The bluebonnets are always a sure sign as is the unofficial start of trail running season. With some road and Spartan running on my upcoming race calendar, I was excited to try out the Superior 2.0s from Altra Running. (Note: link edited to show a newer model).
Such a light and fast ride for a trail running shoe and I had absolutely no loss of traction on the slightly muddy banked trails, excessing sloshing out of the water crossings, or feet that felt like they had been beat up by race end. You will love them for flying down gentle trails to all sorts of gnarly terrain. And, more good news, I placed 3rd Overall Female in that 10k trail race aptly named “The Maze.”
So, now you know my latest spring shoe obsession, but what about the spiralized cucumber and grapefruit salad?
How about a Spiralized Cucumber and Grapefruit Salad with Avocado Cilantro Dressing?!
I used the spiralizer attachment on my Kitchenaid mixer to transform cucumbers into windy ribbons and toss with tart grapefruit segments and other flavorful ingredients like feta cheese, avocado chunks, pecans and cilantro.
It makes a showy salad full of salty-sweet tang, vibrant colors and crunch! To marry the flavors even more, I whipped up an easy dressing with a base of Greek yogurt and hint of avocado.
A few tips about the Spiralized Cucumber and Grapefruit Salad with Avocado:
- Don’t have a spiralizer or don’t know how to spiralize cucumbers? Don’t worry, just quarter and seed the cucumbers lengthwise and then julienne into 2 to 3-inch strips.
- Don’t skip the draining step after prepping the cucumbers or you’ll end up with excess water pooling in the bottom of your bowl (and eventually making a soggy salad).
- For convenience, consider using prepared grapefruit segments found in the produce section. Drain off the juice (drink or reserve for another use – see below) and simply toss in the salad. There’s no time-consuming peeling and tedious cutting away of pesky membranes.
- Before adding avocado chunks to the salad, I like to dunk them in reserved grapefruit juice (or lemon juice) to keep them from oxidizing and browning before serving. This also helps leftovers stay fresh in the refrigerator for another day.
Do you even spirazlize? Hehe, if so, what is your favorite fruit or veggie to turn into twisty ribbons of goodness? Did you race this weekend, I’d love to hear the details – XOXO, Jennifer
A delicious, vibrant salad ideal for late winter or early spring thanks to juicy, tart, sweet watermelon.
- 1 large cucumbers
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 3 ounces feta cheese crumbes
- 1/4 cup large pecan pieces
- 1 cup fresh or packaged grapefruit segments, drained if in juice
- 1 large ripe but somewhat firm avocado (one slices reserved (about 1 Tbs.)
- 1 Tbsp mashed avocado reserved from above salad directions
- 1/4 cup Greek Yogurt
- 1 Tbsp lime juice
- 1 Tbsp finely minced cilantro
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
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Process cucumbers in spiralizer and place “noodles” in colander to rinse off seeds.
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Let cucumbers sit and drain for several minutes before patting dry with paper towels. Transfer to serving bowl.
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Add sliced onion, cilantro, feta, and pecans to salad and toss gently with dressing.
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Drain juice from grapefruit (if using packaged) into a small bowl.
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Peel and seed avocado, cut into bite-sized pieces and gently dunk in reserved grapefruit juice (or lemon juice) to prevent oxidization.
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Add grapefruit segments and avocado to top of salad. Serve with additional cilantro, if desired.
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Place mashed avocado, yogurt, lime juice, cilantro, garlic powder, salt and pepper in small bowl and whisk until combined. If needed, ad a teaspoon or two of milk to achieve desired consistency.
Wow! That spiralizer… I need it!!!
While I dream about getting one myself, I’ll save this recipe for later.
Thanks a lot for sharing it.
You could always jullienne the cucumber . . . .whew, but that’s a lot of work! Get the attachment 😉
ooh never would have thought of grapefruit with avocado I love this!!
Thanks Deborah, avocado and grapefruit are a dynamic and delicious duo — I also have a relish that pairs up the two
Love grapefruit, avocado, and cucumber but never thought to add to it! Definitely going to try this salad, pinned for later (the pin button on your image wouldn’t work so had to do it the old fashion way)! Thank you for linking up with us for Meatless Monday!
ooh thanks for the heads up on the pin button, looking into that
Such a gorgeous salad! I imagine the flavors just make it pop. My mouth is watering! I’d love to take this on a picnic or to a cookout. So summery and simple.
