With their bold color, juicy flesh, and tangy zest, oranges add bright flavor to sweet and savory dishes, transforming them into something special. This spirited fruit has much to offer the whole-food, plant-based cook who wants flavor without oil or processed ingredients. In this collection, you'll find everything from baked goods to salads, dressings, flatbread, ice pops, casseroles, grain bowls, and lots more. Dive into one today!
Whether you’re looking for a tasty after-dinner treat or a gluten-free snack for yourself or others, these zingy stuffed dates are an excellent option. Orange zest and rind give the chopped three-nut filling a zesty flavor that perfectly cuts the sweetness of Medjool dates. The recipe calls for almonds, pistachios, and walnuts, but feel free to swap in any other nuts you have on hand. As one commenter writes, “The orange rind and zest bring all the flavors together in a not-too-sweet accompaniment to coffee or tea. Great recipe that I’ll make again.”
Not a fan of kale? This delectable salad may just win you over! The kale is steamed, along with broccoli, and combined with raw veggies such as cherry tomatoes, carrots, red pepper, and scallions. Dotted with dried cranberries and smothered in a thick and creamy avocado-orange dressing, this memorable salad is a great recipe to have on hand when you need something special. A fan writes, “So worth making! This was definitely a crowd-pleaser! Even my teens loved it! Everything goes together perfectly!
These fragrant vegan biscotti are the perfect combination of chewy and crunchy. Orange juice lends a subtle citrusy flavor, while dried cranberries add sweetness. Note: The recipe calls for dried sweeteners such as unrefined sugar or date sugar; feel free to pay around to suit your tastes—one reviewer found that chopped dates were a good substitute. Another commenter shares, “Perfect for a holiday brunch.”
This divine cool-weather couscous salad features a creamy tahini vinaigrette, fragrant with warming cinnamon, cumin, and coriander. Finely chopped dates lend sweetness, fresh spinach adds a green lift, and juicy orange segments make it something special. One fan writes, “This is seriously the most delicious salad ever. Holy goodness!”
This good-for-you bread pudding is a great way to use up not-so-fresh bread and tastes like a decadent treat. The bread becomes mouthwateringly cake-like soaked in a date-sweetened orange-infused milk broth with cinnamon and ginger. Fresh cranberries add pops of tartness and color. Cut into squares and serve warm with a drizzle of creamy orange dressing.
Looking for a festive family meal? These saucy vegan enchiladas are sure to be a home run. Orange zest infuses the sweet potato filling with citrusy flavor, while pinto beans add creaminess and heft. Bake the enchiladas with the red sauce and serve with cashew-based Cilantro-Orange Crema. A garnish of red onion adds a balancing sharpness that satisfies the palate, while orange segments echo the orange-scented theme. A fan raves, “This will be my new company-worthy recipe. It’s so good [that] it tastes like a vegan dish you would get at a high-end restaurant. Love the orange flavor!”
Every mouthful of this cafe-style salad is cheerful, bursting with exquisite flavor and texture. Chewy farro provides an earthy backdrop, blood oranges lend juiciness, crispy air-fried chickpeas add oomph, and romaine lettuce provides a pleasing green crunch. The orange dressing is a must and uses everyday ingredients such as maple syrup, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and cinnamon. A reviewer writes, “I made this for my dinner tonight, and it was so good, but the best was the dressing. OMG, it is so good. I will be using it on more salads.”
This peppy orange salsa is a great way to enjoy the unparalleled juiciness of in-season oranges. Add fresh blueberries, lemon zest, a dash of cardamom, and a handful of unsalted pistachio nuts, and you've got the perfect dip for movie night. This healthy vegan orange salsa will impress vegans and non-vegans alike.
Generous portions of juicy oranges and plump grapes are the stars of this scrumptious side salad. The tender green leaves of baby kale tie in well with the nutty flavor of farro, while fennel, celery, and red onion add crunch and flavor. A quick and easy applesauce vinaigrette takes this salad over the top and into your favorite recipe rotation. A commenter notes, “Amazing salad! Even my picky guys liked it!! Good one.”
Anchoring this flavorful wheat berry and spinach salad are oven-roasted sweet potatoes basted with orange juice and warming spices. Fresh blueberries add juiciness and contrast well with hefty cannellini beans while a citrusy Dijon vinaigrette coats every bite with bright, rich flavor. A reviewer shares, “This is a delicious dish and absolutely beautiful. I made a big salad to sit out for company, and it went over extremely well.”
This vibrant salad will shine at any party and doesn’t require a long list of ingredients. Red cabbage's bold color and crunchy texture perfectly pair with generous amounts of juicy orange supremes. Walnuts, dried cranberries, and fresh parsley round out the flavors, creating a lasting impression for your guests. A fan writes, “This is a wonderful fresh salad. Loved the combination of purple cabbage and oranges.”
This outstanding two-part side dish combines orange-infused brown rice and cauliflower rice with curry-glazed green beans, edamame, and carrots. Juicy, colorful, and earthy, this classy dish is a must-try. As one reviewer offers, “I made this for a friend who is a professional chef, and he loved it.”
These incredible gluten-free donuts are the perfect healthy riff on the classic orange-chocolate flavor combination. The oat flour batter, flavored with cocoa powder, orange juice, and zest, gives rich flavor without needing oil or butter. Yes, you can have your donuts and eat them, too! For a fancy presentation, drizzle the citrusy Orange Sauce on each dessert plate, top with a doughnut and orange slices, then drizzle the remaining sauce over the doughnuts. If desired, top with shaved chocolate. A fan writes, “So good! Glaze is a must.”
Fragrant with fall spices and a zesty orange flavor, these flourless muffins are almost a meal. Sweetened with date paste and banana, packed with rolled oats and dried cranberries, and sprinkled with walnut pieces, they're an array of healthy ingredients. Note: One reviewer had a good experience using fresh cranberries instead of dried (see the comments); you can also use raisins instead of cranberries. A fan writes, "Super moist, and the taste is fantastic. I shared these with quite a few people, and they all love them. Definitely a keeper recipe."
Harness the distinctive aroma of fresh oranges in these refreshing, icy pops, which use orange pulp and zest. A little maple syrup sweetens them, lemon juice adds brightness, and a snip of fresh rosemary provides subtle woody notes. Enjoy as an after-dinner treat or a snack when you need cooling off. The recipe calls for finely chopped plums; if you don’t have them, feel free to omit or substitute with another fruit, such as blueberries or raspberries. Note: If you want to reduce or omit the maple syrup, dial down the lemon juice, as well.
Ready for a new favorite snack? We've got you covered with these unforgettable fall cracker snacks. Fresh figs are cooked with orange zest and juice to form a tasty homemade jam that is better than anything in the store. Spread it on your favorite oil-free cracker or crispbread, and top with orange segments and grapes. Pass me another one, please!
These fruity whole wheat flatbreads are a colorful and delicious answer to the age-old snack-attack question: “What do I want to eat?” A chewy wheat dough slathered in creamy cashew sauce takes on another dimension when topped with juicy fruits such as orange, kiwi, or berries. Give this one a try today; you won't regret it!
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