Grapefruit, Radish, Cabbage Salad

Ali Segersten Mar 07, 2011 26 comments

For the past few months, citrus and cabbage have become two of my favorite foods! This light and flavorful salad combines them both in the most refreshing way. I use napa cabbage, which is especially tender and mild—more delicate than green or red cabbage, with a slightly sweet flavor and soft, crinkled leaves. It’s also a favorite in our house. My oldest daughter even likes to pack napa cabbage leaves in her school lunch! All four of our children devour this salad in no time.

And...we have some more news—we’re having another baby! This definitely explains the cravings. All I’ve wanted to eat lately is cabbage in every form—raw, cooked, fermented—and lots of fresh citrus. Thankfully, the all-day nausea finally lifted last week, and I’m feeling really good. Baby number five is due at the end of the summer!

There’s something about this salad that just feels right in pregnancy—it’s hydrating, easy to digest, and naturally rich in nutrients that support both mama and baby. Napa cabbage is high in folate, calcium, vitamin C, along with gentle levels of glucosinolates—compounds that support your body’s natural detoxification processes through liver enzyme activation. While grapefruit offers a burst of hydration, gentle bitterness to aid digestion, and flavonoids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Together, they help support detoxification, reduce fluid retention, and balance digestion—common needs during pregnancy.

I've also been working away on finishing the next cookbook and can't wait to tell you more about it soon. In the meantime, I hope this simple salad brings you a little joy, a little nourishment, and maybe even satisfies a craving or two.

Recipe from our Meal Planner

Grapefruit, Radish, and Cabbage Salad

Grapefruit, Radish, and Cabbage Salad
Servings
4
Prep Time
10 minutes

This salad is very quick to prepare. It has a lovely, light dressing that doesn't overpower the flavors of the grapefruit or vegetables. I have chives growing in my herb garden already so I snip a few off for this salad. Chopped parsley or a thinly sliced green onion would also work. Serve with Poached Chicken Breasts or poached salmon and cooked quinoa.

Ingredients

Salad

6 cups thinly sliced napa cabbage
2 large pink grapefruit
1 bunches radishes thinly sliced
2 tablespoons snipped fresh chives

Dressing

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
2 pinches sea salt
freshly ground black pepper
Directions
  1. Place the napa cabbage into a medium-sized salad bowl.
  2. To cut the grapefruit (see photo), first trim the top and bottom off. Then place the grapefruit on one of the cut ends and begin taking the peel and pith off with a sharp paring knife. Then slice the peeled grapefruit into rounds. Then cut each round into quarters.
  3. Add the grapefruit to the salad along with the radishes.
  4. Whisk together the ingredients for the dressing. Pour over salad and toss together. Sprinkle the chives over the salad. Serve immediately. 

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Posted In
cabbage citrus radishes cruciferous Salads spring vegetable dishes vegetables detox salad recipe
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About the Author

Alissa Segersten, MS, CN

Alissa Segersten, MS, CN, is the founder of Nourishing Meals®, an online meal-planning membership with over 1,800 nourishing recipes and tools to support dietary change and better health. As a functional nutritionist, professional recipe developer, and author of The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook, Nourishing Meals, and co-author of The Elimination Diet, she helps people overcome health challenges through food. A mother of five, Alissa understands the importance of creating nutrient-dense meals for the whole family. Rooted in science and deep nourishment, her work makes healthy eating accessible, empowering thousands to transform their well-being through food.

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Comments

SAR (visitor) Mar 23, 2011 | 8:22am

Sounds delicious. I love grapefruit in salads, particularly in combination with avocado. Thanks for all of your great recipes and congrats on #5!

Tasty Eats At Home (visitor) Mar 21, 2011 | 2:13pm

So much excitement - new baby, new book! Congrats! And this salad? I'm so going to have to try this. Might just become a new favorite. Yum.

Anonymous (visitor) Mar 15, 2011 | 3:08pm

I have to admit...when I read this post I was skeptical! But I gave it a try and it is fabulous! Thanks for the great recipe!

Thais (visitor) Mar 13, 2011 | 10:58am

This looks absolutely delicious, so pretty and fresh! Its getting me into the mood for summer, cant wait to try this for a picnic some day!

Congratulations on the baby! Hope all goes well.

Teenie Foodie

~M (visitor) Mar 12, 2011 | 5:33pm

Congrats on baby #5! I'm expecting my first any day now!

