• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Devil Wears Salad
  • Recipe Categories
  • Salad Recipes
  • Side Dish Recipes
  • Salad Dressings
  • Pairings
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Fall Salads
  • Recipe Categories
  • Salad Recipes
  • Side Dish Recipes
  • Salad Dressings
  • Ingredient Pairings
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Plant-based Salad Recipes

    Radicchio, Baby Gem, Orange and Ruby Grapefruit Salad

    Published: Aug 29, 2019 · Modified: May 17, 2021 by The Devil Wears Salad

    Jump to Recipe
     

    A delectable pairing of bitter and sweet flavours on one plate. This Ruby Grapefruit Salad is fuss-free to prepare, the colours are stunning and would definitely get guests talking around the table. Also perfect for any spring or summer barbeques and informal catch ups.

    Radicchio, Baby Gem, Orange and Ruby Grapefruit Salad

    Why I Love Radicchio, Baby Gem, Orange and Ruby Grapefruit Salad

    This appetising salad came about when we were having guests around for wood fire paella.

    I wanted something fresh to help cut through the richness of the smoky rice and seafood but also stunning in presentation so that the salad would hold its own next to the colourful paella. A green salad would have just disappeared into the background.

    In this recipe I wanted every element to be showcased and have its own place. No more tiny pieces lost in the melody. Both grilled radicchio and baby gem lettuces are cut into sizable wedges with lots of nooks and crannies to capture the sweet citrus juices and vinaigrette.

    Whilst fruit sliced into wheels and highlighted amongst the grilled leaves and then finally topped with maple glazed walnuts to add crunch. All ingredients with their special roles to play.

    Combining the bitter and sweetness of radicchio with citrus fruits definitely complimented the paella. It was a beautiful harmony of flavours and I think my guests agreed when there was nothing left at the end of the night!

    What Is Radicchio?

    A striking purple-red leafy vegetable, I first discovered radicchio in mixed salad leaves. It definitely adds more crunch and colour to the usual green salad mixes.

    Being a part of the chicory family, radicchio is often called Italian chicory as it is commonly used in Italian cooking including radicchio salad, stews, pizza toppings and pasta. But I love it as a plant-based radicchio recipe.

    I love its bold, peppery flavours and is fantastic raw or cooked (of course grilled is my favourite!) Generally available all year round but best found at the end of winter and through the spring/summer.

    When picking radicchio, look for a compact head with firm leaves and little to no browning or wilting. It can be stored in the fridge for up to one week.

    Is Radicchio The Same As Red Cabbage?

    Although radicchio may resemble a red cabbage on the outside, they are quite different vegetables.

    Radicchio is lighter with thinner leaves and more tender. Whilst red cabbage has a waxy finish with firmer compact leaves and a lot more heavy to hold.

    They are not vegetables that can be interchanged in recipes so don’t get them mixed up at the grocer’s!

    If you can’t find radicchio and would like similar peppery tastes in salads, try white witloof chicory (also known as Belgian endive), green curly endive or watercress.

    Radicchio, Baby Gem Lettuce Salad

    How Do You Make Radicchio Not Bitter?

    I do have a soft spot for combining bittersweet vegetables with other flavours in my salads – often counterbalances any ingredient that is too sweet or tart.

    I particularly love bites of bold and peppery flavours to the usual stock standard green salad. But for some, the bitter taste may be a bit too much. So how do you mellow out the bitterness of radicchio salad?

    Soak in very cold water. Say what? Yes, for raw radicchio the best way to mellow the bitterness is to soak small cut leaves into chilled water.

    The longer you soak, the more bitter compounds are released. If you like to retain most of the bitter flavours, a quick rinse will do.

    Another popular method to take out the bite in radicchio is to cook it. There are many ways you can do this. In this recipe we are grilling the radicchio but you can also roast or braise it.

    Whichever way, the bitterness becomes more mellow and even takes on a slightly sweeter taste.

    Difference Between Yellow Grapefruit and Ruby Grapefruit?

    In this radicchio and baby gem lettuce salad, I’ve chosen two citrus fruits, ruby grapefruit and oranges, to counterbalance the charred, smokey and bitter flavours.

    Why ruby grapefruit you may ask? First of all is for it’s stunning colour. Yellow grapefruit has a more subdued pale yellow flesh and clear juice whilst ruby grapefruit has a deep reddish colour flesh and juice. The vibrant colour is so beautiful in any grapefruit salad recipe.

    Secondly, for its delicious sweetness. Ruby grapefruit has a greater balance between sugar and acidity compared to the more common yellow grapefruit, which is definitely known for its tartness.

    We love it so much we created other salad recipes with ruby grapefruit: Ruby Grapefruit, Watermelon Panzanella Salad or Roast Duck, Caramelised Grapefruit and Wombok Salad.

