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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    Best Vegan Recipes with Citrus Fruits

    The vegan recipe developer and author Connie Edwards McGaughy in her kitchen.
    Modified: Aug 12, 2026 · Published: Mar 1, 2023 by Connie Edwards McGaughy · This post may contain affiliate links

    Best Vegan Recipes with Citrus Fruits 🍊From sweet to sour to savory, this collection of 30+ favorite recipes featuring lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruit is sure to awaken your taste buds and brighten your day!

    A collage of vegan dishes with citrus ingredients including lemon blueberry bread, citrus infused vinegars, orange balsamic Brussels sprouts and fresh oranges, lemons, and limes.

    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.

    Glass bottles filled with vinegar and citrus peels.

    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.

    Table of Contents
    • Lemon Drop Cookies
    • Citrus Carpaccio 
    • Mediterranean Lemon Orzo Soup
    • Vegan Citrus Compound Butter 
    • Classic Lemon Bars
    • Grilled Tofu with Citrus Marinade
    • Cranberry Cheese Bites 
    • Quick & Easy Key Lime Parfaits
    • Lemon Roasted Potatoes 
    • Vegan Lemon Blueberry Bread 
    • Garden Fresh Gazpacho
    • Chilled Cucumber Avocado Soup 
    • Lemon Cake with Lemon Curd
    • Cranberry Orange Sauce 
    • Avocado Lemon Basil Dressing
    • Watermelon Pico de Gallo
    • Fabulous 4 Bean Fiesta Salad
    • Orange Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts 
    • Easy Lemon Artichoke Orzo Salad 
    • Fresh Cranberry Pineapple Relish 
    • Southwestern Quinoa Salad
    • Watermelon Salad with Citrus Dressing
    • Vegan Classic Caesar Salad & Dressing
    • Cranberry Orange Yams (Sweet Potatoes)
    • Best Vegan 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
    Fresh oranges, lemons and limes on a table.

    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

    Vegan lemon drop cookies topped with lemon glaze icing and zest on a wire cooling rack.

    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?

    See the recipe🥕

    Citrus Carpaccio 

    A citrus carpaccio dish made with grapefruit, blood oranges, fennel, pistachios, and herbs.

    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.

    See the recipe🥕

    Mediterranean Lemon Orzo Soup

    A bowl of vegan Mediterranean lemon orzo soup with chickpeas and vegetables.

    This easy and delicious soup is abundant with bright citrusy flavor. Made with all plant-based ingredients including orzo, chickpeas, carrots, celery, onion, dill and spinach in a rich lemony broth. Oil-free option.

    See the recipe🥕

    Vegan Citrus Compound Butter 

    Dishes with citrus infused vegan butter, including orange maple, chile lime and lemon basil butter.

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

    See the recipe🥕

    Classic Lemon Bars

    Vegan lemon bars dusted with powdered sugar on a plate.

    Melt-in-your-mouth shortbread topped with a silky lemon custard bursting with fresh citrus flavor. A dusting of powdered sugar adds just enough sweetness to every luscious, lemony bite.

    See the recipe🥕

    Grilled Tofu with Citrus Marinade

    Five bamboo skewers holding grilled tofu with citrus marinade on a plate with a fork.

    A simply delicious recipe for tofu skewers marinated in a savory citrusy orange & maple marinade and grilled to your liking. Perfect for outdoor cooking!

    See the recipe🥕

    Cranberry Cheese Bites 

    A muffin pan with vegan cranberry cheese bites baked in puff pastry and topped with herbs.

    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🥕

    Quick & Easy Key Lime Parfaits

    Cups filled with vegan key lime parfaits made with a cookie crumble base layered with creamy key line filling, topped with dairy-free whipped cream and lime zest.

    Whip up these quick & easy vegan key lime parfaits in just minutes! Creamy, citrusy, sweet and simply scrumptious, this 4-ingredient dessert is everything you want in a dairy-free treat!

