Get inspired to think outside of the box with these savory citrus recipes—including citrus coconut steamed cod, rosemary lime chicken and orange pomegranate salmon.
29 Savory Dinners That Prove Citrus Doesn’t Have to Be Sweet
Updated on Feb. 18, 2024
Baked Lemon Chicken
I found this baked lemon chicken recipe many years ago when my children were toddlers. I’ve changed it a little over the years to make it my own. Everyone in my family just loves it!
1/29
2/29
Triple-Citrus Steaks with Jicama and Mango
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a recipe I made up several years ago. The citrus steak marinade seems to be one of our family favorites. It’s colorful to bring to the table and it’s easy to make. —Sherry Little, Sherwood, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 412 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 609mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 3g fiber), 34g protein.
3/29
Lemony Shrimp & Snow Pea Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This pretty pasta is a family favorite —the kids love the light lemony flavor and I love that they devour the fresh veggies. You can use other types of pasta for variety, like bow ties or corkscrews. —Jennifer Fisher, Austin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 279 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 390mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
4/29
Orange Chicken Stir-Fry
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband loves this orange chicken stir-fry, so we have it quite often. I’m delighted with the ingredients as we have six orange trees in our backyard. —Bunny Bronson, Lake Placid, Florida. Here are a few tips for making orange chicken.
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 277 calories, 17g fat (2g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 653mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
5/29
Lime and Dill Chimichurri Shrimp
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chimichurri is a very popular condiment in Argentina and Uruguay and is most often used as a dipping sauce or a marinade for meats. My chimichurri shrimp version incorporates dill and lime, which give it a brighter flavor, making it ideal for spring and summer entertaining. —Bonnie Landy, Castro Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 kabobs: 316 calories, 22g fat (3g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 371mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
6/29
Duck with Orange Hazelnut Stuffing
Total Time
2 hours 30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For more than half a century, this elegant entree has graced my family’s holiday table. The zesty stuffing with its nice nutty crunch complements the slices of moist duck, while the hint of orange in the gravy sets it apart.
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 973 calories, 73g fat (20g saturated fat), 207mg cholesterol, 1452mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 5g fiber), 45g protein.
7/29
Citrus Coconut Steamed Cod
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to make this fusion meal on weeknights when I am short on time but want something big in flavor. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 330 calories, 15g fat (10g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 316mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
8/29
9/29
Spicy Lemon Chicken Kabobs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I see Meyer lemons in the store, I know it must be spring. I like using them for these easy chicken kabobs, but regular grilled lemons still add the signature smoky tang. —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 182 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
10/29
Chipotle Carnitas
Total Time
10 hours 28 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a terrific recipe for your next weeknight dinner. Set out various toppings and garnishes so your family members can customize their own tostadas with the lime-kissed shredded pork. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 tostada: 269 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 279mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat, 1/2 starch.
11/29
Orange Pomegranate Salmon
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A colorful, festive salmon dish makes an impressive addition to your holiday table—and it is as delicious as it is beautiful. What will no one guess? How easy it is to cook. I serve this with roasted baby potatoes and asparagus for a showstopping meal that is wonderful for special occasions. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked salmon: 307 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 274mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 fruit.
12/29
Tilapia & Lemon Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Serve this lemon tilapia with any tossed salad full of your favorite vegetables and buttered bread. It’s easy, quick and unique. And it’s a big hit with company, too. —Susan Taul, Birmingham, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1/2 cup rice and 4 teaspoons sauce: 334 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 593mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 very lean meat, 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
13/29
Pork Kabobs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe was originally for lamb, but I adapted it to pork and adjusted the spices. It's always requested when the grill comes out for the season. —Bobbie Jo Miller, Fallon, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 190 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 63mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
14/29
Pressure-Cooker Spicy Lime Chicken
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This tender chicken with light lime flavor is a natural filling for tacos, but my son Austin also loves it spooned over cooked rice and sprinkled with his favorite taco toppings. —Christine Hair, Odessa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 132 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 420mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
15/29
Light & Lemony Scampi
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A touch more lemon helped me trim the calories in our favorite shrimp scampi recipe. For those who want to indulge, pass around the Parmesan. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without cheese): 378 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 146mg cholesterol, 405mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 very lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
16/29
Sweet Chili & Orange Chicken
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband loves this simple sweet chili chicken dish so much he often requests it when he comes home from deployment. The sweet chili sauce adds just the right amount of heat to the bright citrusy sauce. —Jessica Eastman, Bremerton, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup chicken mixture: 309 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 1014mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
17/29
Orange Tilapia in Parchment
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sweet orange juice and spicy cayenne pepper give this no-fuss dish fabulous flavor. A bonus? Cleanup is a breeze! —Tiffany Diebold, Nashville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 packet: 158 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 220mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat.
