or any nuts you like, really)
2 to 3 Tablespoons fresh blue cheese, crumbled (the funkier, the better, in my book!)
2 to 3 Tablespoons dried cranberries (adds a little sweet chewiness)
For the dressing: 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon maple syrup, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, and, if you’re feeling fancy, a Tablespoon or so of fresh thyme and/or basil (or 1/2 teaspoon dried – whatever you’ve got!).

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How to Make Your Grapefruit Salad Hero: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, ready to make this grapefruit salad hero? It’s seriously easy, I promise! Just follow these steps, and you’ll be munching on deliciousness in no time. We’ll start with the dressing, then layer everything together. Don’t worry, it’s a snap!

Preparing the Balsamic Dressing for the Grapefruit Salad Hero

This dressing is seriously the easiest thing *ever*. Just grab all your dressing ingredients – balsamic vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and herbs (if you’re using them) – and whisk them together in a small bowl. Or, if you’re lazy like me, just throw them in a jar and shake, shake, shake! Make sure it’s all mixed up real good.

Assembling Your Grapefruit Salad Hero

Now for the fun part! In a big bowl, layer your arugula, grapefruit segments, avocado slices, walnuts, blue cheese, and dried cranberries. I like to make it look pretty, but hey, it all tastes the same in the end! Then, just before you’re ready to eat, drizzle about 1/4 cup of that balsamic dressing over the top. Don’t drown it! You can gently toss it if you want, but I usually just dig in!

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Tips for the Perfect Grapefruit Salad Hero

Want to take your grapefruit salad hero from “good” to “OMG AMAZING?” Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned. First, chill your grapefruit! Trust me, it makes a difference. Also, make sure your avocado is ripe but firm – nobody likes mushy avocado! And please, please, PLEASE don’t overdress the salad. A little goes a long way! You want to taste all those amazing flavors, not just balsamic vinegar!

Grapefruit Salad Hero Variations: Customize Your Salad

Okay, so you love the grapefruit salad hero, but you’re feeling a little adventurous? Awesome! This salad is totally begging to be customized! Wanna add some protein? Grilled chicken or shrimp would be amazing! Not a fan of walnuts? Try pecans or almonds. Blue cheese not your thing? Feta or goat cheese would be delicious! And hey, if you’re not into arugula, spinach works great too! Seriously, go wild and make it your own!

Serving Suggestions for Your Grapefruit Salad Hero

Okay, so you’ve got your grapefruit salad hero all ready to go. But what do you serve with it? I usually just eat it as is, but if you’re feeling fancy, some crusty bread on the side is always a good idea. Or, if it’s a chilly day, a light soup would be perfect! Seriously, anything goes!

Frequently Asked Questions About Grapefruit Salad Hero

Got questions about this grapefruit salad hero? I got answers! Here are a few things people always ask me:

Can I make this salad ahead of time? Honestly, it’s best fresh. The arugula can get a little sad if it sits too long with the dressing. But, you *can* prep the ingredients – segment the grapefruit, slice the avocado (toss it with a little lemon juice to keep it from browning!), chop the nuts, etc. Just don’t dress it until you’re ready to eat!

What if I don’t like blue cheese? No problem! Just swap it out for something else. Feta is a great option, or even goat cheese. Or, if you’re not a cheese person at all, just leave it out! It’ll still be delicious.

Can I use a different type of citrus? Sure! Orange or blood orange would be yummy. Just keep in mind it’ll change the flavor profile a bit. Grapefruit has that slight bitterness that I love, but experiment and see what you like best!

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Estimated Nutritional Information for Grapefruit Salad Hero

Okay, so here’s the skinny (pun intended!). Each serving of this grapefruit salad hero clocks in around 350 calories, 25g fat, 8g protein, and 25g carbs. But remember, this is just an estimate, okay?

Enjoy Your Grapefruit Salad Hero

Alright, dig in and enjoy your grapefruit salad hero! And hey, if you loved it (and I know you will!), leave me a comment or rate the recipe. Or even better, snap a pic and share it on social media. I wanna see your creations!