63 Citrus Recipes That Make Every Bite a Little Sunnier

Nothing brightens up a dish like fresh citrus. Whether it’s a zesty lemon dessert, a tangy orange salad, or a bold lime-infused main, these flavors add the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and refreshing. From light and airy cakes to crisp, citrusy cocktails, this collection has something for every craving. Get ready to add a splash of sunshine to your kitchen with recipes that make the most of nature’s most vibrant ingredients.

Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes with Lemon and Herbs

Chicken on a plate with potato slices. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes with lemon and fresh herbs is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal. The chicken and potatoes are cooked together with lemon and herbs, making a delicious, easy, and quick (5 minutes High Pressure!) dinner.

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes

Lemon Bundt Cake

A Bundt cake on a plate topped with white icing. — Image Credit: Neighbor Food Blog

Pucker up for citrus perfection! This Lemon Bundt Cake is bursting with flavor. The moist and fluffy cake is flavored with a bright lemon drizzle, then topped with a shiny powdered sugar icing. It's like your favorite coffee shop lemon loaf, but homemade and even more delicious!

Get the recipe: Lemon Bundt Cake

Citrus Dijon Pork Tenderloin

Sliced pork in a casserole dish. — Image Credit: Mae's Menu

This Citrus Dijon Pork Tenderloin is a savory and tangy dish that's perfect for dinner. The tenderloin is marinated in a citrusy Dijon sauce, then cooked to perfection, resulting in a juicy and flavorful main course.

Get the recipe: Citrus Dijon Pork Tenderloin

Cranberry Sweet Rolls

Sweet rolls with pink filling topped with white icing. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

These Cranberry Sweet Rolls are a delightful and festive treat. The soft rolls are filled with a sweet cranberry filling and topped with a tangy glaze, making them perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Get the recipe: Cranberry Sweet Rolls

Easy Lemon Basil Dressing

Yellow salad dressing in a jar. — Image Credit: My Plant Based Bowl

Lemon Basil Dressing is a bright and flavorful addition to any salad. The fresh lemon and dried basil combine to create a light and zesty dressing that's perfect for summer.

Get the recipe: Easy Lemon Basil Dressing

Citrus Salad

Sliced citrus on a plate beside more sliced citrus. — Image Credit: Chef Ani

This vibrant Citrus Salad with Pomegranate Dressing is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Packed with vitamin C and immune-boosting ingredients, it's the perfect way to brighten up any day. Plus, it's so pretty!

Get the recipe: Citrus Salad

Orange Poppy Seed Muffins

Muffins with poppyseeds on a wire rack. — Image Credit: Neighbor Food Blog

Sunshine in a muffin! These Orange Poppy Seed Muffins are bursting with citrus flavor. They're moist, fluffy, and perfect for a pick-me-up breakfast or afternoon snack. The poppy seeds add a delightful crunch, making them a delicious way to chase away the blues.

Get the recipe: Orange Poppy Seed Muffins

Sweet Potato Kale Ravioli with Lemon Thyme Cream Sauce

Ravioli in a bowl topped with cream sauce and herbs. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This Sweet Potato Kale Ravioli with Lemon Thyme Cream Sauce is a delicious and unique pasta dish. The sweet potato and kale filling is complemented by a rich, tangy lemon thyme cream sauce.

Get the recipe: Sweet Potato Kale Ravioli

Raspberry Cupcakes with Lemon Mascarpone Frosting

Iced cupcakes on a wire rack. — Image Credit: Picnic Lifestyle

Raspberry Cupcakes with Lemon Mascarpone Frosting are a delightful combination of tart and sweet. Moist raspberry cupcakes are topped with a creamy lemon mascarpone frosting, creating a deliciously unique dessert.

Get the recipe: Raspberry Cupcakes

Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Bar

A creamy dessert bar topped with an orange slice. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

These Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Bars are a creamy and tangy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The smooth cheesecake filling is infused with orange flavor, sitting on a crunchy crust, making them a delightful treat.

Get the recipe: Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Bar

Pollo Asado Chipotle Copycat Recipe

Chicken on a plate with lime and orange slices. — Image Credit: Fab Food 4 All

This Pollo Asado Chipotle Copycat Recipe brings the smoky, spicy flavors of Chipotle's famous chicken right to your kitchen. It's marinated in a bold chipotle sauce and grilled to perfection, ideal for tacos, bowls, or salads.

