40 Zesty Citrus Recipes with Vibrant Flavor!

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A Refreshing Collection of my Favorite Citrus Recipes to Make & Enjoy
Bright, Fragrant and Juicy – Oranges (and it’s many varieties), Lemons, Limes and Grapefruit enrich many creative and well tested recipes.

Before Winter Ends – Take Advantage of a Multitude of Citrus to Brighten Every Recipe!
Salmon in Parchment with Multi-Citrus Salsa
Salmon Cooked in Parchment with Multi-Citrus Salsa

Slow cooked Salmon with a Tart & Zesty Multi-Citrus Salsa is an easy meal cooked in a Parchment Package.
Produces tender salmon with a sauce baked in!

Boost your senses with citrus fruits ~ and enjoy the taste, smell and brightness citrus fruits have to offer.

Make the season bright this year with the freshest jewel toned citrus.
A great way to beat the “Winter Blahs” – add citrus juices, rind and flesh into your recipes (you might use less salt)!
Photo of Wonderful Winter Citrus
Photo of Wonderful Winter Citrus

What beautiful citrus to work with! I’m using Satsuma Mandarins, Clementines, Navel Oranges, Ruby Grapefruit, Blood Orange and Buddah’s Hand. Meyer Lemons for the Vinaigrette and Preserved Lemons.

Sweet, brightly colored citrus fruits bring a burst of sunshine onto every recipe. But citrus fruits are not only flavorful and pretty — they’re also good for you.

Winter is the time for fragrant, juicy, vibrant citrus — now at their peak. I choose a variety to blend the complex flavors.

Multi-Citrus Salsa
Multi-Citrus Salsa – A delicious salsa using Blood Oranges, Pink Grapefruit & Honeybell Tangelo Segments with Chopped Mint

The citrus is cut into segments, then coarsely chopped with a minimum of ingredients; a touch of honey, garlic, red onion, fresh mint and aleppo pepper for heat.

Karen's Weeknight Lemon Chicken
 Weeknight Lemon Chicken

In the style of French “Francaise” ~ this is an updated version, a recipe every cook should master!
Lemony Delicious ~ my families favorite dish! Tender chicken in a zesty luscious sauce, lightened-up.

Did you Know? Health Benefits of Citrus Fruits:

  • Citrus Fruits are loaded with vitamin C. In fact, one orange provides more than a full day’s supply of vitamin C! Vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidants acting as a scavenger to neutralize harmful elements naturally occurring within the body and helps fight cell and tissue damage that could lead to disease.
  • Vitamin C supports your immune system, which plays a role in maintaining healthy skin, bones and blood vessels. Vitamin C also improves absorption of iron when consumed with plant-based sources of iron, such as beans, lentils, leafy green vegetables, tofu and blackstrap molasses.
  • They contain fiber, which can help lower cholesterol and assist with digestion and elimination, according to the World Cancer Research Fund and American Institute for Cancer Research.
  • Citrus fruits and their products are recognized as an important food in the human diet, not only because of their vitamin C contents, but also because of their pleasant aroma, appealing color, and a balance taste of sweetness and tartness.
Weeknight Lightened-Up Shrimp Scampi
Weeknight Lightened-Up Shrimp Scampi

All the buttery, garlicky and lemony flavor with a sprinkling of fresh herbs in a lighter sauce you can make in minutes!
A quick recipe for everyday with TONS of flavor.

Skillet Chili-Shrimp and Blackened Green Beans with Blood Orange Butter Sauce
Skillet Chili-Shrimp and Blackened Green Beans with Blood Orange Butter Sauce

A Simple Skillet Dish with Big ZESTY Flavors – perfect for a weeknight meal, special enough for company. Meaty and silky Jumbo Shrimps – dusted with Chili Seasoning are tossed with plenty of Blackened Green Beans and a Zesty Blood Orange Butter Sauce.