    Orange and Ruby Grapefruit Salad

    How to Make Radicchio, Baby Gem, Orange and Ruby Grapefruit Salad

    Grilling Radicchio and Baby Gem Lettuce

    Grilled salad leaves? Sounds a bit odd, hey? But for radicchio and baby gem lettuce, it’s not. Grilling them both changes the flavour, adding beautiful depth to the dish. As for the radicchio, it mellows the bitterness that it is known for and will impart a roasted sweetness that I love.

    First we prepare the radicchio by cutting the head in half lengthwise and then into thirds, leaving the cores intact. Generously brush the cut sides with extra virgin olive oil and season well with salt and freshly cracked pepper.

    Heat a griddle pan (or barbeque) to high heat and grill cut-side down, turn occasionally over 5-7 minutes, or until charred. Remove from the pan and place on a platter.

    If you like your radicchio raw, you can try our Cantonese Roast Duck Salad with Radicchio.

    For baby gem lettuce, cut them in half lengthwise and lightly brush cut side with extra virgin olive oil. With the heated griddle pan, grill for 2-3 mins or until charred but still holding shape. Remove from the pan and place on a platter.

    Cutting Oranges and Ruby Grapefruit

    For this salad, I like to cut the fruit into wheels. This is the same process for oranges and grapefruit.

    Make sure you have a very sharp knife otherwise you will squish the fruit and release too much juice.

    First slice both ends of the fruit and then hold the fruit on its base. Cutting a downward motion, remove all the peel. Then turn the fruit on its side and cut into 0.5 cm thick rounds. Place aside ready for assembly.

    Thinly slice half a red onion in half moons. Place aside ready for assembly.

    Radicchio, Baby Gem, Orange and Ruby Grapefruit Salad

    How to Make Maple Glazed Walnuts

    I found this a very quick and easy way to glaze walnuts.

    Over medium-high heat, add walnuts, maple syrup and a pinch of salt in a flat pan and roast. Stir frequently until syrup is caramelized and walnuts have gained a golden colour.

    This will take about 2-3 minutes. Remove from pan and spread over tray lined with baking paper. Let them to fully cool before using in the salad.

    You can definitely make the walnuts in advance and store in an airtight container. Just try not to eat them all before serving! (That is always my problem so I normally double the quantity in the recipe and made a larger batch for snacking. No one misses out this way!)

    How to Make Orange Juice Dressing

    A light vinaigrette using orange and lemon juice to create a balance between all the flavours. Mix all ingredients well – olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, salt and pepper.

    How to Assemble the Salad

    Very simple layering would be perfect to showcase all the elements.

    Using a large round serving platter, layer grilled radicchio and baby gem lettuce first then add the wheels of ruby grapefruit and oranges in between the grilled salad leaves.

    Scatter thinly sliced red onions and maple glazed walnuts on top. To serve, drizzle citrus vinaigrette across the salad.

    I really did fall in love with this radicchio salad with oranges and grapefruit for the delightful flavours and colours. I feel it will pair well with not only paella but other delicious grilled meats and fish as the citrus flavours helps add zing and sweetness to the meal.

    Fuss-free and not overly complicated salad to prepare yet striking to serve. Love to hear your thoughts after you have tried it!

    That’s all!

    More Summer Salad Recipes

    Get inspired by the biggest collection of salad recipes in the one place. We have recipes to suit lifestyle preferences and different occasions. These salads are both delicious and stylish. Search for your favourite ingredient to find a salad you’ll love!

    • Yellow Salad with Zucchini Flowers
    • Pomelo Ceviche Salad
    • Pearl Couscous Salad with Za’atar Halloumi And Pomegranate
    • Yellow Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint
    • Apple, Pear, Almond and Watercress Salad

    Easy Salad Dressing Recipes

    Salad dressings are incredibly easy to make in the comfort of your own home. This way you can control the ingredients to suit your palate and you can make the exact portion you need for that one meal. Check out our collection!

    • Creamy Mustard Dressing
    • Palm Sugar and Fish Sauce Dressing
    • Garlic Infused Apple Cider Vinaigrette
    Radicchio, Baby Gem, Orange and Ruby Grapefruit Salad

    DON’T WANT TO MISS RECIPES? Click HERE to get them sent to your inbox.
    Follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.


