Citrus recipes are the perfect way to bring a burst of sunshine to your table. Whether you’re craving something bright, bold, or just downright refreshing, these recipes make every bite feel like a little escape. They’re great for any time of year, but there’s something about that punch of citrus that just feels like pure happiness. From sweet to tangy and everything in between, these dishes are guaranteed to wake up your taste buds and add a little extra joy to your day.

Lemon Greek Potatoes. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.
Lemon Butter Pasta (Pasta al Limone)

Lemon butter pasta comes together in under 30 minutes, balancing bright citrus with a rich, buttery finish. It’s a comforting way to bring a little brightness to colder evenings.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta (Pasta al Limone)
Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

Roasted beet salad combines goat cheese, arugula, pistachios, and grapefruit with a citrus vinaigrette. Its fresh flavors make it a lively addition to any winter table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese
Spinach Avocado Salad

Spinach, avocado, cherry tomatoes, radishes, and cotija cheese are tossed in a lemon vinaigrette. This crisp salad is a refreshing way to bring brightness to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Avocado Salad
Mango Avocado Salad

Mango avocado salad with a lemon vinaigrette is a light, fruit-forward dish ready in just 15 minutes. Its bright flavors offer a taste of sunshine in the middle of winter.
Get the Recipe: Mango Avocado Salad
One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

This one-pot lemon ricotta pasta is ready in 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights. The creamy, citrus-kissed sauce adds an uplifting note to any table.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Garlic Kale Salad with Lemon

Garlic kale salad, inspired by Il Corvo in Seattle, features pecorino, toasted pepitas, and a garlic confit dressing. Its bold flavors help cut through the winter gloom.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Kale Salad with Lemon
Kale Salad With Cranberries

Kale, cranberries, lemon, and crunchy nuts come together in this quick 5-minute salad. It’s a crisp and refreshing way to brighten up heavier winter meals.
Get the Recipe: Kale Salad With Cranberries
Roasted Pear Salad

Roasted pear salad pairs juicy pears with a lemon vinaigrette for a simple, festive dish. This 25-minute recipe brings a fresh contrast to seasonal spreads.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Pear Salad
Lemon Greek Potatoes

Lemon Greek potatoes are roasted with olive oil, oregano, and garlic until crispy and golden. Their citrusy brightness adds a bold contrast to heartier meals.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Greek Potatoes
Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl

Grilled shrimp grain bowls are topped with a homemade herb citrus vinaigrette for a fresh finish. They’re a great way to add a little sunshine to darker days.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl
Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad

This winter chopped salad brings together chicken, citrus, pomegranates, and kale in an orange Dijon dressing. It’s a vibrant, refreshing option for cold-weather meals.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad
Grilled Scallop Skewers

Grilled scallop skewers with garlic, cilantro, and orange bring a bright, citrus-infused touch to seafood. Their lively flavor makes them a great pick for winter grilling.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Scallop Skewers
Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Citrus asparagus couscous is a quick side that works well for both casual dinners and BBQs. Its bright citrus flavor helps balance out heavier dishes.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Asparagus Couscous
Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Air fryer chicken cubes are coated in a tangy orange sauce for a quick, flavorful meal. The citrus glaze makes them a lively choice for winter dinners.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Orange Chicken
Roasted Tomato Spinach Salad with Citrus Mustard Vinaigrette

Roasted tomato spinach salad is topped with feta, pine nuts, and a citrus mustard vinaigrette. Its mix of textures and flavors makes it a bright and refreshing choice.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Spinach Salad with Citrus Mustard Vinaigrette
Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Skillet green beans are tossed with garlic, citrus, and white wine for a quick, punchy side. Their fresh flavors add an uplifting touch to any seasonal meal.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans
Baked Wild Sockeye Salmon

Wild sockeye salmon is baked with a garlic caper citrus crust in just 10-12 minutes. This simple seafood dish is both vibrant and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Baked Wild Sockeye Salmon
Greek Avgolemono Chicken Soup

Avgolemono chicken soup blends lemon, chicken, and egg into a rich, soothing broth. Its bright citrus flavor makes it a comforting pick for chilly days.
Get the Recipe: Greek Avgolemono Chicken Soup
Grilled Scallop Citrus Ceviche

Grilled scallop citrus ceviche uses fresh citrus to balance the richness of seafood. This light dish is a crisp, refreshing way to brighten up any meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Scallop Citrus Ceviche
California Steak Salad

California steak salad layers tender steak, greens, strawberries, goat cheese, and a citrus vinaigrette. Its bold flavors make it a lively winter meal.
Get the Recipe: California Steak Salad
Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes

Orange-glazed sweet potatoes are roasted with citrus for a natural sweetness and depth. Their bright, comforting flavor makes them a great pairing for meats or fish.
Get the Recipe: Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes
Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Bowls

Mediterranean chicken orzo pasta combines fresh herbs, citrus, and juicy chicken in a one-dish meal. The citrus adds a lively contrast to the heartiness of the pasta.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Bowls
Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta

Garlic butter pasta with Parmesan pairs well with ham for a simple, flavorful dish. Its buttery richness and citrus notes brighten up cold evenings.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta
Spicy Orange Beef Carnitas

Spicy orange beef carnitas are slow-cooked in bold flavors for a tender, one-pot meal. The citrus brings a fresh contrast to the deep, savory taste.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Orange Beef Carnitas
Russian Jewish Carrot Tzimmes

Carrot tzimmes combines carrots, prunes, apricots, orange juice, and honey for a dish rich in natural sweetness. The citrus helps balance the hearty flavors of this classic recipe.
Get the Recipe: Russian Jewish Carrot Tzimmes
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