Citrus season is officially here, and while we all love a good orange cake or zesty marmalade, oranges aren’t just for sweet treats. Their bright, tangy flavour adds depth and balance to savoury dishes too—from marinades and salads to hearty mains. If you’ve got a few oranges lying around and want to switch things up, here are five savoury recipes that make the most of this juicy fruit.
1. Orange-Roasted Carrots with Tahini Drizzle
This simple side dish is both vibrant and flavour-packed. Sweet roasted carrots meet the tangy brightness of fresh orange juice, and it all comes together with a nutty tahini drizzle on top.
What you’ll need:
– 500 g carrots, peeled and halved
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Juice and zest of 1 orange
– 1 tbsp maple syrup
– Salt and pepper
– 2 tbsp tahini
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– 2–3 tbsp water (to thin the tahini)
Roast the carrots with olive oil, orange juice, zest, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Once golden and tender, drizzle with a creamy tahini sauce just before serving.
2. Citrus & Herb Marinated Chicken (or Tofu)
Oranges are excellent in marinades. Their acidity helps tenderise proteins while the natural sugars caramelise beautifully when cooked.
What you’ll need:
– Juice and zest of 2 oranges
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Fresh rosemary or thyme
– 4 chicken thighs or 200 g firm tofu
Marinate the protein for at least 30 minutes, then grill, roast, or pan-sear for a juicy, flavourful meal with a citrusy edge.
3. Orange & Olive Tapenade Salad
This Mediterranean-inspired salad is all about balance—salty olives, juicy oranges, crunchy greens, and a punchy vinaigrette.
What you’ll need:
– 2 oranges, peeled and sliced
– 100 g mixed greens or arugula
– 50 g pitted black olives, chopped
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
– 1 tsp whole grain mustard
– Salt and pepper
Toss the greens with olives and orange slices, then dress with a tangy vinaigrette. Add toasted nuts or avocado to bulk it up.
4. Sticky Orange-Glazed Cauliflower
This dish hits that perfect sweet-savoury note, with crispy cauliflower coated in a sticky, orange-forward glaze. It’s ideal served over rice or noodles.
What you’ll need:
– 1 small head cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 tbsp cornstarch
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– Juice and zest of 2 oranges
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tbsp maple syrup
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1 clove garlic, minced
Pan-fry the cauliflower until crispy, then toss it in a thick, glossy glaze made from orange juice, soy, ginger, and garlic.
5. Orange & Fennel Slaw
Crunchy, fresh, and bursting with citrus flavour, this slaw is perfect as a side to grilled dishes or tucked into tacos and sandwiches.
What you’ll need:
– 1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced
– 1 carrot, grated
– 1 orange, peeled and segmented
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper
– Fennel fronds or fresh herbs for garnish
Toss everything together and let it sit for 10–15 minutes so the flavours can mingle. It’s crisp, refreshing, and surprisingly complex.
With just a few oranges, you can brighten up your meals in unexpected ways. Whether it’s a punchy marinade or a crisp, citrusy salad, these savoury dishes celebrate everything that’s great about orange season—no dessert required.
