Mint Grapefruit Vinaigrette -This simple grapefruit vinaigrette recipe is one of our staples during the warmer weather! Nothing says summer in our house like citrus fruit paired with fresh mint leaves.
By combining a few simple ingredients, (extra virgin olive oil, grapefruit segments, fresh mint leaves, white wine vinegar, shallots, and grapefruit juice), you can create a unique dressing for green salad recipes and more. One of the great things about this simple grapefruit vinaigrette is it can double as a refreshing sauce for grilled fish and chicken as well!
Making salad dressings from scratch is so easy, and a great way to control sugar and fat in your diet. We chose ruby grapefruit for this recipe, but any large grapefruit will work well! My favorite thing about this recipe is its vegan, dairy, and gluten free!
If you are interested making more of your own salad dressing, try our homemade Italian salad dressing, and hibiscus vinaigrette.
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What You're Going to Need!
- Grapefruit - We selected a ruby grapefruit for this recipe because of its natural sweetness. However, any type of grapefruit will work great!
- Fresh Mint - We grow tons of mint in our garden! But it is readily available in grocery stores.
- Shallot - We like to refer to shallots as a chef's secret weapon! For this recipe you will need a mince.
- Sugar - White granulated sugar, (you could use agave nectar or honey to lower the glycemic index).
- White Wine Vinegar - Using wine vinegar is a great way to add unique flavor to homemade salad dressings (we like to use white balsamic vinegar as well for salad dressings and marinades).
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil - The fruity and herbaceous flavor of extra virgin olive oil is important for this recipe.
- Salt & Black Pepper - As always, season to taste! Flaky sea salt would be very nice in this simple recipe.
See recipe card for quantities.
Recipe
Mint Grapefruit Salad Dressing
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Using a sharp knife cut the ends off of a large grapefruit.
- Set it onto a cutting board with one of the flat sides down. And carefully use a sharp knife to remove the skin and white pith from the grapefruit.
- Once the grapefruit is cleaned, working over a small bowl, use the sharp knife to make cuts next to the white lines on the fruit. Cut on each side and remove the grapefruit segment and place it into the bowl below.
- Once you have freed all of the grapefruit segments, squeeze the remaining fruit releasing the grapefruit juice onto the segments in the bowl.
- Add the shallots, fresh chopped mint leaves, white wine vinegar, and sugar to the bowl containing the grapefruit segments and juice.
- Add the extra virgin olive oil and using a wire whisk, combine the ingredients breaking apart the segments of grapefruit a little bit.
- Serve the vinaigrette on your favorite leafy greens or fish and chicken.
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!How to Make Mint & Grapefruit Salad Dressing
- Using a sharp paring knife, cut the ends of the grapefruit off. Then placing the cut side onto the cutting board, carefully removing the skin the and the white pith.
2. Work slowly and carefully until your grapefruit looks like this one.
3. Working over a small bowl (in order to catch the grapefruit juice) carefully use the knife to make cuts on either side of the white pith lines.
4. Removing the grapefruit segment and placing it into the small bowl.
5. Continue the above process, until all of the grapefruit segments are in the bowl. Then squeeze the grapefruit juice from the remaining fruit into the bowl.
6. When you are finished you should have all of the grapefruit segments and juice in the bowl, as pictured above.
7. Add the chopped mint leaves, minced shallots, white wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, and sugar to the grapefruit juice and segments.
8. Using a wire whisk mix the ingredients together, breaking the grapefruit segments up slightly (I like them to keep a little bit of their texture).
Chef Tip
I know, segmenting citrus fruit seems very daunting. However, I truly believe with a little practice you can master it! It's a great way to enjoy citrus fruit of all kinds. It will be worth the effort in the end. Having a good sharp knife is always a great place to start. Take your time and practice, I know you can do it!
Substitutions & Variations
- Grapefruit - We used a ruby grapefruit for this recipe; however, any large grapefruit will work. You might want to adjust the sugar when using a less naturally sweet grapefruit.
- Shallot - If you don't have a shallot, the same amount of red onion or sweet onion would be a good substitution.
- White Wine Vinegar - Substituting the white wine vinegar with white balsamic vinegar would an excellent variation to make the dressing sweeter and more complex.
- Fresh Mint - You can use different fresh herbs instead of, or in addition to mint, if you like.
- Sugar - If you need to use a lower glycemic sweetener, agave nectar or honey will work well.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil - If olive oil is not your favorite flavor, consider using another oil containing healthy fats, like avocado oil.
- Citrus Fruit - If you're not a fan of grapefruit, orange would make a great substitution.
Storage & Helpful Hints
Place the finished vinaigrette into a tightly closed container in the refrigerator. It's a great make ahead recipe and will be best used within a week. When you are ready to serve it make sure you stir it to combine the oil with the other ingredients. Using a large and juicy grapefruit is essential for this recipe's success! Having enough delicious grapefruit juice adds just the right flavor to this versatile salad dressing.
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Yes, you can, however the juicy bits of grapefruit really add to the final dressing.
Of course you can use any fresh herb you choose.
Jason Miller says
Love a citrus vinaigrette.