10 Bright & Fresh Citrus Recipes to Beat the Winter Blues

It’s just around this time of year, every year, when the fatigue of dark nights and bitter cold days really settles in. Spring still seems so far away, even though we’re nearing the bend! So we’re fighting the winter blues the best way we know how: By loading up on juicy citrus. Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes are bursting with so much bright flavor, they practically transport you to sunnier weather. They’re also loaded with vitamin C, which keep your immune system strong. From lemon-y spaghetti to cilantro-lime chicken, here are 10 of our favorite citrus recipes to get you through these blustery winter days.

1. Avocado, Grapefruit, and Fennel Salad from Foodie Crush

Lip-puckering wedges of grapefruit play nicely with buttery avocado and sweet, crunchy fennel in this colorful salad. If you’d like to make it heartier, top it with some chicken or shrimp.

Photo Credit: A Sweet Pea Chef

2. Cilantro Lime Chicken from A Sweet Pea Chef

A juicy, lime-based marinade not only ensures this chicken will be flavorful, but the acid also helps protect the poultry from drying out when it cooks. This will definitely become a winter weeknight staple.

Photo Credit: Kaleidoscope Living

3. Sage and Blood Orange Salmon from Kaleidoscope Living

This fast and fancy salmon is almost too pretty to eat thanks to the eye-catching slice of ruby-tinged blood orange on top of each fillet. Serve it over creamy polenta and pair it with your favorite green vegetable.

Photo Credit: Weelicious

4. Lemon Spaghetti with Toasted Walnuts from Weelicious

Both the zest and juice of two whole lemons are used to make this humble yet bold pasta. Other healthy nuts, like pistachios or almonds, can also be used in place of the walnuts, if you prefer.

Photo Credit: Bourbon and Honey

5. Broiled Grapefruit with Honey Yogurt and Pistachios from Bourbon and Honey

Upgrade a simple grapefruit half by broiling it and suddenly it feels almost luxurious to dig into. This recipe makes for the perfect special breakfast or healthy dessert.

Photo Credit: Cookie + Kate

6. Vibrant Orange & Arugula Salad from Cookie + Kate

If you can get your hand on a mix of oranges in different colors, such as pink Cara Cara oranges or ruby blood oranges, this salad will be especially vibrant. Either way, though, it’s a sunny, fresh, and feel-good choice.

Photo Credit: Woman’s Day

7. Coconut-Lime-Marinated Vegetable Noodles and Shrimp from Woman’s Day

A mixture of lime juice, coconut milk, and soy sauce, flavored with fresh ginger, garlic, and red chile, both tenderizes the zucchini noodles and flavors them in this low-carb bowl.

Photo Credit: Kitchen Konfidence

8. Blood Orange Ricotta Toast from Kitchen Konfidence

This simple toast is such a cheerful way to start your day. To make it extra wholesome, opt for whole-grain bread instead of brioche. A sprinkle of antioxidant-rich cinnamon on top is also a nice added touch.

Photo Credit: Damn Delicious

9. Kale Salad with Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette from Damn Delicious

The season for Meyer lemons is short, so if you see them at the store, definitely grab them. They’re naturally sweeter than regular lemons, with a delicately floral taste. Don’t worry if you can’t find them, though. Regular lemons work here, too.

Photo Credit: Freutcake

10. Citrus Salad with Honey and Mint from Freutcake

This easy fruit salad is a perfect way to use a wide array of your favorite citrus. For a bit of texture and crunch, try topping it off with a sprinkle of pomegranate arils or chopped pistachios.