    Radicchio, Baby Gem, Orange and Ruby Grapefruit Salad
    Print Recipe
    5 from 32 votes

    Radicchio, Baby Gem, Orange and Ruby Grapefruit Salad

    A delectable pairing of bitter and sweet flavours on one plate. This Ruby Grapefruit Salad is fuss-free to prepare, the colours are stunning and would definitely get guests talking around the table. Also perfect for any spring or summer barbeques and informal catch ups.
    Prep Time20 mins
    Cook Time20 mins
    Total Time40 mins
    Course: Salad
    Cuisine: International
    Dietary: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Plant-Based, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 194kcal
    Author: Sammy Eng

    Ingredients

    Salad

    • 1 radicchio, medium sized
    • 2 tbsp olive oil, extra virgin, divided
    • 2 lettuce, baby gem
    • 1 ruby grapefruit
    • 2 orange
    • ½ red onion, thinly sliced
    • 50 g walnuts
    • 2 tbsp maple syrup
    • salt, to taste

    Salad Dressing

    • 3 tbsp olive oil
    • 3 tbsp orange juice
    • 1 tbsp lemon juice
    • salt, to taste
    • pepper, to taste

    Click on the toggle below for conversion to US Cooking Units.

    Instructions

    Salad

    • Cut the radicchio in half lengthwise and then into thirds, leaving the cores intact.
      With a basting brush, brush the cut sides with ½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil and season well with salt and freshly cracked pepper.
      On a grill pan on medium heat, add 1 tbsp of olive oil and place the radicchio cut-side down. Turn occasionally over 5-7 minutes, or until charred. Remove from the pan and place on a platter.
    • Repeat above with baby gem lettuce. Cut into quarters and grill for 2-3 minutes.
    • Slice both ruby grapefruit and oranges at both ends of the fruit and then hold the fruit on its base. Using a downward motion with knife remove the peel.
    • Then turn the fruit on its side and cut into 0.5 cm thick rounds.
    • Thinly slice half a red onion.
    • Add walnuts, maple syrup and a pinch of salt in a small fry pan and fry over medium-high heat. Stir frequently until syrup is caramelized and walnuts have gained a golden colour. Approximately will take about 2-3 minutes.
      Remove from fry pan and spread over a sheet pan lined with baking paper. Let them to fully cool before assembly.

    Salad Dressing

    • Mix all ingredients well – olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, salt and pepper.

    Assembly

    • Layer grilled radicchio and baby gem lettuce first on a large serving platter.
    • Then add ruby grapefruit and oranges in between the salad leaves.
    • Scatter red onion and maple glazed walnuts.
    • To serve, drizzle citrus vinaigrette.

    Notes

    • Pairs well with paella, grilled meats and fish as the citrus flavours helps add zing and sweetness to the meal.
    • If you can’t find ruby grapefruit, you can substitute for yellow grapefruit. The overall taste will be slightly more tart than sweet.
    • Remove walnuts if prefer nut-free salad.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 194kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 159mg | Potassium: 359mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 2139IU | Vitamin C: 63mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 1mg

    *Disclaimer: Nutritional information provided is an estimate only and generated by an online calculator.

    Tried this recipe? We’d Love To See It!Mention @thedevilwearssalad or tag #thedevilwearssalad!

    Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.

    « Allspice Balsamic Vinaigrette
    What Goes Well with Kiwi? »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jere

      September 08, 2019 at 7:40 am

      5 stars
      I love grapefruit and have a tree in the backyard, so this is a must make salad once those grapefruit ripen. Also thanks for the tips on the radicchio, now I know to soak it in cold water.

      Reply
      • The Devil Wears Salad

        September 09, 2019 at 1:12 pm

        You have a grapefruit tree in your backyard?? We’re so envious! How fantastic ot be able ot have it all the time. Enjoy the salad when the season rolls around.

        Reply
    2. Sula

      September 06, 2019 at 5:41 am

      5 stars
      Grilled radicchio – wow! I love ruby grapefruit so this one is a must try for me!

      Reply
      • The Devil Wears Salad

        September 09, 2019 at 1:11 pm

        I know! Grilling the radicchio really changes this leafy vegetable! If you love ruby grapefruit then you really should give this salad a go!

        Reply
    3. Brynn McDowell

      September 04, 2019 at 4:06 am

      5 stars
      Raddichio is one of my favorites…I had it so often in Italy that when I came back home to California I used it in everything. This salad looks stunning!

      Reply
      • The Devil Wears Salad

        September 04, 2019 at 9:56 am

        Thanks Brynn! Apart from tasting so good, it sooooo pretty! It is one of our favourite salad ingredients.

        Reply
    4. Amanda Marie

      September 02, 2019 at 10:31 pm

      I’ve always been put off my grapefruit in general, but didn’t know there was a sweeter variety. I might have to give the ruby grapefruit a chance.

      Reply
      • The Devil Wears Salad

        September 04, 2019 at 9:51 am

        Grapefruit is somewhat of an acquired taste and ot for everyone. Which is why the ruby red grapefruti is a better variety for salad recipes. Hope you’ll like it!

        Reply

    Leave a Comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    The Devil Wears Salad Team

    United by a common love for salads, us 3 girls decided to embark on a journey to show you that you CAN win friends with salad!