Get the recipe: Pollo Asado Chipotle Copycat Recipe

Green Tea Lemonade

Green tea lemon in glasses with mint leaves and ice. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Summer in a glass! Green Tea Lemonade is a refreshing and healthy drink, perfect for hot days. The combination of green tea and lemon creates a light, tangy beverage that’s both cooling and delicious

Get the recipe: Green Tea Lemonade

No-Bake Key Lime Pie Bars

Dessert squares on a try topped with flowers and lime slices beside a bowl of cashews. — Image Credit: Picnic Lifestyle

Tart and sweet, these no-bake key lime pie bars have a graham cracker crust and a creamy key lime filling. They're the perfect make-ahead summer dessert.

Get the recipe: No-Bake Key Lime Pie Bars

Lemon Pepper Pasta

Swirled pasta in a bowl beside lemon wedges. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This Lemon Pepper Pasta is a simple and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick meal. The pasta is tossed with a zesty lemon pepper sauce, making it a light and refreshing option.

Get the recipe: Lemon Pepper Pasta

Sheet Pan Cuban Mojo Chicken

Sheet Pan Cuban Mojo Chicken is an easy, flavorful meal featuring chicken marinated in a zesty Cuban mojo sauce. It's cooked on a sheet pan with vegetables, making it a simple and delicious dinner option.

Get the recipe: Sheet Pan Cuban Mojo Chicken

Orange Loaf Cake

A baked loaf beside orange halves. — Image Credit: Our Happy Mess

This Orange Loaf Cake is a simple yet delicious treat that's bursting with citrus flavor. It's moist, fragrant, and topped with a sweet orange glaze, making it perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.

Get the recipe: Orange Loaf Cake

Lemon Herb Tahini Sauce

Creamy sauce in a jar. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Lemon Herb Tahini Sauce is a creamy, flavorful addition to any dish. The combination of lemon and herbs with tahini creates a versatile sauce that's perfect for drizzling over salads, bowls, or roasted vegetables.

Get the recipe: Lemon Herb Tahini Sauce

Mahi Mahi Recipe

Fish in a skillet topped with lemon and herbs. — Image Credit: The Forked Spoon

Mahi mahi gets a flavor boost from a zesty marinade with lime juice, garlic, and cilantro. This light and healthy fish dish is perfect for summer grilling.

Get the recipe: Mahi Mahi Recipe

Homemade Lemonade with Simple Syrup

Lemonade in glass beside lemons. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Homemade Lemonade with Simple Syrup is a classic, refreshing drink that’s easy to make. Easy simple syrup ensures the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, making it a summertime favorite.

Get the recipe: Homemade Lemonade with Simple Syrup

Greek Chicken Marinade

Sliced chicken on a plate with lemon slices. — Image Credit: The Forked Spoon

Lemon, garlic, oregano, and olive oil make a classic Greek marinade that infuses chicken with bright Mediterranean flavors. It's easy but so flavorful.

Get the recipe: Greek Chicken Marinade

Lemon Blueberry Pancakes

Blueberry pancakes on a plate with fresh blueberries and lemon slices. — Image Credit: The Healthful Ideas

These Lemon Blueberry Pancakes are a delicious twist on a breakfast favorite. The bright lemon flavor pairs perfectly with juicy blueberries, creating a fresh and flavorful stack of pancakes.

Get the recipe: Lemon Blueberry Pancakes

Citrus Arugula Salad with Pomegranate Dressing

Salad in a bowl with fruit. — Image Credit: The Healthy Epicurean

Peppery arugula pairs beautifully with sweet citrus segments and a tangy pomegranate dressing in this fresh, colorful salad. It's a light, flavorful salad that's both healthy and delicious.

Get the recipe: Citrus Arugula Salad with Pomegranate Dressing

Vegan Orange Tofu Recipe

Sauced tofu in a bowl. — Image Credit: The Veggie Yaya

This Vegan Orange Tofu Recipe is a flavorful and healthy dish, featuring crispy tofu coated in a tangy orange sauce. It's a perfect plant-based meal that's both satisfying and delicious.

Get the recipe: Vegan Orange Tofu Recipe

Super Citrus Salad

This Super Citrus Salad is a refreshing and colorful mix of various citrus fruits, tossed with a light and tangy dressing. It's a perfect side dish or light meal, bursting with fresh, juicy flavors.

