Citrus Season in the Aegean = Mediterranean Citrus Recipes 🍊

Winter citrus in the Mediterranean can add such a zest and flavor to your recipes. From zesty salads, to lemony soups, and orange-soaked cakes, these recipes brighten up even the darkest of winter days and are perfect for a January reset. So grab your lemons, oranges, and a good olive oil, to make some of these deliciously citrus recipes this winter.

The History of Citrus Season in the Mediterranean

Citrus season in the Mediterranean is a vibrant time of year and spans from late fall through until spring. This is when oranges, lemons, mandarins, and grapefruits ripen during the region’s mild winters and abundant sun. The history of citrus in the Mediterranean dates back thousands of years when the first varieties are believed to have travelled from Southeast Asia along the trade routes. During the Roman Empire, citrus fruits were prized for their rarity and medicinal qualities, and it wasn’t until the Arab expansion into Southern Europe around the 10th century that widespread cultivation took root (especially in Spain and Sicily).

Over centuries, citrus groves became intertwined with the Mediterranean culture, cuisine and economy. When you travel to places like Valencia, Amalfi, or Sicily, you’ll notice that citrus has become the iconic symbols of these regions. Today, citrus season is essential to local agriculture but also is a celebration of heritage and flavor!

Mediterranean Citrus Recipes

Crunchy Red Cabbage Salad with Citrus Dressing

This delicious, fresh and healthy red cabbage salad will only take 10-minutes to prep.

Citrus Salad with Honey Ginger Mocktail

This citrus salad recipe is refreshing and delicious and paired with a honey ginger mocktail you're going to love!

Fennel Salad with Lemon Dill Vinaigrette

An easy Fennel Salad that is full of flavor but will be ready in just 15 minutes.

Crispy Mini Burrito Bites with Avocado Cilantro Lime Sauce

These crispy mini burrito bites are made with brown rice, beans, jalapeño, garlic, onion, cilantro, hot sauce, and cheddar-style dairy‑free cheese tucked into tortilla quarters and pan‑fried until golden.

Portokalopita 🍊 (Greek Orange Phyllo Cake)

Portokalopita is an orange syrup-soaked cake made with phyllo. It's traditionally made in Greece and is so flavorful and impressive to serve to your family and friends.

Bougatsa (Greek Custard Pie)

Bougatsa is a delicious, traditional Greek custard pie with orange zest. It's crispy, creamy, and fresh, and so good served with coffee or tea.

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Youvarlakia Avgolemono)

This Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is a traditional Greek dish called Youvarlakia Avgolemono, except I've put my own twist on it by using lean chicken 🐔. It's comforting and perfect for fall 🍂.

One Pan Lemon Chicken Couscous

This delicious Chicken Couscous is made in one pan. It uses fresh lemon juice and zest to give it a kick of freshness and it's so easy you're going to love adding it to your dinner rotation!

Chicken Cutlet & Creamy Lemon Orzo

This Chicken Cutlet recipe pairs crispy cutlets with creamy lemon orzo. It's an easy, delicious recipe that's perfect for summer.

Salmon & Spinach Puff Pastry Tart

This delicious Puff Pastry Tart is full of flavor from the lemon and herbs, and has the perfect crunch from the layers of puff pastry. It's elegant but easy to make!

One Pot Harissa Chicken, Chickpeas and Rice

This Harissa Chicken recipe is made in one pot with chickpeas, rice, and so much flavor from the harissa paste and fresh herbs. You're going to love this easy recipe.