    Tried and tested, these recipes are designed for all discerning home cooks. We have everything from no cook recipes right through to showstoppers. Something for everyone!

    More About Us →

    Most Popular Recipes

    • Korean Cucumber Salad - Oi Muchim (오이무침)
      Korean Cucumber Salad – Oi Muchim (오이무침)
    • Roasted Asian Eggplant with Gochujang Glaze on a brown plate with black cutlery served with noodles
      Roasted Asian Eggplant with Gochujang Glaze
    • Air Fryer Parsnip Fries with Red Pepper Mayo on dotted grey and white napery
      Air Fryer Parsnip Fries
    • Kachumber Salad [Authentic Indian Salad] served with naan bread and veg pulao
      Kachumber Salad [Authentic Indian Salad]
    • Miso Mayo Dressing
      Miso Mayo Dressing
    • Yuzu Dressing
      Yuzu Dressing

    Spring Salad Recipes

    • crunchy noodle salad with wombok in a round grey bowl with serving spoon on the right
      Crunchy Noodle Salad with Cabbage
    • fennel courgette salad on a white plate in the middle with a smaller black plate filled with salad on the top left corner
      Courgette Salad with Fennel and Citrus
    • Grilled Little Gem Salad with Tahini Ranch Dressing served on a white plate over grey napery
      Little Gem Salad with Vegan Ranch Dressing
    • White Asparagus Salad Recipe on a grey plate with blue napkins and a bunch of parsley in the background
      White Asparagus Salad Recipe
    The Devil Wears Salad | Salad Gazette

    Fall Salad Recipes

    • Sous Vide Pork Tenderloin Salad surrounded by fresh feijoas and fall leaves
      Sous Vide Pork Tenderloin Salad
    • 2 serves of Baked Tempeh Salad on a grey plates
      Baked Tempeh Salad
    • brown mushrooms marinated in parsley, shallots, garlic, chilli flakes and vinegar served in a bowl with spoon on the side
      Quick Pickled Mushrooms Recipe
    • a bowl of freekeh grain salad with roasted beetroot and spiced sumac dressing drizzled on the side. Using gold fork and spoon to serve.
      Freekeh Grain Salad with Preserved Lemons
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    The Devil Wears Salad Team

    United by a common love for salads, us 3 girls decided to embark on a journey to show you that you CAN win friends with salad!

    Tried and tested, these recipes are designed for all discerning home cooks. We have everything from no cook recipes right through to showstoppers. Something for everyone!

    More About Us →

    Most Popular Recipes

    • Korean Cucumber Salad - Oi Muchim (오이무침)
      Korean Cucumber Salad – Oi Muchim (오이무침)
    • Roasted Asian Eggplant with Gochujang Glaze on a brown plate with black cutlery served with noodles
      Roasted Asian Eggplant with Gochujang Glaze
    • Air Fryer Parsnip Fries with Red Pepper Mayo on dotted grey and white napery
      Air Fryer Parsnip Fries
    • Kachumber Salad [Authentic Indian Salad] served with naan bread and veg pulao
      Kachumber Salad [Authentic Indian Salad]
    • Miso Mayo Dressing
      Miso Mayo Dressing
    • Yuzu Dressing
      Yuzu Dressing

    Spring Salad Recipes

    • Watercress Salad with Apple and Pear in a grey bowl with cheese and bread on the side
      Watercress Salad with Apple and Pear
    • Creamy Cucumber Avocado Salad on a grey plate with black cutlery and grey napkin
      Creamy Cucumber Avocado Salad
    • Spicy Asian Chicken Salad in a grey bubble plate
      Spicy Asian Chicken Salad
    • hand holding spoon scooping chickpea salad from a beige plate with a small bowl of salad, lemons and feta around the plate.
      Chickpea Salad with Feta
    The Devil Wears Salad | Salad Gazette

    Fall Salad Recipes

    • soba noodles, pearl mushrooms, edamame, spring onions, cilantro and sesame seeds served in a grey bowl with fork on side
      Pearl Oyster Mushroom Noodle Salad Recipe
    • pear arugula salad on large grey plate next to a bowl of candied walnuts and arugula
      Pear Arugula Salad with Candied Walnuts
    • a plate of Waldorf salad with gold fork and spoon serving, a smaller bowl of salad and two bread rolls at the top of the plate.
      The Best Waldorf Salad Recipe
    • Vegan Couscous Salad with Blistered Tomatoes on a blue plate served with fresh basil and lemon on the side
      Vegan Couscous Salad with Blistered Tomatoes

    Footer

    The Devil Wears Salad Favicon

    About Us
    Accessibility Statement
    Privacy Policy
    Terms of Use
    Work With Us

    Facebook
    Instagram
    Pinterest
    Twitter

    ↑ back to top

    Copyright © 2022 The Devil Wears Salad