Citrus Recipes

Photo: Randy Mayor

Add the best of the season's zest to a variety of recipes for a citrus dish you won't soon forget.

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Cooking with Citrus

Photo: Romulo Yanes

View Recipe: Cilantro-Jalapeño Limeade

Known for their fragrance and sharp flavor, citrus fruits are one of the treasures of winter. Whether you like lemons, limes, oranges, or grapefruit, these citrus recipes are sure to put a smile on your face.

First up is our Grapefruit, Apple, and Pomegranate Salad. This quick fruit salad gives you 133% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin C. It’s also superfun to eat: The pearls of grapefruit pulp and delicate flakes of sea salt pop on the tongue.

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Sea Bass with Citrus Salsa

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Sea Bass with Citrus Salsa

This recipe gives you dinner party elegance in a 20-minute dish. We rely on sea bass, a tender, mild-flavored fish with a lovely buttery quality. There are several sustainable options to choose from (Atlantic black sea bass, for one), so ask questions at the fish counter to ensure you're making a responsible choice. You can also use cod, sablefish (also called black cod), striped bass, or barramundi with great results.

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Orange Gratin

Photo: Johnny Miller; Styling: Sarah Smart

View Recipe: Orange Gratin

Serve this simple dessert to wow dinner guests—present it in a gratin dish, and serve individually at the table.

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Rosemary-Citrus Parfaits

Photo: Christopher Testani

View Recipe: Rosemary-Citrus Parfaits

You'll make more rosemary syrup than you need, but it's great to have extra on hand. It keeps well in the refrigerator, where it will last for 2 to 3 weeks. Molly suggests stirring some into club soda to make a rosemary soda, and mix with vodka or gin for a cocktail. Or, she suggests, "If you have a clean yard with freshly fallen snow, you can put some in a cup and drizzle the syrup over it" for a homemade snow cone. "That's really, really tasty," she says. You can also share the syrup with someone on your holiday gift list; attach a card with suggestions for how to use it.

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Orange-Mustard Glazed Pork Chops

Photo: Johnny Miller; Styling: Sarah Smart

View Recipe: Orange-Mustard Glazed Pork Chops

Marmalade provides pectin to give the glaze syrupy body and balances the sweet orange juice with a touch of pleasant bitterness.

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Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Radish and Green Bean Quinoa

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Radish and Green Bean Quinoa

Radishes become tender and blushing pink when sautéed, a lovely addition to the quinoa. Move over, spuds and rice. Quick-cooking quinoa is a protein-packed whole grain that's the new everyday starch in your pantry. Red onion is pungent enough to hold its own, sturdy enough to add great crunch, and pretty enough to showcase.

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Orange Salad with Arugula and Oil-Cured Olives

Photo: Oxmoor House

View Recipe: Orange Salad with Arugula and Oil-Cured Olives

The best way to use fresh market or garden produce is often in its simplest, purest form. This dish highlights the color of oranges for an elegant presentation. You can peel and slice the oranges ahead, if you like, arranging the slices on a plate and covering with plastic wrap. You can prep the other components ahead, too. Make the dressing several hours or even a day ahead; just bring to room temperature before tossing with the arugula.

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Tangy Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Tangy Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Classic lemon squares can contain up to 36 grams of sugar per piece. By putting a tangy cheesecake spin on ours, we’ve cut the sugar down to only 6 grams per pop. Your sweet tooth will agree that these bars are good enough to enjoy year-round.

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Fresh Ginger Cake with Candied Citrus Glaze

Photo: Nigel Cox

View Recipe: Fresh Ginger Cake with Candied Citrus Glaze

Round and ring-shaped cakes are most common for New Year’s celebrations, a wish for a fulfilling, complete year. The Bundt is about as decorative a ring as you’re likely to find, and the perfect way to end your feast. Fresh ginger, ginger ale, and tart candied kumquats have the zing that will put a spring in your first step of the New Year. And malty, sweet golden cane syrup in the cake batter continues the prosperity theme.

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Orange-Jicama Salad

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Lindsey Lower

View Recipe: Orange-Jicama Salad

This bright and refreshing salad could not be easier to toss together and makes a fantastic side dish for taco night. Crisp jicama and juicy-sweet oranges make for quite the dream-team.

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Citrus Salad with Balsamic Honey and Pistachios

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Citrus Salad with Balsamic Honey and Pistachios

Nothing compares to the flavor of fresh oranges in their prime—just think how juicy wedges enhance a green salad. Indulge in our seasonal dishes that captures the pure essence of oranges.