    See the recipe🥕

    Lemon Roasted Potatoes 

    A plate with lemon roasted rainbow potato wedges with plant-based ranch dressing.

    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 loaf of vegan lemon blueberry bread and slices of lemons arranged on a cake pedestal.

    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.

    See the recipe🥕

    Garden Fresh Gazpacho

    Fresh, chilled gazpacho served in a mason jar and topped with chopped tomatoes and veggies.

    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 bowl with vegan chilled cucumber avocado soup garnished with chopped tomatoes, dill, and mint.

    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.

    See the recipe🥕

    Lemon Cake with Lemon Curd

    A vegan lemon cake frosted with lemon cream cheese frosting and topped with lemon curd.

    This bright and beautiful cake is a lemon lovers dream dessert! Layers of fluffy moist vegan lemon cake are layered with citrusy homemade lemon curd and frosted in a lusciously rich and tangy vegan lemon cream cheese frosting.

    See the recipe🥕

    Cranberry Orange Sauce 

    A glass bowl filled with homemade cranberry orange sauce and a fresh orange.

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

    See the recipe🥕

    Avocado Lemon Basil Dressing

    A bowl of vegan avocado basil dressing and a salad with roasted carrots and beets.

    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

    See the recipe🥕

    Watermelon Pico de Gallo

    A bowl filled with watermelon mango pico de gallo.

    This spicy, citrusy, 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 bowl of fabulous four 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.

    See the recipe🥕

    Orange Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts 

    A bowl filled with roasted purple Brussels sprouts tossed in orange balsamic sauce and topped with orange zest.

    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!

    See the recipe🥕

    Easy Lemon Artichoke Orzo Salad 

    A bowl of lemon artichoke orzo salad with vegan feta.

    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 

    Fresh cranberry relish garnished with orange zest in a glass bowl.

    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🥕

    Southwestern Quinoa Salad

    Two green bowls filled with vegan Southwestern quinoa 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.

    See the recipe🥕

    Watermelon Salad with Citrus Dressing

    A glass bowl filled with a watermelon cucumber salad with 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.

    See the recipe🥕

    Vegan Classic Caesar Salad & Dressing

    A bowl filled with vegan Caesar salad topped with croutons and grated parmesan.

    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.

    See the recipe🥕

    Cranberry Orange Yams (Sweet Potatoes)

    A baking dish with cranberry orange yams (or 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🥕

    Best Vegan Tom Yum Soup 

    A blue and white bowl filled with the best vegan 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 

    A plate with skillet seared tofu, cauliflower, carrots, chickpeas, and orange wedges.

    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.

    See the recipe🥕

    Pulled Jackfruit Street Tacos

    Two tacos made with vegan shredded jackfruit chicken, topped with cabbage, salsa and guacamole.

    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 jar filled with 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 

    A loaf of vegan orange cranberry 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 ramekin with vegan apple crisp on a plate with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream.

     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!

    See the recipe🥕

    World's Best Lemon Meringue Pie

    A beautiful vegan lemon meringue pie topped with aquafaba meringue.

    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 mason jar and scone with vegan 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 mixing bowl with vegan 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!

    A collage of favorite vegan summer salads including lemon artichoke orzo salad, watermelon cucumber salad, southwestern quinoa salad, old fashioned vegan potato salad, watermelon mango pico de gallo. and four bean fiesta salad.

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    About Connie Edwards McGaughy

    Connie Edwards McGaughy is a San Diego-based vegan recipe developer, cookbook author, and founder of The Carrot Underground. She began her journey toward plant-based living in 1977 and has spent nearly five decades creating plant-based recipes and inspiring compassionate living.

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    The vegan author Connie Edwards McGaughy inside her kitchen.

    Hi, I'm Connie! I created The Carrot Underground🥕 as your place to find easy & delicious recipes and inspiration for enjoying the goodness of vegan living.

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