30 Flavour-Packed Citrus Recipes That Taste Like Spring

Featuring a squeeze of orange, lemon and lime, these recipes are perfect for welcoming sunnier days.

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Cauliflower Couscous Salad | citrus recipes
Photo Credit: Kyla Zanardi

Brown Butter & Orange Cauli-Couscous Salad

This salad is loaded with lemon juice, orange juice and orange slices, ensuring a pop of zest in every bite. The fatty acid in butter provides antioxidants, fat-soluble vitamins, and omega-3 fats.

Recipe: Brown Butter & Orange Cauli-Couscous Salad

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lemony rainbow chard | citrus recipes

Lemony Rainbow Chard with Dried Cranberries

This dish is heart-healthy and full of nutrients. Rainbow chard has 30 percent of your vitamin A needs, while pistachios have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory traits.

Recipe: Lemony Rainbow Chard with Dried Cranberries

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Pan Seared Shrimp toast with kimchi mayo |citrus recipes

Pan-Seared Shrimp Toast with Tomato, Lime & Kimchi Mayo

Move over avocado toast! There’s a new toast dish that’s sure to be as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate, and it takes only 20 minutes to make.

Recipe: Pan-Seared Shrimp Toast with Tomato, Lime & Kimchi Mayo 

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Creamy lemon linguine with spinach | citrus recipes
photo credit: shutterstock

Creamy Lemon Linguine with Spinach

This easy, one-pan linguine combines the tang of lemon with the creaminess of a rich sauce for a perfect flavour balance. Plus, it includes spinach, which is loaded with antioxidants and insoluble fibre, which can aid in digestion and reduce blood pressure levels.

Recipe: Creamy Lemon Linguine with Spinach 

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almond-orange smoothie, almond orange smoothie on table | citrus recipes
Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Almond-Orange Smoothie

Regulate blood sugar, lower cholesterol levels and improve your heart health with this citrus smoothie. This refreshing drink is packed with orange, lemon and lime which will give you a blast of vitamins A, B and C.

Recipe: Almond-Orange Smoothie 

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lemon ricotta pancakes with cherry sauce | pancake recipes | citrus recipes
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Lemon-Ricotta Pancakes with Cherry Sauce

These elevated pancakes pack a punch of flavour and take only minutes to make. Plus, they’re health-conscious, as light ricotta provides extra protein, and cherries contain potassium, a nutrient that helps slash the risk of high blood pressure.

Recipe: Lemon-Ricotta Pancakes with Cherry Sauce 

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soupa de lima, lime soup | citrus recipes
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Soupa de Lima (Lime Soup)

Soupa de Lima is a meaty, tangy flavour explosion that will keep you coming back for more.

Recipe: Soupa de Lima (Lime Soup)

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Lemony Sugar Snap Peas | citrus recipes
photo credit: shutterstock

Lemony Sugar Snap Peas

These lemony sugar snap peas shine in a simple stir-fry accented with shallots and garlic. This vegan and gluten-free dish is also an immune booster, as sugar snap peas supply three times as much vitamin C as shelled peas.

Recipe: Lemony Sugar Snap Peas

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energy bites recipe, energy balls recipe, energy bars recipe, pistachio orange truffle bites, orange recipes

Pistachio & Orange Truffle Bites

These truffle bites are low in fat and carbohydrates and pack a punch of protein in every bite. They contain heart-healthy ingredients like orange zest, raw cacao powder and dates.

Recipe: Pistachio & Orange Truffle Bites 

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Seafood Risotto | citrus recipes
photo credit: james tse

Lemon Dill Seafood Risotto

This hearty dish is sure to become one of your go-tos. With a big serving of protein in every bowl, this risotto will keep you full without weighing you down.

Recipe: Lemon Dill Seafood Risotto

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fig and prosciutto salad | citrus recipes
photo credit: shutterstock

Fig and Prosciutto Salad

Salty prosciutto, savoury fig and sweet orange vinaigrette complement each other perfectly in this fresh and tasty salad. Plus, with 12g of protein per serving and loads of healthy fats, this salad will keep you satisfied all day long.

Recipe: Fig and Prosciutto Salad 

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cauliflower spaghetti | citrus recipes

Roasted-Cauliflower Spaghetti with Lemon

Cauliflower is a super-food—high intake is linked to a lower risk of cancer and heart disease. Whip up this tasty pasta in 30 minutes or less to reap all its health benefits.

Recipe: Roasted- Cauliflower Spaghetti with Lemon 

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Lime and Coconut Energy Bites | citrus recipes
Photo Credit: DK Publishing/Neal's Yard

Lime & Coconut Energy Bites

Fuel your body with these no-bake, six-ingredient energy bites. Lime provides vitamin C, dates are high in disease-fighting antioxidants and nuts deliver a serving of fibre, making these bites perfect for a post-workout snack or a low-carb dessert.

Recipe: Lime & Coconut Energy Bites 

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Kale Chips

Lemon Sea Salt Kale Chips

Kale chips make the ultimate snack—crunchy, salty, and healthy. These chips are high in fibre, antioxidants and calcium, and deliver A, B and C vitamins.

Recipe: Lemon Sea Salt Kale Chips

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chicken tagine with orange | citrus recipes
photo credit: ashley capp

Chicken “Tagine” with Herbed Orange Couscous

This colourful, aromatic stew is a snap to make. Loaded with fibre and packed with protein, this hearty dish provides a punch of flavour in every bite.

