Best Vegan Recipes with Citrus Fruits (2024)

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Best Vegan Recipes with Citrus Fruits 🍊From sweet to sour to savory, this collection of 28+ favorite recipes featuring lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruit is sure to awaken your taste buds and brighten your day!

Best Vegan Recipes with Citrus Fruits (1)

C is for Citrus and when I think about it, I imagine juicy, refreshing, thirst quenching treats like lemonade or slices of fresh oranges on warm summer days. What I forget is that those very fruits are at their peak during the winter months, where the majority are grown, in California, Florida, Arizona, and Texas.

If you were to ask me what is my #1 favorite ingredient, lemons would likely be my top choice. A squeeze of fresh lemon boosts flavor in most dishes, and is a healthy alternative to adding salt. It's perfect in marinades, salad dressings, iced tea, sweet and savory recipes.

Best Vegan Recipes with Citrus Fruits (2)

I love having citrus trees in my yard and use lemons, limes, and oranges almost daily. It's just so nice being able to pick them fresh off the branch. I'm always looking for new ways to enjoy the fantastic flavor and immunity-boosting nutrients in these juicy and vibrant fruits. Even the peels are wonderful to use as zest or in homemade citrus infused vinegars.

Table of Contents
  • Lemon Drop Cookies
  • Citrus Carpaccio
  • VeganCitrus Compound Butter
  • Cranberry Cheese Bites
  • Lemon Roasted Potatoes
  • Vegan Lemon Blueberry Bread
  • Garden Fresh Gazpacho
  • Chilled Cucumber Avocado Soup
  • Cranberry Orange Sauce
  • Avocado Lemon Basil Dressing
  • Watermelon Pico de Gallo
  • Fabulous 4 Bean Fiesta Salad
  • Orange BalsamicRoasted Brussels Sprouts
  • EasyLemon Artichoke Orzo Salad
  • Fresh Cranberry Pineapple Relish
  • SouthwesternQuinoa Salad
  • Watermelon Saladwith Citrus Dressing
  • Cranberry Orange Yams (Sweet Potatoes)
  • BestVegan Tom Yum Soup
  • Tofu Orange Veggie Skillet
  • Pulled Jackfruit Street Tacos
  • Homemade Cranberry Applesauce
  • Cranberry Orange Bread
  • Old Fashioned Apple Crisp with Orange Juice
  • World's Best Lemon Meringue Pie
  • Coconut Orange Curd
  • Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
  • FAQ's
  • Comments
Best Vegan Recipes with Citrus Fruits (3)

From my backyard to your kitchen, here is a bounty of my favorite citrus-centric vegan recipes (in no particular order) for you to enjoy, all year long! 🍊

Lemon Drop Cookies

Best Vegan Recipes with Citrus Fruits (4)

Soft and buttery cookies topped with a bright & citrusy lemon glaze icing. Inspired by traditional Italian lemon drop cookies, this easy vegan recipe has all the delicious flavor and texture without the eggs or dairy. How sweet is that?

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Citrus Carpaccio

An elevated & elegant vegan version of a classic Mediterranean starter prepared with fresh oranges, pink grapefruit, beets, arugula, fennel, and pistachios. GF and oil-free option.

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VeganCitrus Compound Butter

Homemade plant-based butter combined with fresh citrus fruits, herbs, and natural ingredients. Vegan butter just got better!

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Cranberry Cheese Bites

Deliciously festive bite-size appetizers baked in puff pastry with vegan cream cheese topped with a homemade cranberry orange sauce, zest & fresh herbs.

See the recipe🥕

Lemon Roasted Potatoes

A simply delicious, healthy & easy recipe for preparing the tastiest lemony potato wedges to enjoy with sauces, dips, vegan cheese or all on their own! GF

See the recipe🥕

Vegan Lemon Blueberry Bread

A simply scrumptious recipe for making the best lemon blueberry bread with all vegan ingredients. Deliciously moist and topped with a citrusy lemony glaze, this quick bread will brighten anyone's day.

Garden Fresh Gazpacho

A zesty & refreshing chilled soup loaded with garden fresh veggies and bright, intense flavor. Ripe red tomatoes, cucumber, celery, peppers and lime juice make this quick & easy gazpacho so healthy & delicious! GF. Oil-free option.

See the recipe🥕

Chilled Cucumber Avocado Soup

A refreshing, creamy cold soup made with a fusion of ripe avocado, cucumber, tart fresh lemon, dill & non-dairy yogurt. This easy and delicious vegan recipe is a summertime favorite. GF and no added oil.

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Cranberry Orange Sauce

A deliciously vibrant combo of whole cranberries and fresh orange sweetened with maple syrup and a hint of spice. How nice!