Blood oranges are a little bit tart; navels are sweeter—try a mix of the two for a colorful, tasty combo.

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Orange-Tarragon Sheet Pan Roasted Vegetables

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Orange-Tarragon Sheet Pan Roasted Vegetables

You'll wow friends and family with this simple side that will be a guaranteed hit. A vibrant citrus dressing brightens fresh-cut vegetables for a Thanksgiving side you'll come back to again and again. Combine 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice, 2 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a bowl, stirring with a whisk. Combine butternut squash, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, and potatoes from master recipe, then follow remaining steps.

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Four Citrus-Herb Chicken

Photo: Johnny Miller; Styling: Sarah Smart

View Recipe: Four Citrus-Herb Chicken

Citrus zest perfumes the chicken while it marinates. A fresh salsa of citrus segments and herbs doubles down on fruit flavor. The natural sugar from the citrus in the marinade creates a caramelized glaze on the roasted chicken while the serrano chiles add a layer of heat. Buying a whole chicken that still has the skin on and bones-ins will add a depth of flavor that skinless and boneless chicken breasts lack. Even though the chicken will be roasted in the oven, the citrus and herbs keep this dish very light and fresh. Pair with a fresh orzo or quinoa salad to let this zesty, roasted chicken shine as the main dish.

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Citrusy Beet and Goat Cheese Chickpea Salad

Photo: Brian Woodcock

View Recipe: Citrusy Beet and Goat Cheese Chickpea Salad

Per serving, chickpeas have three times more folate than kale and triple the iron of a 3-ounce chicken breast. Instead of playing their typical supporting role, in this recipe, chickpeas take center plate.

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Citrus Tea Punch

Photo: Jan Smith

View Recipe: Citrus Tea Punch

This easy punch recipe is great for holiday entertaining and made by adding orange juice and lemonade concentrate to tea steeped with cinnamon and cloves. You can prepare this punch up to one day ahead.

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Lemon Squares

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Lemon Squares

Lemons are such an integral part of so many recipes, but this is one that truly frames its freshness, fair and square. Pine nuts in the sweet cookie crust balance the boldness of the lemon filling.

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Grapefruit, Walnut, and Feta Salad

Photo: Johnny Autry

View Recipe: Grapefruit, Walnut, and Feta Salad

Perfect to pair with pizza or a springtime pasta dish, this fresh salad is bursting with flavor, color, and the best ingredients of the season.

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Citrus-Glazed Shrimp with Cilantro Rice

Photo: Jason Wallis

View Recipe: Citrus-Glazed Shrimp with Cilantro Rice

Chipotle chile powder adds smoky heat to the table in no time!

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Fennel and Radicchio Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

Photo: Iain Bagwell

View Recipe: Fennel and Radicchio Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

Let the salad stand at room temperature at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the dressing to penetrate the vegetables and tenderize them a bit for a less aggressive crunch.

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Tuscan Cake with Citrus Compote

Photo: Romulo Yanes & Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Tuscan Cake with Citrus Compote

Plain low-fat yogurt is added into the batter to keep the cake moist. Serve the citrus compote over the cake and enjoy.

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Winter Citrus, Escarole, and Endive Salad

Photo: José Picayo

View Recipe: Winter Citrus, Escarole, and Endive Salad

This bright, fresh salad of winter greens and sweet-tangy citrus is studded with red pomegranate arils: It’s a dramatic, holiday-worthy plate and a welcome course for vegetarians.

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Honey-Ginger Chicken Bites

Photo: Lee Harrelson

View Recipe: Honey-Ginger Chicken Bites

Ditch the greasy fried chicken fingers in favor of these sweet glazed chicken bites. They're the perfect size for popping into your mouth or serving on skewers. This dish is prepared with boneless, skinless chicken thighs but feel free to use chicken breasts if you have them on hand.

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Herb and Citrus Roast Leg of Lamb

Photo: Johnny Autry

View Recipe: Herb and Citrus Roast Leg of Lamb

Orange and lemon in the marinade make for a bright counterpoint to the earthy cumin. Stuff leftovers into pitas, and drizzle with yogurt.

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Citrus Salad with Balsamic Honey and Pistachios

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Citrus Salad with Balsamic Honey and Pistachios

Blood oranges are a little bit tart; navels are sweeter—try a mix of the two for a colorful, tasty combo. The acidic, citrus flavor is complemented by the sweetness of the honey, creating a balanced, healthy salad that is simple to prepare. Crunchy texture, added by pistachios and jicama, makes it a satisfying side.