Thank you so much Christina! It was really easy to make, yet would be a real showstopper if asked to bring a salad or side to a party
This sounds like such a refreshing summer salad. I love grapefruit, greens and avocados. I need to look into the spiralizer attachment for the Kitchen Aid
It’s so worth it — its really easy to stick on the attachment . . . actually, I’m just been leaving mine on becuase I don’t use the mixer that much for baking. Another plus, is that since there aren’t very many parts, it’s easy to clean
Oooh this is so perfect for spring/summer!! Need to try!
Thanks Liz! Hope you do get a chance to try it . . . and have a great week!
OMG! This salad looks AH-MAZING! I’m kind of a salad snob… But this is making it into my recipe book. And congrats on the top 3 finish! Awesomesauce. ?
Thanks Christina! The salad was a welcomed step up from the sad, simple spring mix and grape tomatoes ones I had been stuck with all week.
Your salad is a work of art!
Awww, thank you Sana!
I’m not gonna lie — I hate grapefruit. BUT, this looks amazing so I may have to try it. 🙂 Thanks for linking up!
Lol, grapefruit hater 😉
so far i have only used zucchini for zucchini pickles..and last night made zoodles with tomato sauce. i love the idea of avocado + grapefruit together – soo good!
zucchini pickles . . you have piqued my interest!
This looks totally Amazing!!! I love all the ingredients, but had never thought to combine grapefruit with avocado. Pinned & Yummed, looking forward to trying it 🙂 I would love for you to share this at the Sunday Fitness & Food Link-Up at: http://www.marathonsandmotivation.com
Ohhh glad you like, and I will get over there to share — thanks!
I got the spiralizer attachment for Christmas and keep meaning to put it to use! This salad looks like a great reason, especially for the Spring. Thanks for sharing!
I love the attachment, it’s really easy to use and clean which is a total win!
Wow! Love this, avocado and grapefruit are 2 of my favorite things. Why not put them together? I am totally going to be trying this out soon!
sooo good, I hope you enjoy!
I’m spiralized obsessed. Your recipe looks so good. The combination of a citrus fruit and avocado is one of my favorites.
Seriously, what doesn’t avocado go with?!
I’ve been wanting a spiralizer for a while, your delicious salad makes me want it even more!
thanks Anne! Honestly, getting the spiralizer was one of those things where I thought I’d use once, then it would sit idly in a cabinet. But I use it ALL the time 🙂
This looks amazing! Love the idea of spiralizing cucumbers!
You do kinda have to let them drain to ward of salad soggy later though, but so worth the step!
love the addition of grapefruit to this! makes it so refreshing and tasty. delicious looking salad.
Thanks Beverly! It is super refreshing!
Have you tried any other spiralizers? I’m curious about how they all stack up. I’m cheap by nature, but willing to make the investment if the cheaper options are just a waste of cash.
Honestly no, I haven’t tried any of the others. Since I already had the KitchenAid stand mixer, I just decided to splurge (I’m cheap too) and get the fancy attachment — I am VERY happy with it! Since other spiralizers are countertop thingies, I would probably just use once and stick in the cabinet to forget about it. However, I leave my attachment nearly all the time (because I rarely bake) — it’s just so easy to slip and slide the blades out. And, very easy to clean up too — since all you’re doing is removing the blades to rinse off— not washing some whole big thing. Anyway, that was a lot of words . . . so you can tell I’m excited!
OH MY GOODNESS this recipe looks delicious!! I’ve been needing a good salad recipe to make for the warmer months, and this one will be at the top of my list! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much! It was very refreshing and is going to be in regular rotation this summer!
This salad is perfect! Beautiful colors, the sweet and savory flavors! Refreshing!
Very tasty salad – love how the grapefruit goes so well with the cucumber and avocado!
I love how refreshing the cucumber spirals are with the citrus of the grapefruit. Great idea!
this is such a refreshing and pretty salad! I never thought of putting this combination of toppings and ingredients together. 🙂
What a delicious combination of flavors! I need to try this this week.
Such a pretty looking salad! Perfect for hot summer days!