Grapefruit Anise Salad with Simple Syrup Recipe
This refreshing Grapefruit Anise Salad features thinly sliced grapefruit drizzled with a fragrant star anise-infused simple syrup. It’s a light and elegant dish perfect as a sweet after-school treat or a sophisticated Valentine’s Day dessert, balancing citrusy tang with sweet aromatic flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time if desired)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Simple Syrup
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- 6 star anise pods
Salad
- 2 large grapefruit, segmented or peeled and thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Star Anise Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, and star anise pods. Place the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and stir continuously until the sugar has fully dissolved, approximately 2-3 minutes. Then, turn off the heat.
- Cool and Strain: Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature, ensuring the star anise flavors infuse properly. Once cooled, strain the syrup to remove the star anise pods. You can prepare this syrup in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Assemble the Salad: Arrange the segmented or thinly sliced grapefruit neatly on a serving plate.
- Drizzle and Serve: Drizzle the desired amount of star anise simple syrup over the grapefruit slices just before serving to add a sweet, aromatic touch to the salad.
Notes
- The star anise syrup can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated, making this salad quick to assemble when needed.
- Use fresh, ripe grapefruit for the best flavor and juiciness.
- Adjust the amount of syrup to taste to control sweetness.
- This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature.
