17 Zesty Citrus-Infused Recipes

By Ashley S. • Mar 20, 2024
11 Fruit-Infused Main Courses

Spring is here! The taste of tangy lemon, sweet orange, and zesty lime screams sunshine and warmer weather, doesn't it? Believe it or not, the acid in citrus fruits is a fantastic addition to any main dish, salad, or even dessert. Check out these 17 Recipes That Include Citrus Fruit to bring a delicious and delightful flavor!

17 Sunny Citrus Recipes for Spring:

1. Sunshine Chicken

Sunshine Chicken image

Sunshine Chicken gets its bright, sweet flavors from cooking with orange juice. The result is a shimmering sensation of savoriness and sugariness, with a little tartness and tang. Served alongside fluffy rice soaked with the same citrus wonder and with a touch of heat from curry powder, Sunshine Chicken makes the evening bright with its wonderful tastes.

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2. Lemon-Battered Fish

Lemon-Battered Fish image

What is it about the bright citrus flavor of lemon that brings out the best in fish? Maybe the acidity and tanginess bring out the savoriness and sweetness of fish. Or maybe it just reminds your tastebuds of the beauty of the sun on the ocean. In either case, Lemon-Battered Fish promises to delight; you can hear it in the name alone. The fish is pan-fried to a gorgeous crispy golden brown and infused with lemon. Lemon-Battered Fish is flaky and tender on the inside and a true snap to make. Now you can enjoy the seaside sun from anywhere.

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3. Lemon Ricotta Spaghetti

Lemon Ricotta Spaghetti

Less than half an hour is all that separates you from this incredibly sunny spaghetti dish! Lemon Ricotta Spaghetti is deliciously tangy, bright, and joyous, with creamy ricotta accenting the vibrancy of the citrus flavor. A warming touch of red pepper flakes adds a sunbeam's heat to each bite of this Lemon Ricotta Spaghetti. Let the sun shine into your kitchen and right into your bowl!

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4. Copycat Cilantro Lime Rice

Copycat Cilantro Lime Rice image

No trip to Chipotle® would be complete without loading your burrito with their delicious cilantro lime rice. Now you can enjoy that same fantastic food foundation without having to leave your kitchen! Copycat Cilantro Lime Rice has the same fluffy, hearty texture perfect for soaking up tender seasoned meats and beans, with the same herbaceous and citrus tart flavor. Best of all, Copycat Cilantro Lime Rice takes less than half an hour to make, so you can actually save time by making this fresh in your own home. Taco night just got all the more tantalizing!

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5. Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas

Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas image

Chicken enchiladas just raised the game. Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas infuse savory chicken with the floral sweetness of honey and the citrus brightness of lime for a parade of flavors! Wrapped in tortillas, paired with hearty beans and melty cheese, and smothered in enchilada sauce, Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas are an elevation of the classic Mexican comfort food. This is the kind of dish that persuades you to relax, to enjoy the evening, and to enjoy, pure and simple.

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6. Lemon Layer Delight

Lemon Layer Delight

Sunny and refreshing, the Lemon Layer Delight is the perfect summer treat. Layers of graham crackers made tender from soaking in a bright and vibrant lemon pudding, topped with fluffy whipped topping and fresh berries; there is really something to love in each bite of Lemon Layer Delight! There really isn't anything richer or cheerier!

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7. Greek Chicken Wraps

Greek Chicken Wraps image

Greek Chicken Wraps have a tender wrap of pita surrounding chicken for a convenient to-go lunch. But not just any chicken! Greek Chicken Wraps has chicken marinated in rich tangy Greek yogurt with plenty of citrus and olive flavoring: it’s the kind of chicken that you'll be savoring long after the last bite! These are perfect for preparing ahead of time so you always have lunch ready!

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8. Lemon Crumble Coffee Cake

Lemon Crumble Coffee Cake (1)

To ensure a bright and sunny morning, you must rise with a slice of this Lemon Crumble Coffee Cake! Your sweetest dreams will come true as you indulge in this moist, zesty, lemon cake that's covered in an even sweeter and tangier lemon crumble topping. Mmm, even when things feel kind of crumby in life, all mornings are made better with Lemon Crumble Coffee Cake!

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9. Citrus Marinated Ribeye

Citrus Marinated Ribeye image

A sunny day and a sunny season needs a sunny kind of steak! Citrus-Marinated Ribeye is soaked in bright fruit flavors with a touch of sweetness and zest to bring out even more of the savory taste! Grilled to juicy perfection, Citrus-Marinated Ribeye sparkles with flavors, making it perfect for pairing with a glass of wine on the patio!

