Spicy Jalapeño Citrus Salad with Red Onion and Cilantro
A zesty, refreshing salad combining sweet citrus segments with spicy jalapeño, crunchy red onion, and fresh cilantro, dressed with honey-lime vinaigrette. This Mexican-inspired salad recipe, ready in about 15 minutes, pairs grapefruit, navel orange, jalapeño into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 large, peeled and segmented grapefruit
- 1 large, peeled and segmented navel orange
- 1 medium, seeded and thinly sliced jalapeño
- 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 1/2 tsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 large peeled and segmented grapefruit, 1 large peeled and segmented navel orange, 1 medium seeded and thinly sliced jalapeño, 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion, and 3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 1/2 tsp honey, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the citrus mixture and toss gently to coat.
- Step 4: Let the salad sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to meld flavors before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Jalapeño Citrus Salad with Red Onion and Cilantro take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Spicy Jalapeño Citrus Salad with Red Onion and Cilantro?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep grapefruit from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Jalapeño Citrus Salad with Red Onion and Cilantro?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Spicy Jalapeño Citrus Salad with Red Onion and Cilantro for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Spicy Jalapeño Citrus Salad with Red Onion and Cilantro?
Mexican salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
