12 Grapefruit Recipes, Including Drinks, Salads and Desserts

Citrus salad with grapefuit — John Kernick.

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, is available year-round, and truly shines in sweet and savory dishes. Enjoy its bright complexity raw in salads, smoothies, cocktails, and sorbets, or try broiling or baking grapefruit with fish or meat. Ready to enjoy this winter fruit? Here, find our favorite grapefruit recipes.

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.

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Grapefruit and Honey Margarita

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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02 of 12

Grapefruit, Salmon, and Avocado Salad

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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Pomegranate-and-Pink-Grapefruit Punch

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 fall to the bottom, giving the drink a striking ombre look. Top with prosecco if you prefer a lightly boozy drink.

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Spicy Grapefruit Spritz

july-august-cover-drinks-alt-136-reddrinkhero-d112982.jpg — Christopher Testani

This all-ages thirst-quencher gets its heat from thinly sliced jalapeno. Spike it with tequila or mezcal for cocktail hour.

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05 of 12

Spice-Rubbed Fresh Ham With Citrus Glaze

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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06 of 12

Boozy Red Sangria

Here, strawberries, grapefruit, and lime are macerated in sugar, an orange liqueur like Cointreau or triple sec, and either vodka or tequila. But the key to success? You'll need to let the sangria rest for at least four hours for the best flavor. We promise it's that easy—and so, so good.

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Citrus Salad With Pomegranate Seeds

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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Lillet Rose Spring Cocktail

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.

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09 of 12

Grapefruit, Carrot, and Ginger Juice

This juice will give a healthy kickstart to your day, not to mention its color is a sure way to brighten the mood.

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Pink Grapefruit-White Cranberry Sparkling Punch

Give fresh grapefruit juice an elegant twist with this sparkling punch recipe. Featuring a simple syrup infused with grapefruit zest and bay leaves, this herbaceous libation will make your taste buds sing.

Pink Grapefruit-White Cranberry Sparkling Punch

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Citrus-Vanilla Compote

Brighten up your next cheesecake, French toast, or grilled pork chop with a citrus vanilla compote. If possible, use organic grapefruits and oranges so you can keep the peel on; it will add a delightful flavor and texture.

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Citrus-Zest Lollipops

For a quick, nostalgic treat, look no further. Luminous lollipops, laced with the zest of lemon, lime, and pink grapefruit, will delight kids and grown-ups alike.

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12 Grapefruit Recipes, Including Drinks, Salads, Desserts, and More

Grapefruit and Honey Margarita

Grapefruit, Salmon, and Avocado Salad

Pomegranate-and-Pink-Grapefruit Punch

Spicy Grapefruit Spritz

Spice-Rubbed Fresh Ham With Citrus Glaze

Boozy Red Sangria

Citrus Salad With Pomegranate Seeds

Lillet Rose Spring Cocktail

Grapefruit, Carrot, and Ginger Juice

Pink Grapefruit-White Cranberry Sparkling Punch

Citrus-Vanilla Compote

Citrus-Zest Lollipops

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