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Avocado Lemon Basil Dressing

This easy, healthy, oil-free salad dressing recipe has it all. Creamy, citrusy, and subtly sweet with the perfect herbal balance of basil, tart lemon, and the richness of avocado. GF

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Watermelon Pico de Gallo

This spicy, sweet and refreshing combo of fresh watermelon, cucumber, lime and mango will brighten up any patio party, potluck, or picnic. Oil-free & GF.

See the recipe🥕

Fabulous 4 Bean Fiesta Salad

A festive, flavorful and colorful combo of delicious beans, peppers, red onion, corn and cilantro in a light & zesty citrus dressing. Perfect for potlucks, patio parties, picnics & outdoor entertaining! GF. Oil-free option.

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Orange BalsamicRoasted Brussels Sprouts

Beautifully roasted and tossed in a lightly sweet & citrusy vegan sauce with fresh orange juice, zest, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup and plant-based butter. Brussels sprouts have never tasted (or looked) so good!

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EasyLemon Artichoke Orzo Salad

A delicious & healthy Mediterranean pasta salad full of bright flavors & textures with artichoke hearts, chickpeas, olives, sun-dried tomatoes & plant-based feta in a citrusy lemon basil dressing.

See the recipe🥕

Fresh Cranberry Pineapple Relish

A bright & tangy melange of fresh cranberries, pineapple, apples & oranges lightly sweetened with pure maple syrup and a pinch of holiday spice.

See the recipe🥕

SouthwesternQuinoa Salad

Super food. Super good. This vibrant colorful salad is full of bright, fantastic flavor, protein & fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients. You'll love this easy and healthy salad tossed in a zesty lime dressing. Oil-free option & gluten-free.

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Watermelon Saladwith Citrus Dressing

This easy & delicious vegan salad is abundant with bright fresh flavors, color and healthy nutrition. You'll love this refreshing combo of sweet watermelon, crisp cucumber, red onion, luscious avocado, and fresh herbs tossed in a light and lovely oil-free lime citrus dressing.

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Vegan Classic Caesar Salad & Dressing

Get ready for the best vegan version of a classic Caesar salad! Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with a creamy, cheesy, & lemony plant-based dressing, topped with vegan parmesan and toasty croutons.

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Cranberry Orange Yams (Sweet Potatoes)

Made with sweet potatoes (yams) and fresh cranberries baked with a citrusy orange and maple glaze and a hint of nutmeg. Enjoy this delish dish anytime you want!

See the recipe🥕

BestVegan Tom Yum Soup

A bright, flavorful hot & sour Thai soup abundant with fresh veggies, tofu, lemongrass, spicy chiles, fresh lime & other healthy ingredients. Your taste buds are going to say "yum yum" with this delicious & nutritious plant-based soup! Oil-free and gluten-free.

See the recipe🥕

Tofu Orange Veggie Skillet

Savory pan-seared tofu with veggies, chickpeas and citrusy slices of bright fresh orange slices make this a super nutrish & delish all-vegan dish! GF & oil-free.

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Pulled Jackfruit Street Tacos

A simply delicious recipe for creating the best meatless street tacos using all plant-based ingredients including jackfruit, onions, garlic, maple syrup, spices and fresh lime juice.

See the recipe🥕

Homemade Cranberry Applesauce

A bright and delicious applesauce recipe with fresh cranberries lightly sweetened with pure maple syrup, a touch of holiday spice, lemon juice and orange zest. Vegan & gluten-free.

See the recipe🥕

Cranberry Orange Bread

An easy & delicious recipe for a sweet, citrusy, and moist quick bread loaf made with oranges & tangy cranberries.

See the recipe🥕

Old Fashioned Apple Crisp with Orange Juice

A simply sweet & scrumptious vegan version of a classic apple dessert made even tastier with a splash of orange juice, a sprinkle of tart cranberries and a crispy caramelized oat topping. Oh my, it's easier than pie!

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World's Best Lemon Meringue Pie

The silkiest smooth lemon filling with just the right balance of tart and sweet, topped with mounds of luscious vegan meringue in a golden buttery flaky crust.

See the recipe🥕

Coconut Orange Curd

A lightly sweet, citrusy, creamy spread made with fresh oranges and coconut. Enjoy on freshly baked scones, biscuits and quick breads.

See the recipe🥕

Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

A simply scrumptious sweet & slightly tart frosting made with plant-based cream cheese, vegan butter, fresh lemon & confectioner's sugar.

See the recipe🥕

FAQ's

What are citrus fruits?

Citrus fruits, like lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruit, grow on trees and shrubs. They have thick peels and juicy pulp which can range from sweet, sour or bitter in flavor. This article discusses the varieties of citrus fruits in detail.

Are citrus fruits healthy?