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Chewy Meringues with Tangerine-Lemon Curd

Photo: Johnny Miller; Styling: Sarah Smart

View Recipe: Chewy Meringues with Tangerine-Lemon Curd

The meringues and curd can be made up to a day ahead for convenience. Store meringues at room temperature in an airtight container, and keep curd chilled with plastic wrap directly on the surface so it doesn't form a skin.

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Orange-Cranberry Pork Stew

Photo: Johnny Autry

View Recipe: Orange-Cranberry Pork Stew

Add a sweet, citrusy twist to traditional stew with luscious, fresh orange slices. If you prefer a thicker stew, reduce the broth to 3/4 cup, or simmer on the stove after baking.

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Sherry-Cava Citrus Fizz

Photo: Brian Woodcock

View Recipe: Sherry-Cava Citrus Fizz

Simplify the liquor shopping list: Skip setting up a full bar and instead offer a signature cocktail featuring just one or two types of spirits or wine. Make this punch up to 4 hours ahead, but wait to add the cava until just before serving.

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Sweet and Spicy Citrus Tilapia

Photo: John Autry

View Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Citrus Tilapia

This versatile marinade works well with several types of dishes, especially flaky, white fish like tilapia. Round out the meal with a cool side of green beans tossed with cilantro and lime.

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Fennel and Clementine Salad with Chicken, Almonds, and Feta

Photo: Linda Pugliese

View Recipe: Fennel and Clementine Salad with Chicken, Almonds, and Feta

Fennel's licorice-y sweetness is a great match for juicy citrus and salty feta. But if it's not your favorite, swap the fennel out in favor of thinly sliced red onion.

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Chicken with Citrus Sauce and Lime-Cilantro Quinoa

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Chicken with Citrus Sauce and Lime-Cilantro Quinoa

The best part of this dinner? Leftovers, of course. Make a tasty wrap with remaining quinoa: Spread hummus over a whole-grain flatbread. Top with spinach, sliced bell pepper, quinoa, and feta; roll up.

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Fresh Lemonade Cake

Photo: Raymond Hom

View Recipe: Fresh Lemonade Cake

Lemonade Layer Cake, developed by Ann Taylor Pittman as a recipe makeover, has been loved by readers since it debuted in April 2002. When we retested it for this story, we felt we could make big improvements in the texture and flavor. Instead of using a lemonade product, we've made a concentrated fresh lemonade syrup that adds zippy citrus hits to the more-tender cake.

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Spice-Rubbed New York Strip with Avocado-Lime Salsa

Photo: Marcus Nilsson

View Recipe: Spice-Rubbed New York Strip with Avocado-Lime Salsa

Ready in just 26 minutes, this strip steak topped with avocado-lime salsa is an ideal way to add a unique twist to a weeknight steak dinner.

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Grapefruit and Hearts of Palm Salad

Photo: Johnny Miller; Styling: Sarah Smart

View Recipe: Grapefruit and Hearts of Palm Salad

Grapefruit adds a perfect sweet-tart zing to this salad. Hearts of palm have a semifirm texture and nutty flavor similar to that of artichoke hearts, which you could sub in a pinch.

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Curiously Citrus Chocolate Toast

Photo: Kang Kim

View Recipe: Curiously Citrus Chocolate Toast

This delightful pick-me-up makes mornings just a little more sweeter thanks to its orange and chocolate toppings. Perfect for a sleep-in-late kind of Sunday morning, or maybe a late night treat, this zesty combination is one that can combat even your worst sweet-tooth cravings.

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Shaker-ish Lemon Pie

Photo: Andrew Purcell

View Recipe: Shaker-ish Lemon Pie

Traditional Shaker lemon pie uses the whole lemon, pith and all. This version uses only the rind and the meaty-juicy lemon part, leaving the pith for those hearty Shakers. Macerating the rinds in sugar for 24 hours tenderizes them and reduces bitterness. There's rich caramel flavor in the golden cane syrup; light-colored corn syrup will work fine, too, but the flavor won't be quite as rich.

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Soy-Citrus Scallops with Soba Noodles

Photo: Oxmoor House

View Recipe: Soy-Citrus Scallops with Soba Noodles

Robust Japanese buckwheat noodles and seared scallops get coated with a marinade that has been reduced to a glaze. Serve with still-crunchy snow peas or sugar snap peas. You can toss them right in with the noodles.