Get the recipe: Super Citrus Salad

Lemon Pancakes

Stacked pancakes on a plate with lemon slices. — Image Credit: The Healthful Ideas

Zippy Lemon Pancakes are light, fluffy, and packed with bright lemon flavor. They make a perfect breakfast treat, topped with a drizzle of syrup or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Get the recipe: Lemon Pancakes

Lemon Basil Hummus

Creamy dip in a bowl. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This Lemon Basil Hummus is a bright and flavorful dip, perfect for snacking or adding to meals. The fresh lemon and basil give it a unique twist, making it a delicious and healthy option.

Get the recipe: Lemon Basil Hummus

Crunchy Cabbage and Orange Quinoa Salad

Salad in a bowl with shredded vegetables. — Image Credit: Nourished by Nic

Crunchy Cabbage and Orange Quinoa Salad is a vibrant, healthy dish featuring crisp cabbage, sweet orange segments, and protein-packed quinoa. It's a refreshing and satisfying option for a light meal or side dish.

Get the recipe: Crunchy Cabbage and Orange Quinoa Salad

Lemon White Bean Soup with Turkey and Greens

Soup in a bowl. — Image Credit: With Thyme Nutrition

This Lemon White Bean Soup with Turkey and Greens is a hearty and healthy soup perfect for a comforting meal. It's packed with protein-rich turkey, nutritious greens, and a bright lemony flavor that ties it all together.

Get the recipe: Lemon White Bean Soup

Restaurant-Style Lemon Cream Cheese Pie

Lemon pie with a sliced missing, topped with whipped cream rosettes. — Image Credit: Copykat

This Restaurant-Style Lemon Cream Cheese Pie is a creamy, tangy dessert that's sure to impress. The smooth lemon cream cheese filling is set in a buttery graham cracker crust, making it a perfect ending to any meal.

Get the recipe: Lemon Cream Cheese Pie

Easy Homemade Candied Orange Peels

Candied fruit peel strings on a counter. — Image Credit: Our Wasabi Life

Homemade Candied Orange Peels are a sweet and zesty treat that’s perfect for snacking or gifting. They're simple to make and can be enjoyed on their own or used to garnish desserts.

Get the recipe: Candied Orange Peels

Blueberry Overnight Oats with Lemon

Closeup of a jar of oat topped with blueberries and lemon zest. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

These Blueberry Overnight Oats with Lemon are a wholesome and delicious breakfast option. The fresh blueberries and zesty lemon make a refreshing and satisfying start to your day.

Get the recipe: Blueberry Overnight Oats with Lemon

Creamy Lemon Pesto Pasta

Swirled pasta in a bowl. — Image Credit: Home Cooking Collective

Lemon, basil pesto, and cream make a bright, creamy sauce perfect for tossing with hot pasta. Creamy Lemon Pesto Pasta is a quick weeknight dinner that feels fresh and springy.

Get the recipe: Creamy Lemon Pesto Pasta

Strawberry Lemon Cake

A sliced cake with strawberries in it. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This Strawberry Lemon Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that combines sweet strawberries with tangy lemon. It’s a perfect treat for any occasion, topped with a light lemon glaze.

Get the recipe: Strawberry Lemon Cake

Moist Lemon Drizzle Cake

Cake topped with a lemon slices. — Image Credit: My Gorgeous Recipes

This Moist Lemon Drizzle Cake is a classic, beloved for its tangy lemon flavor and ultra-moist texture. Topped with a sweet lemon glaze, it's a simple yet irresistible dessert.

Get the recipe: Moist Lemon Drizzle Cake

North Carolina Lemon Pie

A lemon pie with whipped cream rosettes. — Image Credit: The Short Order Cook

Tart and creamy, this North Carolina lemon pie is like a cross between lemon meringue and key lime pie. It's an iconic Southern dessert. It's topped with a light, fluffy whipped cream, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.

Get the recipe: North Carolina Lemon Pie

Buttermilk Biscuits with Honey Lemon Thyme Butter

Biscuits topped with butter and herbs. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

These Buttermilk Biscuits with Honey Lemon Thyme Butter are a delicious and savory treat. The flaky biscuits are complemented by a sweet and tangy honey lemon thyme butter, making them a perfect addition to any meal.

Get the recipe: Buttermilk Biscuits with Lemon Butter

Air Fryer Lemon Chicken

Chicken on a plate with lemon slices. — Image Credit: Busy Day Dinners

Short on time? Air Fryer Lemon Chicken is a quick and easy meal with a burst of lemon flavor. The chicken is marinated in a lemony blend and then cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer, making it a healthy and tasty option.