Recipe: Chicken “Tagine” with Herbed Orange Couscous

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Lovely Lemon Squares | citrus recipes
photo credit: shutterstock

Lovely Lemon Squares

This is a dessert you can feel good about. With only 3/4 cups of sugar in a 36 square batch, these tangy squares deliver a healthier alternative to a traditional lemon square without sacrificing taste.

Recipe: Lovely Lemon Squares

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Sriracha-Lime-wings | ctirus recipes
Photo Credit: James Tse

Sticky Sriracha-Lime Drumettes

These easy-to-make wings will become your new game-day snack. Spicy, sweet, and tangy, these bite-sized snacks are packed with flavour and always satisfy.

Recipe: Sticky Sriracha-Lime Drumettes

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meringue nests
Photo Credit: Ryan Szulc

Meringue Nests with Lemon Curd and Mixed Citrus

Crisp, airy meringues go well with almost any fruit, but because they’re sweet, pairing them with the tart acidity of fresh citrus makes for a balanced—not to mention beautiful-dessert.

Recipe: Meringue Nests with Lemon Curd and Mixed Citrus 

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orange chicken recipe, orange chicken on moroccan couscous
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Orange Chicken on Moroccan Couscous

This dish is full of spices like cumin, ginger and turmeric, which promote digestion, aid in inflammation, and are a rich source of iron. Whip it together in under 20 minutes for a delicious, Moroccan-inspired dinner that is sure to become a household staple.

Recipe: Orange Chicken on Moroccan Couscous 

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Lemon Cream Cupcake | citrus recipes
photo credit: shutterstock

Lemon Cream Cupcakes

Grated lemon peel and sour cream turn these from ordinary vanilla cupcakes to sophisticated sweets.

Recipe: Lemon Cream Cupcakes

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Lemon Mint Lamb Chops | citrus recipes
photo credit: ashley capp

Lemon Mint Lamb Chops with Pea Purée

Succulent and meaty, yet surprisingly lean, lamb chops are the star of this spring meal. The pea purée, packed with lemon zest, Greek feta and mint is a fresh and zesty accompaniment.

Recipe: Lemon Mint Lamb Chops with Pea Purée

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Chickpea and Orange Salad | citrus recipes
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Chickpea and Orange Salad with Tahini Dressing

This 10-minute dish has fewer than 10 ingredients and is a breeze to make. Serve this high-fibre salad with a protein of your choice for maximum nutrients and satisfaction.

Recipe: Chickpea and Orange Salad with Tahini Dressing 

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photo credit: shutterstock

Roast Turkey with Lemon Couscous

This tasty dish is an elevated, healthier version of traditional stuffing. Couscous is low in fat and high in thiamine and niacin, which can help keep your digestive system and your heart healthy.

Recipe: Roast Turkey with Lemon Couscous

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Lime Curd Pavlova | citrus recipes
photo courtesy of President's Choice

Lime Curd Pavlova with Fresh Berries

While most desserts will cause a sugar crash, this pavlova with fresh berries is a light treat that will keep you coming back for more. Plus, you can switch out the lime for lemon, orange or any citrus fruit.

Recipe: Lime Curd Pavlova with Fresh Berries

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orange olive tapenade | citrus recipes
photo credit: James Tse

Orange Olive Tapenade

You’ll be transported to Provence, France with this signature olive tapenade dish made with simple, tasty ingredients. It takes only minutes to whip up and works as a dip, spread, or sauce.

Recipe: Orange Olive Tapenade 

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Lemon and Currant Scones | citrus recipes
James Tse

Lemon and Currant Scones

These light and fluffy scones will become a brunch favourite in your house. Serve warm with butter, jam, or fruit preservatives.

Recipe: Lemon and Currant Scones

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Pistachio Orange Macarons | citrus recipes

Pistachio Orange White Chocolate Macarons

Macarons might seem like a tricky dessert to pull off, but our easy-to-follow instructions ensure that these French delicacies will be a breeze to make. With flavours like cardamom, orange marmalade, and almond, these gluten-free stunners make a tasty, bite-sized treat.

Recipe: Pistachio Orange White Chocolate Macarons 

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quinoa black eyed pea salad | citrus recipes

Quinoa and Black-Eyed Pea Salad With Tahini-Lemon Dressing

This hearty salad is filled with nutrients that will keep your stomach full and your heart healthy. Try a flavourful combination of seeds, grains and veggies for an immune-system boost and a hefty serving of protein and fibre.

Recipe: Quinoa and Black-Eyed Pea Salad With Tahini-Lemon Dressing 

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Honey Lime Grilled Shrimp And Pineapple Skewers | citrus recipes
Photo Credit: Tyler Bowditch

Honey Lime Grilled Shrimp And Pineapple Skewers

Sweet, tangy, and rich with flavour, these skewers can be eaten on their own or added to a salad or sandwich.

Recipe: Honey Lime Grilled Shrimp And Pineapple Skewers

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Lemon and thyme grilled chicken | Citrus recipes

Lemon and Thyme Grilled Chicken

This flavourful grilled chicken will be a show-stopper when you bring it to the table. To make it as crispy and delicious as possible, cook it with a slow, consistent heat.

Recipe: Lemon and Thyme Grilled Chicken 

Next: 11 Healthy Granola Recipes for Any Time of Day 

Originally Published in Best Health Canada

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