Spicy Citrus Chile Shrimp
Spicy Citrus Chile Shrimp

An easy and pungent marinade transforms Shrimp with intense flavor. Simply Grilled in a cast iron skillet. See Citrus Chili Glaze in the recipe! I’m loving the shrimp coated with sesame seeds – extra crunch! 

Spicy Citrus Chili Shrimp and What to Do With Them
Spicy Citrus Chili Shrimp and What to Do With Them

For a Light Spa Salad – Serve Spicy Citrus Chili Shrimp over rice noodles (gluten free), Raw & Roasted Veggies ~ tossed with my Spa Asian Orange- Sesame Vinaigretteand finish with toasted Sesame Seeds. Orange Juice and Rind are included in the marinade and the Orange Sesame Vinaigrette.

Karen’s Shrimp with Cuban Herbal & Garlic Mojo
Karen’s Shrimp with Cuban Herbal & Garlic Mojo

Easy Shrimp Broiled in a Zesty & Citrusy Powerhouse Marinade that doubles as a Sauce! Can make a wonderful appetizer – add toothpicks and serve right from the pan!

Cuban Herbal & Garlic Mojo Marinade and what to do with it
Cuban Herbal & Garlic Mojo Marinade and what to do with it
You will love the vibrant citrus flavor, aromatic herbs & spices, and garlicky base.
For Marinating and Tenderizing – doubles as a Sauce!
Outrageous Orange-Chipotle Honey Glazed Salmon
Outrageous Orange-Chipotle Honey Glazed Salmon

Salmon Fillets Beautifully Caramelize in a Pan for an Easy Weeknight Dish.
The Zesty Orange-Chipotle Glaze doubles as a marinade – less work for you!
It’s Citrus Season and oranges are bursting with juicy flavor!

Karen's Cajun-Style Blackened Red Fish
Karen’s Cajun-Style Blackened Red Fish

Cajun Seasoning Enlivens Red Fish – Blackened in Minutes in a Cast Iron Skillet. Glazed with a Browned Butter Pan-Sauce with Garlic, Many Summer Herbs and Lemon Slices. MY RECIPE has all the flavor – yet not using all the butter of typical recipes.

Goat Cheese Salad with Blood Orange Vinaigrette - Inspired by Alice Waters
Goat Cheese Salad with Blood Orange Vinaigrette – Inspired by Alice Waters

This vibrant salad is one of my favorites! Goat Cheese Medallions are Coated with Crispy Quinoa over Lettuces and Vegetables and Drizzled with a Zesty Blood Orange Vinaigrette. Gluten Free.

Ingredients for Karen's Blood Orange Vinaigrette
Karen’s Blood Orange Vinaigrette

A Tart- Sweet Vinaigrette with a Gorgeous Hue and lots of Zesty Favor! Simply whisked together.
Adds a super pop of color to all your salad creations!
A very juicy vinaigrette with just enough extra virgin olive oil to emulsify.

Little Gem Salad with Cara Cara Caesar-ish Dressing with Garlic Parmesan Toasts
Little Gem Salad with Cara Cara Caesar-ish Dressing with Garlic Parmesan Toasts

It’s Winter Citrus Season – these low acid, sweet Cara Cara navel oranges entice a Caesar-style dressing with zest! A Wonderful – Simple Salad with crunch and a daily dose of garlic.

Citrus, Fennel & Mint Salad – Citrus Vinaigrette with Vanilla Beans
Citrus, Fennel & Mint Salad – Citrus Vinaigrette with Vanilla Beans

I’m combining many types of Citrus and teaming them with Shaved Fennel and Mint.
Drizzling on top with a delicious Citrus Vinaigrette with Vanilla Beans.

Refreshing and light – a ray of sunshine in Winter!

Composed Grapefruit Salad with Ginger-Grapefruit Vinaigrette
Composed Grapefruit Salad with Ginger-Grapefruit Vinaigrette

A Mix of Healthy Lettuces with Ruby Grapefruit Segments Lacquered with a Zesty Citrus Vinaigrette

Pistachio Crusted Branzino with a Grapefruit Salad
Pistachio Crusted Branzino with a Grapefruit Salad

A Restaurant Quality meal you can make at home!
Featuring Pistachio Crusted Fish with a Grapefruit-Butter Sauce and Composed Grapefruit Salad
Can use other firm fish filets.