18/29
Lemon Shrimp Orzo
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
What I love about this lemon shrimp orzo is that it’s so tasty and it can be eaten hot or cold. It tastes great with chicken, too. —Aleni Salcedo, East Elmhurst, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 367 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 808mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 10g fiber), 22g protein.
19/29
Salmon with Mango-Citrus Salsa
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings (2 cups salsa)
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother would make this for us on weeknights in summer—this was the only way we would eat fish. You can make the salsa a day ahead of time. Just keep it in the refrigerator in a covered container until ready to use. —Najmussahar Ahmed, Canton, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1/2 cup salsa: 433 calories, 26g fat (4g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 516mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 fruit.
20/29
Citrus-Herb Roast Chicken
Total Time
2 hours 25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish is one of my all-time favorites. The flavorful, juicy chicken combines with the aromas of spring in fresh herbs, lemon and onions to form the perfect one-pot meal. I make the gravy right in the pan. —Megan Fordyce, Fairchance, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
7 ounces cooked chicken with 1-1/4 cups vegetables: 561 calories, 24g fat (7g saturated fat), 136mg cholesterol, 826mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 47g protein.
21/29
Conga Lime Pork
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Dinner guests won’t be too shy to get in line when this yummy chipotle pork moves to the buffet table. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup pork mixture with 1 muffin and 1/2 cup slaw: 514 calories, 23g fat (7g saturated fat), 135mg cholesterol, 877mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein.
22/29
Grapefruit Gremolata Salmon
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you’re looking for a simple fish dish, make this Italian-inspired recipe that combines salmon, broiled grapefruit and a fragrant gremolata. Halibut may be substituted for the salmon. —Gilda Lester, Millsboro, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 332 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 387mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 starch.
23/29
Herbed Lemon Pork Chops
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Expect to get plenty of compliments on these fast, flavor-packed chops. They're tender and juicy. —Billi Jo Sylvester, New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 200 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 350mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
24/29
Crab-Stuffed Avocado
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These boats are wonderful with tortilla chips, beans or rice. You can also cover them, pack them on ice, and take them to a picnic or potluck. Straight from the oven or cold, they're always delicious. —Frances Benthin, Scio, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 filled avocado half: 325 calories, 28g fat (6g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 427mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 6g fiber), 13g protein.
25/29
Hawaiian Meatballs
Total Time
6 hours 35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Talk about one easy dish that creates an amazing sweet and sour sauce! You can serve over rice for more of a dinner-like option, but I also like to offer them as an appetizer simply served with toothpicks. —Julie Schiefer, Nappanee, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without rice): 520 calories, 30g fat (14g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 837mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
26/29
Cajun Boil on the Grill
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with these everything-in-one seafood packets for a family reunion, since the recipe can be increased to feed a bunch. The packets steam up inside, so open them carefully. —Allison Brooks, Fort Collins, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 509 calories, 30g fat (7g saturated fat), 181mg cholesterol, 1302mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 40g protein.
27/29
Orange-Spiced Chicken
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Five ingredients are all you’ll need for this fast and extremely flavorful marinade. With one taste, it’ll become your most-requested chicken recipe! —Debra Stevens, Lutz, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 234 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 643mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 0 fiber), 30g protein.
28/29
Rosemary Lime Chicken
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I experimented with herbs and seasonings quite a bit before creating the final version of this entree. The tartness of the lime juice really complements the rosemary. Everyone loves it. —Nicole Harris, Mt. Union, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 244 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 389mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate, 1g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
29/29
Orange Beef Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a lighter version of a restaurant favorite. I also recommend trying these wraps with ground chicken or turkey. —Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 250 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 462mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
