25 Orange Recipes for Peak Citrus Season

It's peak citrus season! We gathered 25 a-peeling orange recipes, from salads and weeknight dinners to cookies, mocktails, and more.

By
Katie Morford, MS, RD
Katie Morford, MS, RD
Katie is a culinary dietitian with a master's degree in clinical nutrition. She has 25 years of experience as a recipe developer, writer, and teacher.
Learn about Simply Recipes' Editorial Process
and
Robin Shreeves
Robin Shreeves
Robin Shreeves is a food and beverage writer.
Learn about Simply Recipes' Editorial Process
Updated January 10, 2023
Orange Recipes for Citrus Season

Although oranges are available year-round, they do have a season. Oranges are at their juiciest and most flavorful in winter, and you'll likely find the most varieties during the season.

Oranges work well in a variety of sweet and savory dishes. We've gathered our favorite orange recipes so you can take advantage of the season's peak.

Robin Shreeves joins Katie Morford, RD in compiling this list.

  • Festive Beet Citrus Salad

    Beet Citrus Kale Salad
    Elise Bauer

    Beets and oranges are a classic duo, paired here in a healthy and satisfying salad. The recipe makes enough for a small crowd, so scale it back if needed and play with the proportions to your taste. The kale holds up well over time, so leftovers are good for a few days. 

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  • Mexican Fruit Cocktail

    Mexican Fruit Cocktail
    Elise Bauer

    Hold onto your hats people! This is a flavor bomb salad thanks to the oranges, pineapple, apple, jalapeños, lime, and cilantro. Inspired by a fruit cocktail recipe from the Jalisco region of Mexico, this is an excellent side dish for taco night or a simple snack on its own. 

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  • Jicama, Avocado, and Orange Salad

    Overhead view of a summer citrus and avocado salad in a serving bowl. Mint and lettuce are also in the bowl.
    Kalisa Marie Martin

    This salad is just as tasty to eat as it is pretty to look at. It’s crunchy, creamy, savory, and sweet. Serve it as a side dish to roast chicken or your favorite fish dish.

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  • Parfait With Maple Yogurt, Citrus and Pomegranate

    Winter Citrus Parfait

    Simply Recipes/Sarah Fritsche

    Made with thick, maple-sweetened yogurt, orange, grapefruit, and pomegranate arils, these pretty parfaits are just as suitable for a brunch buffet as a dinner party sweet treat. 

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    Continue to 5 of 25 below.

  • Roasted Chicken Thighs with Fennel and Orange

    Roast Chicken Thighs with Fennel and Orange
    Aaron Hutcherson

    This one-pan supper is just the sort of thing for a cold winter night. Fennels and oranges add brightness to the juicy chicken thighs rubbed with garlic and herbs. It’s easy enough for a family dinner and festive enough for special guests. 

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  • Chinese Orange Chicken

    Side view of chinese take out orange chicken recipe in a scalloped white bowl with a partial view of a bowl of white rice to the left.
    Nick Evans

    If you’re a fan of crispy takeout orange chicken, this is the ticket to making it at home. It’s surprisingly easy; all you need is a large skillet. And don’t skip the orange zest in the sauce—it’s the most important ingredient.

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  • Flank Steak with Orange and Avocado Salsa

    Flank Steak with Orange and Avocado Salsa
    Sally Vargas

    Here is a lighter take on a steak dinner with a decidedly south-of-the-border vibe. Season flank steak with ancho chili, cook in a skillet or on the grill, and serve with an avocado and orange salsa. Serve it over salad greens or tuck it into tortillas for a modern taco.

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  • Spicy Orange Marinated Chicken

    Spicy Orange Marinated Chicken on a plate with lemon wedges and parsley
    Sally Vargas

    Marinate chicken thighs for a minimum of 2 hours or overnight in a mixture of orange juice, onion, garlic, herbs, and chipotle then pan fry them. Serve with a side of Spanish rice.

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    Continue to 9 of 25 below.

  • Mojo Marinated Grilled Pork Kebabs

    A quarter sheet pan has pork kebabs with grilled pineapple stacked on it.
    Marta Rivera

    Easy, delicious, and loaded with flavor (thanks to three types of fresh citrus), these tender pork kebabs are a win. The punchy garlic and citrus-flavored marinade pairs beautifully with the pineapple and peppers threaded onto skewers. If there is snow outside and your grill is off-limits, roast these in a 400°F instead.

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  • Cardamom Citrus Fruit Salad

    Fruit Salad
    Elise Bauer

    Festooned with juicy orange segments along with other citrus superstars, this salad looks like a little jewel box. It’s ideal as a light winter dessert, maybe with a dab or two of crème fraîche, if desired.  

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  • Spatchcocked Grilled Chicken with Orange and Ginger

    Ginger-Orange Spatchcocked Chicken
    Sally Vargas

    Spatchcocked is just another way of saying butterflied, a method for butchering a chicken so it cooks more quickly and evenly. Leave the chicken in the orange ginger marinade for as long as you can (at least two hours) to guarantee a juicy, flavorful bird.

