When someone first introduced this Easy Grapefruit Avocado Salad to me years ago, I scrunched up my nose. The combo didn't sound appealing to me. Who knew that this refreshing salad would be so delicious?! Today, it is a salad we return to year after year. We've since added our favorite arugula lettuce and crunchy pistachios to make it a winner in our book. What do you think?

Grapefruit Avocado Salad blends the tangy sweetness of grapefruit with the creamy texture of avocado, topped with crunchy pistachios and a flavorful poppyseed dressing. This salad is a staple for those looking for a nutritious, flavorful meal.
Why We Love This Recipe:
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 15 minutes!
- Versatile: Perfect for a family dinner or for entertaining.
- Light & Fresh: Ideal for a nutritious lunch that won't weigh you down.
If you like this lunch idea, you may also love our Egg and Avocado Salad or our Char-Grilled Peach Salad.
Jump to:
Ingredients
- Arugula: We love this peppery cruciferous green and eat it often.
- Grapefruit: We prefer the red grapefruit variety. They're a bit sweeter!
- Avocado: Make sure to pick a fully ripened avocado. It should be dark brown in color and give a little when you squeeze it.
- Pistachios: We keep a supply of these in our freezer. It is best for long-term storage and they make great salad toppers.
Dressing
- Poppyseed dressing - Slightly sweet and tangy.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Instructions
How to Make this Easy Grapefruit Avocado Salad
Step One: Prepare the Base
Lay out the arugula evenly in a large salad bowl, creating a vibrant green bed for your ingredients.
Step Two: Add the Citrus and Avocado
Distribute the peeled and sectioned grapefruit and sliced avocado over the arugula, arranging them for both taste and presentation.
Step Three: Add Crunch
Sprinkle the crushed pistachios across the salad, adding texture and a nutty flavor.
Step Four: Dress It Up
Drizzle the poppyseed dressing over the salad, and toss gently to combine all the ingredients. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors.
What Can I Substitute in this Recipe?
- Arugula: Swap for baby spinach or spring mix for a milder flavor.
- Grapefruit: Try orange or blood orange for a different kind of citrus twist.
- Pistachios: Pine nuts or slivered almonds would make a great substitute for pistachios.
How Can I Customize this Recipe?
- No lettuce - Many people prefer this salad without lettuce. The grapefruit and avocado can marinate in the dressing and it makes a great.
- Add-ins: Add fennel for a licorice-like undertone.
- Kid-Friendly: Replace grapefruit with mandarin oranges for a sweeter, more kid-approved version.
What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
How Should I Store and Reheat this Recipe?
Best enjoyed fresh, but if needed, store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to one day.
Top Tips
To keep the avocado from browning, add a squeeze of lemon juice over the slices before adding them to the salad.
Add dressing to the salad right before serving to prevent the lettuce from getting soggy.
Best Practices for Meal-Prepping Grapefruit Avocado Salad
We love to meal prep our salads. To add this Grapefruit Avocado Salad into your weekly meal prep, follow these suggestions:
- Portion the Greens: Divide the arugula into daily serving sizes, storing each portion in separate airtight containers.
- Pre-Cut Grapefruit and Avocado: Segment the grapefruit and slice the avocado, placing them in separate containers. To prevent the avocado from browning, lightly coat the slices with lemon or lime juice.
- Separate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Store crushed pistachios in a small, sealed bag or container to keep them crunchy.
- Dressing on the Side: Prepare your poppyseed dressing in advance and portion it into small containers. Add the dressing to the salad only before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
- Optimal Freshness: Since both grapefruit and avocado can oxidize, preparing them closer to the time of consumption is ideal. If preparing days ahead, ensure the avocado is well-coated with citrus juice and sealed tightly.
- Organization: Label your containers by day and meal type (e.g., "Monday Lunch") to streamline your meal routine and ensure you’re grabbing the right container on busy mornings.
More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
Have Leftover Ingredients?
- Are you a grapefruit lover? Try this Bruleed Grapefruit recipe.
- Have extra pistachios on hand? Toss them on top of this Roasted Beet and Mandarin Orange Salad.
In The Mood For a Similar Dish?
- Berry Delicious Summer Salad
- Mouth-Watering Candy Apple Salad with Gorgonzola Cheese
- Orange Citrus Salad
- Mandarin Orange Spinach Salad
More fruit salad recipes you will love:
Recipe FAQs
To make this salad more appealing to kids, consider substituting grapefruit with sweeter citrus fruits like oranges or mandarins, which are generally more kid-friendly due to their sweetness and less bitter flavor.
Yes, Grapefruit Avocado Salad can be a great addition to a weight loss diet. It's low in calories yet high in fiber and healthy fats, which can help keep you feeling full longer. Choose a low calorie dressing as an alternative.
📖 Recipe
Easy Grapefruit Avocado Salad
Equipment
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
Salad
- 5 ounces of arugula
- 2 grapefruits peeled and sectioned
- 1 large avocado peeled, pitted, and sliced
- ¼ cup crushed pistachios
Dressing
- ¼ cup poppyseed dressing
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, spread the arugula as the base.
- Add the sectioned grapefruit and sliced avocado on top of the arugula.
- Sprinkle the crushed pistachios evenly over the salad.
- Drizzle the poppyseed dressing over the salad.
- Gently toss all the ingredients together until well mixed.
- Serve immediately for best freshness.
Notes
- Arugula: Swap for baby spinach or spring mix for a milder flavor.
- Grapefruit: Try orange or blood orange for a different kind of citrus twist.
- Pistachios: Pine nuts or slivered almonds would make a great substitute for pistachios.
Nutrition
This Avocado and Grapefruit Salad is more than just a dish; it's a versatile, healthy option suitable for any occasion. Whether you're looking to impress guests or just want a quick, nutritious meal, give this recipe a try and share your experience with us!
Ensure all produce is thoroughly washed and dried before use to avoid any health issues.
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