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Lemon Chicken

Lemon Bread

A baked loaf beside lemon halves. — Image Credit: Simply Stacie

Lemon lovers, this lemon bread is for you! It's ultra moist with a tight crumb and double lemon flavor from juice and zest.

Get the recipe: Lemon Bread

Vegan Lemon Aioli

Dip in a bowl. — Image Credit: The Veggie Yaya

This Vegan Lemon Aioli is a creamy, tangy sauce that's perfect for dipping or spreading. Made without eggs, it's a delicious and versatile condiment for any plant-based meal.

Get the recipe: Vegan Lemon Aioli

Granny’s Quick Lemon Curd

Lemon curd in a jar. — Image Credit: Fab Food 4 All

Granny’s Quick Lemon Curd is a rich, tangy spread that's perfect for topping scones, toast, or even adding to desserts. It's easy to make and full of fresh lemon flavor.

Get the recipe: Granny’s Quick Lemon Curd

Cilantro Lime Crema

This Cilantro Lime Crema is a creamy, tangy sauce that's perfect for drizzling over tacos, salads, or grilled meats. The fresh cilantro and zesty lime make it a versatile and flavorful addition to any dish.

Get the recipe: Cilantro Lime Crema

Avocado Cilantro Dressing

A jar of creamy green dressing. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Craving grains bowls and salads? Avocado Cilantro Dressing is a creamy and flavorful addition to your green salads or grain bowls. The fresh avocado and cilantro create a delicious and healthy dressing that’s easy to make.

Get the recipe: Avocado Cilantro Dressing

Lemon Herb White Bean Dip

Closeup of bean dip topped with olive oil and herbs. — Image Credit: Sunglow Kitchen

Bright lemon, fresh herbs, and creamy white beans make this easy White Bean Dip super flavorful. Scoop it up with pita chips or veggie sticks.

Get the recipe: Lemon Herb White Bean Dip

Lime Popsicle

Popsicles on a plate with lime slices. — Image Credit: Sweet Fix Baker

These Lime Popsicles are a refreshing and tangy treat, perfect for hot days. They’re easy to make with just a few ingredients and offer a burst of lime flavor that’s sure to cool you down.

Get the recipe: Lime Popsicle

Avocado Cilantro Lime Hummus

A bowl of creamy green dip. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Craving snacks? Avocado Cilantro Lime Hummus is a unique and tasty twist on traditional hummus. The creamy avocado and zesty lime make it a perfect dip or spread for any occasion - great with tortilla or pita chips.

Get the recipe: Avocado Cilantro Lime Hummus

No-Bake Key Lime Pie

Sliced creamy pie topped with whipped topping rosettes. — Image Credit: Sweet Fix Baker

This No-Bake Key Lime Pie is a creamy, tangy dessert that's easy to make and perfect for any occasion. The smooth key lime filling sits on a crunchy graham cracker crust, making it a refreshing treat.

Get the recipe: No-Bake Key Lime Pie

Lemon Pudding Cake

Cups of pudding cake. — Image Credit: I Heart Eating

Lemon Pudding Cake is a delightful dessert that combines a light, fluffy cake with a rich, tangy pudding layer. It’s easy to make and full of bright lemon flavor, perfect for lemon lovers.

Get the recipe: Lemon Pudding Cake

Orange Ricotta Pancakes

Stacked pancakes topped with a pat of butter and syrup. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

These Orange Ricotta Pancakes are a light and fluffy breakfast option. The fresh orange flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy ricotta, making a delicious and satisfying stack of pancakes.

Get the recipe: Orange Ricotta Pancakes

Layered Lime Sherbet Bars

Dessert bars with green topping. — Image Credit: Cooking with Carlee

Calling all dessert lovers! Layered Lime Sherbet Bars are a fun and refreshing dessert, perfect for warm weather. The creamy lime sherbet is layered with a sweet graham cracker crust, making a cool treat everyone will love.

Get the recipe: Layered Lime Sherbet Bars

Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta

Pasta, shrimp, and asparagus in a bowl. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta is a one-pot recipe and a quick and delicious meal, perfect for busy nights. The shrimp and asparagus are cooked with lemon and garlic, creating a flavorful and easy pasta dish.

