Citrus is more than just a colorful snack—it’s a vibrant, versatile ingredient that can brighten desserts, salads, proteins, drinks, and more. (Above: Get the recipe for Citrus Upside Down Cake)
From sweet-tart Meyer lemons to juicy mandarins and zesty limes, every part of the fruit (zest, juice, and even peel!) has a culinary role to play. Whether you’re making a citrus dessert, zipping up a marinade, or candying peels, this guide has recipes and inspiration for every kind of cook.
Citrus Desserts & Breakfasts
Bright, tangy, and refreshing, citrus is a natural fit for sweet recipes. Use zest to add complexity, juice for tartness, or the whole fruit for bold flavor.
- Easy Lemon Posset Pudding – Creamy and citrus-forward
- Mandarin Orange Posset – A soft, silky dessert with sweet citrus notes
- Lemon Poppy Seed Cake – A classic made better with fresh zest
- Candied Citrus Peels – Sweet, chewy, and perfect for snacking or garnish
- Cara Cara Orange Ricotta Pancakes – Ideal for brunch or dessert-for-breakfast
Citrus Salads
Add balance and brightness to fresh greens, grain bowls, or roasted veggies with citrus segments, juice-based dressings, or a punch of zest.
- Citrus Chicken Salad – A light, protein-packed main
- Squash and Arugula Salad with Grapefruit-Honey Vinaigrette – Peppery greens and sweet squash get a zippy upgrade from tangy grapefruit dressing
Citrus-Forward Main Dishes
Citrus adds bold acidity and complexity to hearty, savory meals—especially when paired with creamy sauces or rich grains.
- Lemon Spinach Risotto Orzo – Creamy, citrusy comfort with a fresh, bright twist
- One-Pot Lemony Rigatoni Alfredo – Rich meets zesty in this easy, weeknight pasta
Citrus-Flavored Proteins
Citrus juice acts as a natural tenderizer and flavor booster for fish, poultry, and even tofu.
- Slow Roasted Hot Honey Citrus Salmon Sweet heat and juicy citrus
- Citrus-Cured Salmon – No cooking required—just fresh juice and time
- Sheet Pan Salmon with Creamy Meyer Lemon Dressing – One pan, endless flavor
Citrus Drinks & Syrups
From cocktails to lemonade, citrus brightens everything it touches.
- Tinto de Verano – A citrusy Spanish-inspired wine spritz
- Smoky Lime Cardamom Cocktail – Bold and unexpected
- Spiced Greyhound Cocktail – Grapefruit meets spice
- Homemade Lemonades – Classic, twisted, and refreshing
- Grilled Lemon-Cilantro Punch – Smoky and herbaceous
Creative Citrus Techniques
Try these less-common but high-impact ways to use citrus in your cooking.
- Grill Citrus
Caramelize halved citrus to mellow acidity and boost flavor - Brûlée Citrus
Torch sugar-topped citrus halves for a caramelized finish - Infuse Simple Syrup with Citrus
Great for drinks, desserts, or drizzling - Brighten a Compote with Citrus
Add zest and juice to balance fruit preserves - Make a Marinade or Dip with Citrus
Citrus lifts savory flavors beautifully
Whether you’re crafting a citrus salad, candying peels, or squeezing juice into your next marinade, citrus brings flavor, freshness, and flair to your kitchen. Stock up on in-season citrus at Misfits Market and make the most of every peel, pulp, and pucker!
Keep reading: What Is Citrus Fruit? A Complete Guide