The Best Citrus Recipes to Get You Through Winter

January 13, 2021

Carolyn Menyes

Balance those cold nights with sunny flavors

Photography and Styling by Chavi Feldman, courtesy of Kosher.com

You may think of winter as a time when there isn't a ton of fresh produce available, but in reality, some of the brightest, boldest fruits are in their peak season during the coldest months of the year. Oh yeah, it's citrus season, baby! Brighten up those long, cold nights with these 11 refreshing recipes, from lemon bread to citrus-soaked salmon and everything in between.

The Cheesecake Factory's Lemon-Ricotta Pancakes

Courtesy of The Cheesecake Factory

Start your day the lemony way with these bright pancakes straight out of The Cheesecake Factory’s kitchen. These fluffy, slightly tart and brilliantly sweet pancakes are among the best brunch recipes around.

For The Cheesecake Factory's Lemon-Ricotta Pancakes recipe, click here.

Orange, Anise and Brown Sugar Rubbed Roast Pork

Courtesy of The Chicago Tribune

Pork loin roast rubbed with orange zest, brown sugar, paprika and anise has a hearty flavor that's perfect for winter.

For the Orange, Anise and Brown Sugar Rubbed Roast Pork recipe, click here.

Very Lemon Loaf

E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune; Joan Moravek/food styling

When life gives you lemons, you can make lemonade, or you can tap into your inner baker and make a light, delicious lemon loaf.

For the Very Lemon Loaf recipe, click here.

Arugula, Orange and Pomegranate Salad

Courtesy of Karen Kelly/Seasonal Cravings

There are plenty of delicious, nutritious salads you can make during the coldest months of the year. Look no further than this simple arugula salad, which is topped with oranges, pomegranate arils and pumpkin seeds. An easy vinaigrette completes the whole salad, which pairs nicely with roasted salmon or grilled chicken.

For the Arugula, Orange and Pomegranate Salad recipe, click here.

Three Citrus, Ancho, Garlic and Honey-Glazed Cornish Hens

Bill Hogan/Chicago Tribune

If you truly love the flavors of citrus, this punchy roasted Cornish game hen recipe is for you. It uses the juices from grapefruit, limes and lemon for a zesty flavor.

For the Three Citrus, Ancho, Garlic and Honey-Glazed Cornish Hens recipe, click here.

Lemon Olive Oil Cake

E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune; Shannon Kinsella/food styling

No need for a boxed cake mix when you’re craving something sweet. This simple lemon olive oil cake is the perfect light bite after a filling winter dinner.

For the Lemon Olive Oil Cake recipe, click here.

Citrus Teriyaki Salmon

Photography and Styling by Chavi Feldman/Courtesy of Kosher.com

Citrus and seafood go together like peanut butter and jelly. This easy baked salmon recipe uses an orange, soy and ginger sauce to impart Japanese-inspired flavors. Serve over rice for an easy, delicious dinner.

For the Citrus Teriyaki Salmon recipe, click here.

Key Lime Angel Pie

Courtesy of The Incredible Egg

Key lime pie, a signature sweet from Florida, is one of the most iconic desserts in America. Don't sweat finding Key limes and juicing the tiny fruits. You can just use bottled juice for easier baking.

For the Key Lime Angel Pie recipe, click here.

Linguine with Lemony Chicken

Zbigniew Bzdak/Chicago Tribune; Styling by Lisa Schumacher

Chicken, lemon, capers and white wine is an iconic combination perfect for easy weeknight dinners. Serve over perfectly cooked linguine for a satisfying meal.

For the Linguine with Lemony Chicken recipe, click here.

Giddy-up Grapefruit Sour

Courtesy of Corralejo Reposado Tequila

Citrus is a great ingredient to balance out smoky tequila in classic cocktails. If you’re sick of standard lime or lemon margaritas, consider mixing up this grapefruit cocktail, which also has a jalapeno syrup for some extra kick.

For the Giddy-up Grapefruit Sour recipe, click here.

Meyer Lemon Lavender Bars

Courtesy of West of the Loop

Lemon bars may seem like a summertime dessert, but in the middle of winter, we need all of the sunny sweets we can get, like these easy lemon bars. And while you have a big bag of citrus on hand, why not make more luscious lemon recipes?

For the Meyer Lemon Lavender Bars recipe, click here.

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