Grilled Vegetables with Ginger-Sesame Sauce
Karen’ Ginger-Sesame Sauce – and What To Do With It!

This fresh No-Cook Ginger-Sesame Sauce is amazing for dipping grilled meats, vegan proteins and vegetables… and it also makes for a nice salad dressing (for that add a little neutral oil.) Just blitz in a food processor and you’ll have a cup of heavenly Ginger-Sesame Sauce (with a definite lemony tang)!

Fabulous Fattoush ~ A Middle Eastern Salad with Vegetables and Toasted Bread
Fabulous Fattoush ~ A Middle Eastern Salad with Vegetables and Toasted Bread

There is nothing better than a Fattoush Salad with seasonal, glistening vegetables! Pita bread is toasted in the oven with olive oil and Za’atar seasoning and tossed into the salad. Finish with a Zesty Lemony Sumac Dressing.

Spring Grilled Asparagus Salad ~ Blood Orange Buttermilk Dressing
Spring Grilled Asparagus Salad ~ Blood Orange Buttermilk Dressing

I’m looking forward to Spring and a bevy of fresh asparagus! 
The perfect Restaurant Quality Spring Salad! Choose fat asparagus and cook indoors in a grill pan – or outdoors in warmer weather.

Spring Grilled Asparagus Salad ~ Blood Orange Buttermilk Dressing
Blood Orange Buttermilk Dressing with Spring Grilled Asparagus Salad 

A Zesty Citrus Dressing – adds a great tang and balance to your favorite salads – and a wonderful color.

Sizzling Flounder with Soy, Lemon and Sesame
Sizzling Flounder with Soy, Lemon and Sesame

I am sharing one of my all-time favorite recipes: Sizzling Flounder. Simple Asian flavors surround this healthy, light and delicious dish – a must try for my readers.

Close-Up Herbal Olive Tapenade with Preserved Lemons
Close-Up Herbal Olive Tapenade with Preserved Lemons

This delicious Mediterranean Tapenade gets a Flavor-Boost from Lots of Green Herbs and Preserved Lemons. A fabulous Condiment to Savor.
Serving Suggestions are endless! (I’m giving you 14…)

Antioxidant Kale Salad with Lemony Extra Virgin Olive Oil Dressing
Antioxidant Kale Salad with Lemony Extra Virgin Olive Oil Dressing

Healthful, good-for-you ingredients with amazing flavors. Say “YES” to more plant-based foods in your regime.

Lemony Extra Virgin Olive Oil Dressing with Many Uses:  A zesty and healthy dressing you whisk and refrigerate. Drizzle on lettuces, composed salads and serve on the side of roasted vegetables or fish.

Seared Scallops with Karen's Zesty Ponzu Sauce on embossed white plate
Seared Scallops with Karen’s Zesty Ponzu Sauce

Sweet Sea Scallops team with a Zesty & Citrusy Ponzu Sauce – Easy and Delicious! A Healthy Japanese inspired meal, gluten free.

Karen's Zesty Ponzu Sauce with Yuzu Juice
Karen’s Zesty Ponzu Sauce with Yuzu Juice

Citrusy Ponzu Sauce can be made ahead of time – adds flavor and Zest to all!
See all my Make Ahead Sauces, Salsas and Condiments for easy-breezy meals!
Commercial Ponzu sauce has many chemical additives, so why not make your own?

