Spicy Grapefruit & Cilantro Salsa
A zesty and vibrant salsa that's perfect as a side for lean proteins or as a fresh topping. The combination of sweet-tart grapefruit, spicy jalapeño, and fresh cilantro creates an incredible flavor profile that takes just minutes to prepare.
For 4 servings
Prepare Grapefruits: Using a sharp paring knife, carefully cut off the top and bottom of each grapefruit. Stand the grapefruit on one end and slice downwards, following the curve of the fruit, to remove all the peel and white pith. Work over a bowl to catch any juice.
Segment Grapefruits: Hold the peeled grapefruit over the bowl. Carefully slice along both sides of each membrane to release the individual grapefruit segments, letting them fall into the bowl. Discard the membranes.
Dice Grapefruit: Once all segments are released, roughly chop the segments into 1/2-inch pieces.
Prepare Aromatics: Finely dice the red onion and the jalapeño (ensure seeds and membrane are removed for a milder heat, or leave some for more spice). Coarsely chop the fresh cilantro.
Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the diced grapefruit, red onion, jalapeño, and chopped cilantro.
Season: Add the fresh lime juice, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the bowl.
Gently Mix: Gently fold all the ingredients together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, lime juice, or a tiny pinch of sugar if the grapefruit is particularly tart.
Chill (Optional but Recommended): For best flavor, cover the salsa and refrigerate for at least 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve: Serve chilled as a vibrant side dish, a topping for grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp, or with tortilla chips.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Perfect Grapefruit Segments: To easily remove grapefruit segments, use a small, sharp knife to cut along the inside of each membrane. This 'supreming' technique ensures no bitter pith makes it into your salsa.
- 2Adjusting Spice Level: For more heat, leave some of the jalapeño seeds and membranes intact. For less heat, you can soak the diced jalapeño in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain, before adding to the salsa.
- 3Let Flavors Meld: While delicious immediately, this salsa truly shines after chilling for at least 15-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to deepen and intertwine, creating a more harmonious taste.
- 4Choosing Grapefruit: Both white and pink grapefruits work well. Pink grapefruit tends to be a bit sweeter and adds a lovely color to the salsa.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Creaminess
Fold in 1/2 cup of diced avocado just before serving for a creamy texture and healthy fats.
Sweet & Fruity TwistSweet & Fruity Twist
Incorporate 1/4 cup of diced mango or pineapple for an extra layer of tropical sweetness and texture.
Herbaceous NotesHerbaceous Notes
Experiment with adding a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh mint or basil alongside the cilantro for a different aromatic profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Grapefruit is an excellent source of Vitamin C, which is crucial for immune function, skin health, and acts as a powerful antioxidant.
Antioxidant Powerhouse
The combination of grapefruit, jalapeño, and cilantro provides a wealth of antioxidants that help combat free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body.
Aids Digestion & Hydration
Grapefruit is high in water content and fiber, promoting hydration and supporting healthy digestion, while also being low in calories.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can prepare this salsa up to 4-6 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully, but it's best consumed the same day for optimal freshness and texture.