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10. That Grapefruit Salad

That Grapefruit Salad

Super refreshing doesn't even begin to describe That Grapefruit Salad. The mixed greens are garden-goodness in a bowl, and the sharp and sour grapefruit adds a new dimension to the salad that you didn't know was possible! Topped with distinctly tangy feta cheese and crunchy pepitas, then dressed in a sweet and citrusy dressing, That Grapefruit Salad is sure to amaze, dazzle, and impress. Let the summer heat roll off you with a bowl of this salad!

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11. Honey Orange Glazed Chicken Thighs

Honey Orange Glazed Chicken Thighs image

Chicken thighs, a dinnertime staple, have a natural depth of flavor and richness that is perfect for all sorts of new preparations. Honey Orange Glazed Chicken Thighs are a perfect and delectable example, which uses a sweet and citrusy honey orange glaze. The majority of the time in this recipe is spent simmering the glaze on the stove, reducing it to a nice, thick texture that clings to every tender morsel of chicken. Serve Honey Orange Glazed Chicken Thighs alongside steamed green beans for a wholesome dinner. You can even chop up the leftover chicken to top a salad the next day.

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12. Tropical Shrimp Skewers

Tropical Shrimp Skewers image

Your next cookout is about to take place on a white sandy beach by turquoise waves even as it stands on your patio! Tropical Shrimp Skewers grill up pink, juicy, and tender shrimp coated in a smoky and fragrant marinade with notes of sunny citrus. They combine this sensational seafood with the tangy sweetness of pineapple for the full paradisal taste. Tropical Shrimp Skewers offer a welcome refreshment next to burgers and hot dogs, all while taking your tastebuds to sunny shores!

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13. Lemon Basil Salmon

lemon basil salmon-3

Why eat dry and flavorless salmon when Lemon Basil Salmon takes the same amount of time to make?! Trade the boring and bland version for this tender fillet loaded with buttery, citrusy, and basil-y flavors! It's delicious served over a salad, in a rice bowl, or even next to some roasted veggies. The options are endless, and also tasty, thanks to this Lemon Basil Salmon!

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14. Steak & Citrus Chutney

Steak and Citrus Chutney image

Steak & Citrus Chutney is an upscale yet simple main course that encompasses all things summertime! Heat up your grill to lightly char the juicy hanger steaks, tossed in a sweet and savory ground coffee and cocoa powder-infused homemade rub. Plating the fulfilling slabs brings on more warm weather hints, thanks to the made-from-scratch chutney that brings in a syrupy and citrusy bright flavor. Steak & Citrus Chutney is literally a taste of that sweet, sweet summertime (without skimping out on the savory)!

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15. Lady Bird's Lemon-Lime Pound Cake

Ladybird-s Lemon-Lime Pound Cake-07

Do you know the sweet story behind former First Lady Claudia Johnson's nickname? When she was a baby, her nursemaid would say she was as "pretty as a ladybird" which eventually led to everyone calling her "Lady Bird" for the rest of her life. So cute, right? Well, this delightfully named gal grew up with a love for beauty and brought lots of it into the world! We thought it would be fun to celebrate her with this Lady Bird's Lemon-Lime Pound Cake. It's pretty as ever and perfectly elegant for any occasion. The soft slices of pound cake bring hints of sweetness and citrus for the most gorgeous display of deliciousness. Lady Bird really made a difference, so enjoy a piece of Lady Bird's Lemon-Lime Pound Cake to commemorate her!

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16. Easy Mandarin Orange Salad

Easy Mandarin Orange Salad 01

"Orange" ya glad you opened this recipe? If you aren't overjoyed yet, once you try this Easy Mandarin Orange Salad, you sure will be! It's super simple and filled with all the good stuff, like healthy mixed greens, juicy mandarins, tart dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and creamy feta cheese. The citrusy, tangy dressing brings some sweetness with a little tartness that just works! Only smiles and happiness come around when Easy Mandarin Orange Salad is in your salad bowl! Get ready for some joy!

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17. Florida Grove Cake

Florida Grove Cake

It's time to ditch the cold and feel the rays beaming down on your face in the Sunshine State! Okay, okay, maybe you can't hop on a plane right this second, but your tastebuds can still experience it! Florida Grove Cake brings you the warmth you're craving. It's moist, citrusy, and perfectly glazed. You might even need shades when admiring its beautiful golden exterior. Give your tastebuds the tropical trip they deserve with a slice of Florida Grove Cake!

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