Yuzu juice is available in Asian shops ~ and well worth sourcing! A citrus fruit of East Asian origin with a heavenly complex sour flavor… but not bitter sour.
See how to use it here: Seared Scallops with Karen’s Ponzu Sauce

Greek Lemon Turkey Soup (a after Thanksgiving recipe)
Greek Lemon Turkey Soup
Grilled Chicken Paillard with Peruvian Citrus, Herb & Aji Amarillo Pepper Marinade
Grilled Chicken Paillard with Peruvian Citrus, Herb & Aji Amarillo Pepper Marinade

Glorious Flattened Chicken Breasts are bathed in a Zesty & Pungent Peruvian Citrus Marinade and simply grilled. Add lettuces and a raw vegetable salad for a  healthy meal.

Peruvian Citrus & Herb Marinade with Aji Amarillo Peppers
Peruvian Citrus & Herb Marinade with Aji Amarillo Peppers

A zesty and pungent citrus marinade made in a blender with wonderfully spicy and fruity Aji Amarillo Peppers. Fabulous to flavor Chicken, Fish, Vegetables and Vegan Proteins.
Perfect with my Grilled Chicken Paillard Salad (see recipe above.)

Greek Lemon Turkey Soup (a after Thanksgiving recipe)
Greek Lemon Turkey Soup

I could eat this soup anytime… year-round!
A Hearty, Healthy & Zesty Soup using 2 cups of diced freshly roasted turkey Wonderful using leftover chicken! 
My Avgolemono style soup recipe is a redux on the classic Greek version.

Karen's Lemon-Oregano Marinade ~ with Perfect Grilled Chicken
Karen’s Lemon-Oregano Marinade ~ with Perfect Grilled Chicken

A Hearty & Zesty Marinade adds tons of tang and pungency to Chicken!
Coat chicken with this zesty marinade for 2 hours – a flavor-bomb!

Herbal Cucumber Tzatziki Sauce
Herbal Cucumber Tzatziki Sauce

This Creamy Yogurt Sauce is light, tangy and zesty with herbal notes. Cucumbers are quickly salted, then patted dry and added to the mix.
See recipe: Hibiscus Tea Poached Salmon with Tzatziki Sauce

Karen's Lemony Tahini Dressing
Karen’s Lemony Tahini Dressing

A Creamy Dressing for Salads, Pasta Salads – makes a great dip too for Crudités.
Lemony & Garlicky with the addition of Sesame Tahini for a nutty edge. Simply whisk in one bowl!

Great with: Grilled Romaine Lettuce with Corn, Green Bean & Tomato Salad

Karen's Natural Orange Oat & Nut Granola
Karen’s Natural Orange Oat & Nut Granola

A Zesty & Crunchy Granola Loaded with Almonds, Pecans and Natural Orange Rind.
Such an addictive flavor using Orange Oil for added flavor (yes a recipe for that too!)

Karen's Natural Orange Oat & Nut Granola Yogurt & Berry Parfaits
Karen’s Natural Orange Oat & Nut Granola Yogurt & Berry Parfaits

Light and crunchy with lots of zesty flavor! Here is your go-to recipe with healthful ingredients.
Crisp and not-too-sweet – these biscotti are the ultimate snack, dessert and great for gift giving!

Karen's Lucious Orange-Lemon Bars
Karen’s Lucious Orange-Lemon Bars

A Creamy and Glossy Zesty Filling sits on top of a Press- In Shortbread Crust. Orange together with Lemon naturally flavors the bars with the happiness and look of sunshine!

Mandarin Orange Pistachio-Olive Oil Cakes -Gluten Free
Mandarin Orange Pistachio-Olive Oil Cakes -Gluten Free

Packed with zesty flavor and a light texture, these miniature cakes are perfect for any celebration. These two inch cakes are gluten and dairy free. With extraordinary citrus, spice and nut flavor with subtle hints of fruity olive oil and a tender crumb

Lemon Poppy Linzer Cookies - Vegan & Gluten Free
Lemon Poppy Linzer Cookies – Vegan & Gluten Free

Ever wanted to explore Vegan Baking? These cookies pack flavor and crunch… and yes – a little zesty!

Quick Easy Marmalade Jam
Quick Easy Marmalade Jam

Wonderful to have on hand – make now when Clementine Oranges are in season and plentiful. Three ingredients stirred together and cooked for 30 minutes until jammy. I’ve used some in the Linzer cookies above.