Get the recipe: Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta

Chocolate Orange Truffles

Chocolate truffles on a plate. — Image Credit: J Cooking Odyssey

These Chocolate Orange Truffles are rich, chocolatey treats with a hint of citrus, perfect for the holiday season. They're easy to make and great for gifting or enjoying with family and friends.

Get the recipe: Truffles

Chipotle Lime Sauce

Orange sauce in a bowl. — Image Credit: My Plant Based Bowl

Having burgers? This Chipotle Lime Sauce is a spicy and tangy condiment that's perfect for tacos, burgers, or dipping. The smoky chipotle and zesty lime make it a versatile and flavorful addition to any di

Get the recipe: Chipotle Lime Sauce

Fresh Citrus Margarita

Margaritas surrounded by citrus slices. — Image Credit: Maple and Mango

Fresh Citrus Margaritas are a refreshing cocktail, great for summer. They combine fresh citrus juices with tequila and a hint of sweetness, making it a perfect drink for warm summer nights on the deck.

Get the recipe: Fresh Citrus Margarita

Grapefruit Kale Chiffonade

This Grapefruit Kale Chiffonade is a refreshing salad with thinly sliced kale and juicy grapefruit segments. It's tossed in a light dressing, making it a healthy and flavorful side dish.

Get the recipe: Grapefruit Kale Chiffonade

Greek Lemon Potatoes

Potatoes wedges in a baking dish with lemon slices and a bowl of dip. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Craving a taste of Greece? The Greek-Inspired Roasted Lemon Potatoes are a flavorful and easy side dish. The potatoes are roasted with lemon, garlic, and herbs, resulting in a crispy and tangy accompaniment to any meal.

Get the recipe: Greek Lemon Potatoes

Dutch Oven Whole Roasted Chicken with Meyer Lemon

A whole roast chicken on a plate surrounded by fruit and vegetables. — Image Credit: The Heirloom Pantry

This Dutch Oven Whole Roasted Chicken with meyer lemon is a flavorful and comforting dish. A whole chicken is roasted with Meyer lemons and herbs, resulting in a juicy and aromatic main dish.

Get the recipe: Whole Roasted Chicken

Zaatar Roasted Chicken with Lemon and Herbs

Za'atar Roasted Chicken with Lemon and Herbs is a Middle Eastern-inspired dish with a tangy, herby flavor. The chicken is roasted to perfection, making it a delicious and aromatic meal.

Get the recipe: Zaatar Roasted Chicken

Cranberry Meatballs

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with saucy red meatballs. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Want to try something new? Cranberry Meatballs are a flavorful appetizer or dinner. The juicy meatballs are coated in a sweet and tangy cranberry orange sauce, making them a perfect addition to any weeknight dinner.

Get the recipe: Cranberry Meatballs

Mini Lemon Tarts with Phyllo Cups

Mini lemon tarts with whipped topping. — Image Credit: The Savory Cipolla

These Mini Lemon Tarts with Phyllo Cups are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert. The crispy phyllo cups are filled with a tangy lemon curd, making a perfect bite-sized treat.

Get the recipe: Mini Lemon Tarts with Phyllo Cups

Potato Tart

If you're looking for a new show stopper, this is it! This Potato Tart is a savory dish featuring thinly sliced potatoes layered with a creamy lemon-herb sauce. It’s baked until golden and crispy, making it a delicious side or main dish.

Get the recipe: Potato Tart

Cara Cara Orange Cake

A cake topped with white icing and lemon slices. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This Cara Cara Orange Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that features the unique and sweet Cara Cara oranges. It’s topped with a light glaze, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.

Get the recipe: Cara Cara Orange Cake

Orange Lemon Lime Popsicles

Popsicles sliced citrus. — Image Credit: Maple and Mango

Let summer begin! Orange Lemon Lime Popsicles are a refreshing and tangy treat for hot days. They combine the flavors of three citrus fruits, offering a cool and zesty burst of flavor.

Get the recipe: Orange Lemon Lime Popsicles

Strawberry Lemonade Vodka Cocktail

A pink drink topped with lemon slices. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This summer try a Strawberry Lemonade Vodka Cocktail - a refreshing and fruity drink, perfect for hot days. The combination of sweet strawberries, tangy lemonade, and vodka makes it a delightful and easy-to-make cocktail.

Get the recipe: Strawberry Lemonade Vodka Cocktail