6 Delicious Ways to Eat More Grapefruit

When it comes to citrus, grapefruits are the most under-appreciated variety that there is. While a handful of folks argue that they’re too bitter to enjoy, I am going to have to agree to disagree on this one—there is no better semi-sweet addition to breakfast or a sunny afternoon snack than a couple wedges of grapefruit. With their rosy pink flesh and unmistakably sweet yet sharply acidic flavor, grapefruits provide an easy way to add a burst of fresh, zesty tang to salads, main course dishes, and desserts. While we’re unopposed to simply grabbing the ol’ serrated grapefruit spoon and going to town, here are some of our favorite ways to show some love to this too-often-overlooked citrus fruit.

It can’t be said enough just how much brighter and tastier a couple hearty slices of grapefruit can make an otherwise lackluster salad. Mixed in with fresh avocado slices, toasted nuts, and a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese, and you’re the proud new owner of a #NotBoringSalad. If you like, you can even go #AllGrapefruitEverything, and add a squeeze of fresh grapefruit juice and zest into your homemade vinaigrette. Now, that’s an efficient use of your produce, people.

Watch Now: How to Make Grapefruit, Avocado, and Prosciutto Breakfast Salad

In the same way that we don’t talk enough about grapefruits, we definitely don’t talk enough about grapefruit juice. IMO, there is no better fruit juice to pair with alcohol than this one. From margaritas to palomas to negronis, there is definitely a time and place for grapefruits mixed with booze. If you’re looking for a tasty beverage sans alcohol, grapefruit juice makes a great base for a refreshing, fizzy soda or lemony sparkler, as well.

Grapefruit Tart image Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Just because “grapefruit cake” might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of fruity sweets does not mean that it’s not a very valid thing to do. Whether it be shortbread-crusted grapefruit tart, a floral pound cake, a nutty sheet cake, or eye-catching pink cupcakes, grapefruit desserts should not be ignored.

While we’re on the topic of grapefruit sweets, let’s just go ahead and gently remind you that this citrusy gem makes for a beautiful bowl of sherbet or sorbet. On that same frozen caliber, you can opt for an impressive grapefruit granita for cocktails or oysters, or you can take your grapefruit into pop-form and make a mean batch of ice pops.

It’s no secret that citrus and seafood go hand in hand, so why not throw some grapefruit into the mix? Whether you’re looking to take a scallop dish to the next level, give a little pep to a simple shrimp salad, or liven up a piece of tilapia or flounder with a fresh grapefruit salsa, there are plenty of ways to incorporate this pink fruit into your next fish-centric meal.

Perhaps one of the easiest ways to consume a grapefruit that we need to have an open conversation about is brûléeing it. In a perfect world, you’d give the interior cut of your grapefruit a simple drizzle of honey and then take out your kitchen torch to finish it off with nice crispy sheen from the flame. However, if a torch doesn’t happen to be a tool that you have stocked in your home kitchen, send your honey-glossed grapefruit halves onto a baking sheet and under the broiler for a few minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as it only takes a couple of minutes for honey to go from perfectly crackly to setting off your fire alarm. The former is way more enjoyable.