Elizabeth (visitor) Mar 12, 2011 | 11:55am

You have been nominated for the
ONE LOVELY BLOG AWARD at http://www.rawlivingandlearning.blogspot.com
Peace and Raw Health,
Elizabeth

fitquestmom (visitor) Mar 12, 2011 | 9:43am

I think your blog is awesome and that's why I'm giving you a 'Stylish Blogger Award' - Yeah for you! Head over to my blog to find out what to do next. You totally deserve it.

www.veggiegrettie.com

Thanks everyone for the thoughtful comments! I am sure you'll be hearing more about pregnancy cravings from now on and recipes to go along with them! ;-)

Anne (visitor) Mar 09, 2011 | 10:17pm

Congratulations!!!!! The salad looks great. I craved grapefruit soooo much when I was pregnant with my first. Wishing you an easy pregnancy and birth! <3

Anne

Iris (visitor) Mar 09, 2011 | 8:21pm

Congratulations!

I've been making a similar salad with cabbage, kale, carrots, and grapefruit. I love the tangy, sweet taste of grapefruit with the crisp, fresh taste of cabbage.

Andrea (visitor) Mar 09, 2011 | 3:53pm

Oh wow congratulations! So wonderful!!! (And the salad looks good too!) :)

Lori @ Laurel … (visitor) Mar 08, 2011 | 10:19pm

This looks fantastic! I'm always looking for new and fresh salad ideas.
Thanks!

Elizabeth (visitor) Mar 08, 2011 | 8:50pm

Wonderful combination--actually one of my favorites. I like it with pummelo too.
We have 5 children as well--congratulations. I too had the all day nausea with all five!! Oh that was tough. Nice to feel better isn't it?
Peace and Raw Health,
E

Julie (visitor) Mar 07, 2011 | 2:18pm

Congrats Ali!!!

Can't wait to try this salad, nice and crisp and fresh for spring. Definitely what I'm craving now too!

Kelly (visitor) Mar 07, 2011 | 12:20pm

Congratulations! I am also due at the end of summer with our fourth. I love your recipes and can't wait for your new cookbook. Thanks for all you do!

Kelly

Micaela Marques (visitor) Mar 07, 2011 | 9:38am

Congratulations on baby number five! What a blessing.

Anonymous (visitor) Mar 07, 2011 | 8:15am

This sounds really intersting - and just in time for a change into fresh sping weather and food! Really needed this recipe! Congrats on your "little bundle of joy"! ;-)

Hallie (visitor) Mar 07, 2011 | 7:50am

Now you've got me craving cabbage and grapefruit! So glad you're feeling better. My sister is about 7 months pregnant and dealt with all-day nausea for the first 4 months. She still has trouble if she eats too many raw veggies, but citrus and cabbage are two things she can do. I'll be sure to pass this recipe on to her! :)

Johanna Raymond (visitor) Mar 07, 2011 | 7:14am

YES! Yes, yes, yes! I am SO excited for your next cookbook and to have an idea of when it's coming out. Can't wait!

And congratulations to you both on your bundle-to-be! Thrilled for you! :)

Pat @ Elegantl… (visitor) Mar 07, 2011 | 7:12am

Congratulations on the new family member on the way!

We like napa cabbage a lot, too -- in fact, this salad has 3 of my husband's favorites in it. Thanks!

Elese (visitor) Mar 07, 2011 | 7:04am

A new baby--that's wonderful news! What a joyful blessing for your family! Best wishes for a healthy, happy pregnancy Ali. :)

gfe--gluten fr… (visitor) Mar 07, 2011 | 6:42am

Ali--Gorgeous salad, marvelous news on the new baby coming, plus the new cookbook (woohoo!), and, finally, you are so modest about your monthly contributions to Martha Stewart's site! I'm so happy for you on all counts and appreciate your new delicious recipe (well, two counting your one on Whole Living). :-)

xo,
Shirley

The Gluten-Fre… (visitor) Mar 07, 2011 | 6:34am

What wonderful and great news, Ali! Congratulations to you and Tom!
Baby #5 is getting a great healthy start with your cravings.

I will have to find the Napa cabbage today at the store This recipe looks delicious! The combination of fruit and veggies might just get my kids to try cabbage.

Lots of love,
Debbie

Jamie Langlois (visitor) Mar 07, 2011 | 6:31am

Congratulations on your exciting news! I am currently expecting too. It is my first. Such an exciting time! All the best to you and your lovely family :O)

glutenfreeforgood (visitor) Mar 07, 2011 | 6:10am

Congratulations on baby #5! Here's to big families! =)

Glad to hear you're feeling better. Napa cabbage is one of my favorites. I love the "boat-shaped" leaves. They are perfect for various salads. I like putting salmon salad into the leaves. Love the idea of grapefruit mixed into this salad of yours. I hate to admit it, but I've never been a huge fan of radishes (I know, I know). Mixing the radishes in with citrus might change things for me. Brilliant!

Thanks, Ali and I'm thrilled to hear your news!

Wendy @ Celiac… (visitor) Mar 07, 2011 | 5:46am

Your salad looks so light and refreshing. We've plowed through two bags of grapefruit in the past week and I still want more.

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