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  • Slow Cooker Orange Almond Rice Pudding

    Jewish Kheer Recipe
    Rachel Narins

    This rice pudding leans on rice cereal instead of whole rice. That makes for an extra creamy pudding made with ease using the slow cooker. It’s scented with orange zest and almond extract, and topped with fresh orange pieces. Comfort in a crock pot. 

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    Continue to 13 of 25 below.

  • Orange Bread

    Orange Bread
    Elise Bauer

    Who doesn’t love a cozy quickbread? This one is made with orange zest, golden raisins, and an orange lemon glaze. It’s moist and tender, thanks to the full cup of yogurt in the batter. Cut yourself a warm slice, set it on a plate, and make yourself a cup of tea. Consider it a form of therapy.

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  • Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies

    Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
    Elise Bauer

    A heavy dose of orange zest perfumes these elegant chocolate cookies. Like any shortbread, you won’t find a long list of ingredients, though they do require rolling and cutting. That is just part of the fun. 

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  • Broccoli Slaw with Cranberry Orange Dressing

    Broccoli Slaw with Cranberry Orange Dressing in a white bowl
    Elise Bauer

    Don't toss your broccoli stems! They're sweet and tender, and fantastic tossed with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy cranberry orange dressing. This slaw makes a good side dish for roast or pulled pork.

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  • Cod with Tomato and Orange

    Ling Cod Tomato Orange
    Elise Bauer

    Tomatoes, onions, green olives, and oranges are a classic combination in Spanish cuisine. Here, it works well with fish. The dish cooks up in minutes, making it an easy midweek meal. Leftovers are great the next day. Swap in halibut for cod if that appeals to you.

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    Continue to 17 of 25 below.

  • Orange Breakfast Rolls

    Orange Breakfast Roll on a Plate Next to a Glass of Orange Juice and Bowl of Orange Slices

    Simply Recipes / Sally Vargas

    Who doesn't love waking up to freshly baked breakfast rolls? You can shape the rolls and let them proof overnight to effortlessly rouse your family from slumber with the aroma of orange-kissed rolls the following morning.

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  • Triple-Layer White Cake With Orange Curd Filling

    Triple Layer White Cake
    Elise Bauer

    Consider this multi-tiered beauty a special occasion cake. Orange plays a role in both the cake and the curd filling. It's sweet and tangy with a classic cream cheese frosting. 

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  • Orange-Spiced Whole Wheat Muffins

    Whole Wheat Muffins with Nuts
    Alison Conklin

    Lightly sweet with a cinnamon sugar topping, these wholesome muffins are good for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Break one open and add a drizzle of honey or smear of salty butter, or both.

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  • Blood Orange French 75 Cocktail

    Blood Orange French 75 Cocktail
    Elise Bauer

    The classic French 75 is one of the chicest cocktails under the sun. Here it gets a minor makeover by swapping in blood orange for lemon juice. It’s just as lovely to drink, plus a little more colorful. 

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    Continue to 21 of 25 below.

  • Classic Mimosa

    Prosecco, orange juice, orange slices and three glasses of the best mimosas are on a tray. Whole oranges are to the left of the tray.
    Elana Lepkowski

    Cocktails don’t get any easier than a mimosa, the classic combination of orange juice and sparkling wine. A clear brunch favorite. The key? Skip the orange juice concentrate and squeeze your own. It's totally worth it.

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  • Maple Orange Glazed Carrots

    Maple Orange Glazed Carrots
    Elise Bauer

    This easy side dish is a slam-dunk crowd pleaser. Sauté rounds of carrots in butter and glaze them with maple syrup and fresh orange juice. A light shower of orange zest and a pinch of cinnamon brings it all together. 

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  • Winter Spiced Orange Mocktail

    Spiced bitter orange mocktail with cinnamon and star anise
    Elana Lepkowski

    Winter Spiced Orange Mocktail is built with a bittersweet nonalcoholic flavored syrup squash. It's made with Seville oranges. The mocktail is embellished with club soda, bitters, and a beautiful slice of fresh orange. You won’t miss the booze.

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  • Seville Orangeade

    Seville Orangeade
    Elise Bauer

    While traditionally used to make marmalade, Seville oranges are also excellent juiced. Though not widely available, you can find Seville oranges online via Melissa's Produce, at some specialty stores, and at some farmers markets.

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    Continue to 25 of 25 below.

  • Shrimp with Orange Beurre Blanc

    Shrimp with Orange Beurre Blanc
    Elise Bauer

    Set out a plate of these bright buttery shrimp and your guests may think they’re in a fancy restaurant. Luckily, it’s easy enough for a home cook. The beurre blanc is embellished with orange zest, white wine, and shallots—it's magical with sautéed shrimp. Steamed rice and asparagus or broccoli make great sides. Drizzle the oh-so-delicious citrus sauce all over them too.

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