Preserved Lemons in a Vintage Ball Jar - a speedy recipe
Preserved Meyer Lemons – Speedy Recipe

Meyer Lemons are perfect for preserving! With their thin skins, bright lemony-color and fragrant flesh they have a sweeter, more floral taste. These beauties will pickle in their own juices.

Ingredients for Preserved Lemon Vinaigrette on Marble
Ingredients for Preserved Lemon Vinaigrette

Preserved Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette and How to Use It
Tangy, Mellow and Zesty! A Fabulous Full-Of-Flavor Vinaigrette with many uses beyond salads.

Need more inspiration? – See all the RECIPES in the Category: ZESTY CITRUS RECIPES 

Boost your senses with citrus fruits ~ and enjoy the taste, smell and brightness citrus fruits have to offer.
Which ones will you make…love? Comment below. 
Karen

A Note From Me: 
As you can see – I love cooking with citrus fruits…love the bold flavor and vibrant happy color they lend to food.
“ZESTY” can describe something that is is fun and exciting, and food that is highly flavored and pleasing to the sense of taste.

Those who have A Zest For Life ~ they live their lives with a lot of flavor and gusto.
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5 from 3 votes

Karen’s Goat Cheese Salad with Blood Orange Vinaigrette – Inspired by Alice Waters

Servings: 4 servings
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 4 minutes
Total: 19 minutes
Goat Cheese Salad with Blood Orange Vinaigrette - Inspired by Alice Waters
Goat Cheese Medallions are Coated with Crispy Quinoa over Lettuces and Vegetables and Drizzled with a Zesty Blood Orange Vinaigrette. Gluten Free. This vibrant salad is one of my favorites!

Ingredients 

Goat Cheese Medallions:

  • 3 ounces goat cheese, cut from log
  • 3 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, coarsely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons cooked quinoa
  • 2 pinches sea salt

Salad Ingredients:

  • 6 cups baby red butter lettuce leaves, or you favorite salad (I use organic, pre-washed)
  • 1 cup arugula, or you favorite salad (I use organic, pre-washed)
  • 1/4 cup watermelon radish, peeled, sliced thinly
  • 12 fresh green beans, cut in half lengthwise
  • 1/3 cup colorful cherry tomatoes
  • 1 recipe Karen's Blood Orange Vinaigrette , see recipe

Instructions 

  • Cut goat cheese from the log into about 3/4 inch slices. Add to a plate, drizzle 2 teaspoons of evoo, over and under; top evenly with chopped thyme. Set aside 10 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    Add reserved 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil to a small stick proof skillet, set temperature medium- low. When hot, add 3 T. cooked quinoa and toss in the oil. Cook until crispy and pops a bit for 3 minutes. (Should be crispy, but not hard.) Remove from heat, sprinkle with 2 pinches of sea salt; add to a small bowl.
  • Dip each cut piece of goat cheese into the quinoa to coat on both sides. (Does not need to be coated too thoroughly.)
    Add to a parchment or foiled lined small baking pan. Set aside until salad is compiled.
  • *Blanch the cut green beans. To one large serving platter or 4 individual plates – add the lettuce, arugula, watermelon radish and green beans.
  • Bake the crispy coated quinoa goat cheese in the oven and cook until just warmed through, about 4 minutes.
    Add the goat cheese on the salad and drizzle with my Blood Orange Vinaigrette.

Notes

Blanch the Cut Green Beans: simmer in boiling water 2 minutes; add to colander, run cool water over. 
SEE RECIPE: Karen’s Blood Orange Vinaigrette
This recipe may not be reproduced without the consent of its author, Karen Sheer.

Nutrition

Calories: 149kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 10gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 372mgPotassium: 781mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 26960IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 164mgIron: 5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Salad, salad, first course
Cuisine: American, French
Tried this recipe?Mention @azestforlife or tag #azestforlife!
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