Lemons, limes and oranges

Fresh Citrus Recipes: Cooking with Lemons, Limes and Oranges

Citrus recipes are one of the easiest ways to add fresh flavour to your cooking, the natural balance of sweet and sharp makes them perfect for both savoury meals and desserts.

If you’re searching for easy citrus recipes, healthy citrus meals, or classic lemon desserts, Delia’s recipes are a great place to begin. 

Lemon is one of the most popular ingredients in home cooking. It adds a clean, sharp taste that lifts simple dishes and enhances rich flavours. A standout option is the 70s revival of Chicken with Lemon Sauce. This easy lemon chicken recipe is perfect for a quick dinner but still feels special enough for entertaining. For baking, Traditional Lemon Meringue Pie remains one of the best lemon dessert recipes. The crisp pastry, zesty lemon filling, and soft meringue topping create a perfect balance of textures and flavours.

Lime recipes are ideal for adding a vibrant, slightly tropical twist to your meals. They work especially well in light, savoury dishes. Thai Fish Cakes with Sesame and Lime are a great example. The lime juice adds freshness while balancing the spice and richness of the fish cakes. This dish is perfect if you’re looking for quick, dinner ideas with a citrus kick.

Oranges bring a softer, sweeter citrus flavour that works beautifully in baking and desserts. Orange Curd Butterfly Cakes are a simple but impressive. The smooth orange curd filling adds sweetness and a fresh citrus touch, making them ideal for afternoon tea, parties, or light desserts.

Browse the recipes below to get started and discover how lemons, limes, and oranges can transform your everyday cook

The Delia Online Cookery School: Watch how to make quick work of zesting and juicing your citrus fruits our Cookery School video.