17 Ways to Use Citrus That Will Change Your Cooking Forever

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17 Ways to Use Citrus That Will Change Your Cooking Forever

Spring is here, and it’s a great time to add a splash of citrus to your cooking. These 17 recipes make it easy to bring the bright taste of citrus to your kitchen table.

You’ll find ways to mix lemon, lime, and other citrus flavors into both sweet and savory dishes. It’s a simple trick to make everyday meals more exciting.

A bit of orange or a sprinkle of grapefruit can really change up your food. Try these ideas and see how citrus can freshen up your spring meals.

Chicken wings on a plate with lemon wedges.
Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Key Lime Pie with Coconut Whipped Cream

A tangy and creamy key lime pie topped with a light coconut whipped cream is a refreshing dessert that takes about 30 minutes to prepare. It combines the tartness of key limes with the sweetness of condensed milk in a graham cracker crust. The coconut whipped cream adds a tropical twist to the classic pie. This dessert’s balance of flavors makes it a delightful end to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Pie with Coconut Whipped Cream

Lemon Sugar Cookies

These lemon sugar cookies are a zesty twist on a classic treat, requiring only 20 minutes of prep time. The dough is infused with fresh lemon juice and zest, giving the cookies a bright citrus flavor. Once baked, they boast a crisp edge with a chewy center. The simplicity of sugar cookies and the addition of lemon make these a satisfying snack for any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Sugar Cookies

Citrus asparagus couscous in a white bowl next to an orange and lemons.
Citrus Asparagus Couscous. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Citrus asparagus couscous is a light and flavorful side dish that can be prepared in just 25 minutes. It features tender asparagus and fluffy couscous, with a burst of citrus from fresh oranges and lemons. The dish is completed with a sprinkle of feta cheese for a hint of creaminess. Its fresh taste pairs well with grilled meats or as a standalone vegetarian option.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Spiked Lemonade Popsicles

Spiked lemonade popsicles are a fun, adult-only treat that can be made in about 10 minutes, plus freezing time. They combine the classic taste of tart lemonade with a kick of your favorite spirit. These popsicles are perfect for cooling down on a hot day with a touch of indulgence. The combination of sweet and sour with a boozy note is sure to be a hit at summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Spiked Lemonade Popsicles

Hands holding a baking dish with Lemon Dill Salmon and Asparagus.
Lemon Dill Salmon and Asparagus. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Lemon Dill Salmon and Asparagus

Lemon dill salmon and asparagus is a healthy and delicious meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes. The salmon is baked with a generous topping of lemon juice and fresh dill, which infuses the fish with herby citrus notes. Asparagus, roasted alongside the salmon, complements the dish with its earthy flavor. This simple yet elegant meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Dill Salmon and Asparagus

Citrus Dream Tart

The citrus dream tart is a vibrant dessert that takes about 45 minutes to prepare. It’s filled with a smooth, citrusy custard made from a blend of lemon, lime, and orange. The tart is encased in a buttery pastry shell and finished with a glossy citrus glaze. Each bite offers a balance of sweet and tart flavors that’s sure to delight any palate.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Dream Tart

Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

Easy lemon bars with shortbread crust are a classic treat that requires about 15 minutes of hands-on time. The bars have a rich, buttery shortbread base topped with a zesty lemon filling. Once baked and cooled, they’re dusted with powdered sugar for added sweetness. The contrasting textures and tangy taste make these bars an irresistible dessert.
Get the Recipe: Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

Horizontal image of blackberry lime sorbet in a metal loaf pan on a marble background garnished with frozen blackberries and limes.
Blackberry Lime Sorbet. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Blackberry Lime Sorbet

Blackberry lime sorbet is a refreshing and fruity dessert that can be made in about 30 minutes, plus chilling time. It combines the sweetness of ripe blackberries with the tartness of lime juice. This sorbet is a simple yet sophisticated palate cleanser or light dessert. Its deep purple hue and vibrant flavor are sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Lime Sorbet

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Lemon pepper chicken wings are a tangy and savory appetizer that can be ready in about 1 hour. The wings are coated in a lemon pepper seasoning blend, which provides a zesty and slightly spicy flavor profile. They’re baked until crispy and can be served as a snack or part of a larger meal. These wings offer a citrusy twist on a beloved finger food.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

A jar of grapefruit blood orange curd with grapefruit slices and a spoon.
Grapefruit Blood Orange Curd. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Grapefruit Blood Orange Curd

Grapefruit blood orange curd is a luscious and tangy spread that takes about 20 minutes to make. It combines the tartness of grapefruit with the sweetness of blood oranges, creating a vibrant and versatile curd. This curd can be used to fill pastries, top toast, or swirl into yogurt. Its bold citrus flavor is a delightful addition to any dish that calls for a fruity element.
Get the Recipe: Grapefruit Blood Orange Curd

Wild Blackberry Muffins

Wild blackberry muffins with lemon glaze are a delightful baked good that takes about 30 minutes to prepare. The muffins are studded with juicy blackberries and topped with a zesty lemon glaze. They offer a burst of berry flavor with each bite, complemented by the bright taste of lemon. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack.
Get the Recipe: Wild Blackberry Muffins

A bowl of cranberry sauce with cranberries, oranges and lemons.
Orange Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Orange Cranberry Sauce

Orange cranberry sauce is a sweet and tart condiment that can be made in just 15 minutes. It features fresh cranberries and the juice and zest of oranges. This sauce adds a fruity zing to traditional dishes, especially during the holiday season. Its vibrant color and flavor can elevate any meal that pairs well with a touch of citrus.
Get the Recipe: Orange Cranberry Sauce

Meyer Lemon Curd

Meyer lemon curd is a smooth and creamy spread that’s ready in about 10 minutes. It’s made with Meyer lemons, which are sweeter than regular lemons, resulting in a curd that’s both tart and subtly sweet. This curd is perfect for filling cakes, topping scones, or simply enjoying with a spoon. Its silky texture and fresh taste make it a versatile kitchen staple.
Get the Recipe: Meyer Lemon Curd

Lime Simple Syrup

Lime simple syrup is a sweet and citrusy ingredient that can be prepared in just 10 minutes. It’s made by dissolving sugar in water and adding lime zest for a zesty kick. This syrup can be used to sweeten beverages, drizzle over desserts, or glaze baked goods. Its concentrated lime flavor is both refreshing and invigorating.
Get the Recipe: Lime Simple Syrup

Lemon Crème Brûlée. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Lemon Crème Brûlée

Lemon crème brûlée is a decadent dessert with a crisp caramelized sugar crust and a creamy lemon-infused custard beneath. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare before chilling. The addition of lemon zest gives this classic French dessert a bright and aromatic twist. Its elegant presentation and contrasting textures make it a favorite at dinner parties.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Crème Brûlée

Drop Biscuits with Orange Honey Butter

Drop biscuits with orange honey butter are a comforting addition to any meal, ready in just 22 minutes. The biscuits are easy to make and have a soft, fluffy texture. The orange honey butter, with its sweet citrus flavor, is the perfect complement to the warm biscuits. This combination is sure to bring a cozy touch to your breakfast table or dinner spread.
Get the Recipe: Drop Biscuits with Orange Honey Butter

Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

Cilantro lime chicken & rice is a zesty one-pot meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes. The chicken is marinated with lime juice and cilantro, infusing it with fresh, herbaceous flavors. Paired with fluffy rice, this dish is both satisfying and light. It’s a simple yet flavorful option for a quick weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

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