12 Blood Orange Recipes

Blood orange image via Flickr/sweetbeetandgreenbean/

According to Cooking Light, blood oranges have two popular varieties: a dark-fleshed Moro, and a “delicately-flavored” Tarocco. Peak Moro season is December to March, and Tarocco peaks from January to May. This means it’s prime time for the fruit that is described as spicier than an orange and less bitter than a grapefruit.

Blood oranges are ripe with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber. Pro tip: Eat the spongy white pith directly under the skin, because that’s were the fiber is. Below, we found 12 blood orange recipes sure to quench your thirst.

1. Blood Orange Salsa
via Epicurious

This recipes is made with three different orange varieties and avocado, which makes it an antioxidant dream. Season with a little bit of salt for an extra kick.

2. Blood Orange and Poppy Seed Spelt Muffins
via Sweet Beet and Green Bean

These muffins are wheat- and gluten-free, and the poppy seeds go really well with citrus. But, this recipe calls for a lot of sugar (3/4 cup), which can be replaced with agave or a sugar alternative.

3. Roasted Citrus Salad
via Cups and Spoonfuls

This bright salad uses roasted citrus as the main ingredient. The oranges are lightly topped with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roasted at 425 degrees for 15 minutes.

4. Blood Orange Vinaigrette
via A Zesty Bite

This unique vinaigrette will keep you craving salads all winter long. Just be sure to shake the mixture really well before splashing (pouring) it on your salad.

5. Blood Orange Power Juice
via Kitchen Konfidence 

Kick your winter cold with this nutrient-packed drink. Blood oranges combine with beets, carrots, ginger, and turmeric for a beautifully-colored juice.

6. Cucumber and Avocado Pollen Power Smoothie
via Chef de Home

Filled with cucumber, lime, blood orange, avocado, and a cayenne kick, this smoothie tastes more like a cucumber and avocado gazpacho, which, of course, is equally delicious.

7. Strawberry and Blood Orange Chai Jam
via Erika Rax

This recipe can be used on anything from toast to yogurt. It only takes 20 minutes to make, and the only added sweetener is a little bit of honey.

8. Blood Orange Glazed Coconut Whole Wheat Mini Muffins
via Fabtastic Eats

Made with coconut, blood orange, flax, oats, and whole wheat flour, you won’t feel guilty about indulging in these sweet and tangy mini muffins.

9. Blood Orange Lime Granita
via The Ivy Blog

Sometimes, even in winter, you just want a cool treat. This healthy dessert (also known as a palate cleanser) can help calm sweet cravings in a healthy, fun way.

10. Blood Orange Tequila Chicken with Avocado Black Bean Salad
via Barbells and Bellinis

This recipes “drowns” the chicken in tequila but you can skip that step if you prefer your birds sober.

11. Winter Guacamole Salad with Massaged Kale
via Leaf and Grain

Massaging the kale will make it easier to digest, and the blood orange in the dressing gives the salad a much-needed kick.

12. Blood Orange and Tofu Cheesecake
via Kiran and Tarun

Tofu makes a nice cream cheese replacement and will make you feel better when you go for two slices.