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Grilled Leek and Radicchio Salad with Citrus-Walnut Vinaigrette

Photo: Stephen Devries

View Recipe: Grilled Leek and Radicchio Salad with Citrus-Walnut Vinaigrette

Bitter meets sweet in this warm salad. Leeks gain caramelized sweetness when given a subtle char, and citrus spiked with a touch of honey counters the radicchio's bite. It's important to let the vegetables sit for a bit after they're grilled to allow them to steam and become supple.

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Citrus, Fennel, and Rosemary Olives

Photo: Ellen Silverman

View Recipe: Citrus, Fennel, and Rosemary Olives

A mix of fruity and meaty olives works well in this treatment. Serve with pre-dinner cocktails.

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Turkey Panini with Watercress and Citrus Aioli

Photo: John Autry

View Recipe: Turkey Panini with Watercress and Citrus Aioli

Gooey provolone, white bread with a crunch, and refreshing citrus aioli—all in a turkey and watercress panini—make a mouth-watering combination. This hearty sandwich will not leave you with hunger pains, but it might just leave you wishing for one more bite.

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Grapefruit Pound Cake

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Grapefruit Pound Cake

This recipe blossoms from the floral essence of grated grapefruit rind, while fresh grapefruit juice packs refreshing flavor to the powdered sugar glaze which is drizzled over this moist pound cake.

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Beet-Citrus Salad with Pistachios

Photo: Iain Bagwell

View Recipe: Beet-Citrus Salad with Pistachios

This is a fresh, bright, zero-effort side, thanks to precooked beets and precut fresh citrus. It makes a fine accompaniment to grilled salmon, pork, or chicken.

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Creamy Coconut-Citrus Waffle

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Creamy Coconut-Citrus Waffle

With the combination of orange, macadamia nuts, maple syrup, and coconut, you’ll savor every last bite of this sweet, zesty waffle.

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Cranberry-Orange Tart

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Cranberry-Orange Tart

This fall dessert takes you straight into winter with its citrus flavor and warm berry filling. It makes a beautiful finale for a dinner party, or a memorable weeknight treat.

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Tropical Citrus Compote

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Tropical Citrus Compote

This fruit combo is refreshing by itself, and a serving offers about a day's worth of vitamin C. It can also top waffles or pound cake. Garnish with thinly sliced lime rind, if desired.

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Gyoza with Soy-Citrus Sauce

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

View Recipe: Gyoza with Soy-Citrus Sauce

Take this Chinese classic to the next level with an irresistible kick of zest.

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Glazed Lemon Buttermilk Cake

View Recipe: Glazed Lemon Buttermilk Cake

This cake is great with a cup of morning coffee or mixed berries and a scoop of sorbet for dessert. Use a whole teaspoon of lemon extract for more intense lemon flavor.

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Cooking with Citrus

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Sea Bass with Citrus Salsa

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Orange Gratin

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Rosemary-Citrus Parfaits

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Orange-Mustard Glazed Pork Chops

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Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Radish and Green Bean Quinoa

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Orange Salad with Arugula and Oil-Cured Olives

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Tangy Lemon Cheesecake Bars

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Fresh Ginger Cake with Candied Citrus Glaze

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Orange-Jicama Salad

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Citrus Salad with Balsamic Honey and Pistachios

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Orange-Tarragon Sheet Pan Roasted Vegetables

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Four Citrus-Herb Chicken

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Citrusy Beet and Goat Cheese Chickpea Salad

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Citrus Tea Punch

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Lemon Squares

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Grapefruit, Walnut, and Feta Salad

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Citrus-Glazed Shrimp with Cilantro Rice

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Fennel and Radicchio Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

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Tuscan Cake with Citrus Compote

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Winter Citrus, Escarole, and Endive Salad

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Honey-Ginger Chicken Bites

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Herb and Citrus Roast Leg of Lamb

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Citrus Salad with Balsamic Honey and Pistachios

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Chewy Meringues with Tangerine-Lemon Curd

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Orange-Cranberry Pork Stew

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Sherry-Cava Citrus Fizz

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Sweet and Spicy Citrus Tilapia

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Fennel and Clementine Salad with Chicken, Almonds, and Feta

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Chicken with Citrus Sauce and Lime-Cilantro Quinoa

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Fresh Lemonade Cake

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Spice-Rubbed New York Strip with Avocado-Lime Salsa

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Grapefruit and Hearts of Palm Salad

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Curiously Citrus Chocolate Toast

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Shaker-ish Lemon Pie

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Soy-Citrus Scallops with Soba Noodles

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Grilled Leek and Radicchio Salad with Citrus-Walnut Vinaigrette

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Citrus, Fennel, and Rosemary Olives

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Turkey Panini with Watercress and Citrus Aioli