Citrus fruits are an excellent source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, in addition to providing several other beneficial nutrients according to this article from healthline.com.

How to keep citrus fruits fresh?

You can store uncut citrus fruits at room temperature for a day or two, but the best way to keep them fresh longer is by storing them bagged in a crisper drawer in the refrigerator. Cut fruit should be wrapped in food safe plastic or in an airtight container.

If you enjoyed my delish citrus dishes, check out these super summer salads!

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Best Vegan Recipes with Citrus Fruits (2024)

FAQs

What can I do with lots of citrus fruit? ›

What to do with all this citrus?!
  1. Margaritas, anyone? ...
  2. Citrus curd. ...
  3. Salted/fermented citrus. ...
  4. Dehydrating. ...
  5. Then there are the classic options: freeze lemon or lime juice for homemade lemonade in the summer; create a marmalade or preserves; make a lemon bar (or try a different citrus); or peel, segment and can your citrus.

Is citrus fruit vegan? ›

The presence of the wax or beeswax means that zest from the peel of some oranges, lemons and limes are not appropriate for vegans to use in cooking, although buying only organic produce should allow shoppers on a strict plant-based diet to sidestep the problem.

What fruit is similar to a lemon? ›

The term “citrus” refers to a specific group of fruits that belong to the genus Citrus, which includes oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, and many other varieties.

Can you cook citrus fruit? ›

Now, I am so in love with roasted citrus that I am incorporating it into dinner, too. I've starting throwing segments on the same tray as whatever vegetable I am roasting, tossing it all with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and cooking it all together for an easy but unique side dish.

Is it OK to eat citrus fruits everyday? ›

Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and limes are rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin C also supports the immune system and helps to keep the skin healthy. Citrus fruits are eating regularly beneficial.

What can I do with too many lemons and limes? ›

Wrap them in plastic, throw them in the freezer, take them out, zap them in the micro for 30 seconds or so, and you will have more juice from that lemon or lime than you can imagine! I freeze Lemons & Limes whole all the time. A great way to keep them from going bad. They work fine for juice or zest.

Why is an orange not vegan? ›

The beeswax commonly used on harvested fruits contains shellac (or E904), which is a glazing agent made from the secretion of female lac bugs. Therefore, vegan customers are not able to buy oranges.

Why is lime not vegan? ›

Citrus fruits are sometimes coated with beeswax, which is not considered vegan-friendly due to the impact of harvesting on hives.

What fruit is not vegan-friendly? ›

While avoiding all animal products like meat, dairy, and eggs, vegans often supplement their meals with plenty of fresh plant varieties. But there's one pesky fruit, the fig, that doesn't exactly fit into the "vegan-friendly" category.

What two fruits combine to make a lemon? ›

Lemons are a hybrid of citrons and sour or bitter oranges that evolved through plant breeding over many centuries.

What is a half lemon half orange called? ›

Meyer lemons are a small, sweet hybrid lemon. They're thought to be a cross between a regular lemon (Eureka and Lisbon variety) and a mandarin orange. They have a smooth, thin rind with a deep yellow hue. Their pulp is pale orange, with a sweet, floral taste.

What vegetable tastes like lemons? ›

That's the little bunch of round, soft, green leaves that taste like lemon, sort of. Sorrel is a relative of rhubarb, and it has a sharp, sour taste. The French love it, and in England they used it in soups, sauces, and custards for centuries.

When should you not eat citrus fruits? ›

Acid reflux- Due to their acidic nature, citrus fruits may make people more susceptible to heartburn or acid reflux if they eat them right after a meal. The acidity may cause discomfort by increasing the production of stomach acid in your body.

What does citrus do to meat? ›

How lemon juice tenderises the meat. An acid-containing marinade not only helps to flavour meat; it also helps to tenderise it. Acid causes The protein and connective tissue in meat are broken down by acid.

Should mouth be rinsed after eating citrus fruits? ›

Rinse with water: After indulging in citrus, swish your mouth with plain water to neutralize the acid and prevent prolonged contact with your teeth. Wait with the brushing: Brushing immediately after consuming citrus can actually worsen the erosion, as the softened enamel is more susceptible to bristles.

Can citrus fruit be frozen for later use? ›

Freezing: Citrus can be frozen in wedges, slices, zest, juice, or whole. By freezing citrus, you can use nearly every part of the fruit and always have it on hand to add to dishes and drinks. Always wash fruit first. Use a microplane to create citrus zest from the peel and freeze in icecube trays or small containers.

What happens when you freeze citrus? ›

Frozen lemons and limes are almost easier to zest, and once thawed they'll release their juice more readily because, as with any fruit or vegetable, freezing and thawing weakens the cell walls. You can thaw the fruit quickly with a brief 15-20 seconds in the microwave, or by running under warm water for a few seconds.

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