10 Fresh Tangerine Recipes

Whenever I want something light and refreshing, I always turn to these tangerine recipes.

Tangerines often get overlooked in favor of traditional oranges, but I find their flavor to be so on point.

Of course, you may be wondering, what’s the difference between tangerines and oranges? For starters, tangerines are much smaller than oranges.

They’re also softer, and their color is usually deeper than that of traditional oranges.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve always found tangerines to have a sweeter taste as well.

From sauce to smoothies to salad, cookies, and cake, there are some irresistible dishes you can make with tangerines. 

I hope you’re all stocked up on them because it’s time to get cooking!

1. Tangerine Sauce

This flavorful sauce is the perfect accompaniment to any fish, but I particularly love it on baked salmon.

The sweetness of the tangerines pairs perfectly with the depth of the fish and creates such a nice contrast.

It would also be delicious on chicken or shrimp, especially if you’re making a stir-fry dish.

The best part is, it only takes four ingredients and about 10 minutes to whip together.

In no time flat, you’ll have a healthy, tasty, very impressive dinner on the table. 

2. Tangerine Garlic Chicken

In this dish, chicken gets coated in a honey, garlic, and tangerine glaze, which is such a treat for your tastebuds!

This recipe calls for chicken thighs, which I generally prefer as opposed to breasts.

They have a better flavor and soak up all that delicious sauce better.

But by all means, if you’d rather make this recipe using breasts, it really won’t alter the flavor that much. The sauce is the star of the show here, after all.

3. Tangerine Strawberry Creamsicle Smoothie

This smoothie has a similar taste to a traditional creamsicle, but the strawberries give it a little extra sweetness, which is so refreshing.

It’s made with Greek yogurt for a healthy dose of nutrients, though it does also call for low-fat milk. 

If you want to make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the yogurt and milk for plant-based versions.

It won’t come out quite as thick and creamy, but it’ll still have that wonderful tangerine flavor.

4. Avocado and Tangerine Salad with Jalapeño Vinaigrette

Between the tangerines, avocado, jalapeno, and arugula, this salad has a myriad of flavors and textures, and it also packs a punch!

The fresh mint leaves give it a nice, cooling flavor, while the feta cheese adds an extra dose of creaminess, which balances out the heat from the jalapeno vinaigrette.

This is a wonderful salad to serve for lunch on a warm day, or it’s also great as a starter when you’re having a dinner party and want to impress your guests. 

5. Mediterranean Beet Salad with Tangerines, Greens, and Feta

I absolutely love beet salads, but I had never thought of adding tangerines into the mix until I came across this recipe.

The combination is just heavenly! This salad is so hearty, it can even stand alone as dinner.

If you want an additional dose of protein, this would be wonderful with grilled chicken or shrimp on top.

Did I mention how beautiful this salad is to look at? The green, deep red, and orange hues make this one very attractive plate.

6. Tangerine Salsa

I know what you’re thinking. “Isn’t tangerine salsa too sweet?”

While it is sweeter than a traditional tomato salsa, it’s balanced out with lime juice, onion, and tomatoes.

This recipe also includes hot sauce for some extra heat, but you can leave it out if you prefer your salsa mild.

Serve this with pita chips, tortilla chips, or even as a sauce on top of a mild piece of fish.

Trust me, once you try this salsa, you’ll make it again and again.

7. Tangerine Caprese Kebabs

These appetizers couldn’t possibly be any prettier!

The contrast of the white mozzarella, green mint, and orange tangerines make these look even more appetizing.

This is a perfect starter to serve at a holiday party, but as long as you can find fresh tangerines, it’ll work any time of the year.

They’re so easy to put together, too.

With just six ingredients and 20 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a delightful appetizer that guests will go wild for.

8. Tangerine Vanilla Sugar Cookies

If you’re a fan of traditional sugar cookies, just wait until you try this upgraded version.

They’re crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and bursting with the sugar flavor you know and love coupled with the tanginess of tangerine.

Interestingly enough, the creator of this recipe got her inspiration from the Yankee Candle “flavor,” tangerine vanilla.

If that doesn’t give you an idea of how incredible your house will smell while these are baking in the oven, I don’t know what will.

The thought of the smell alone is making my mouth water.

9. Tangerine and Gin

Of course, I had to include a cocktail on this list to go along with the sugar cookies.

Made with gin, strawberries, mint, and tangerines, this is one drink that you’ll be hooked on after the first sip.

It has a very distinct taste. It’s sweet, savory, fresh, and bold all at the same time.

This is the perfect after-dinner cocktail, but it would also taste great served alongside Sunday brunch, especially if you can’t decide between a Bloody Mary and a mimosa.

10. Tangerine Cake

This cake is absolutely bursting with citrus flavor! It’s light, delicious, and the best part is, it couldn’t be easier to make.

Your tangerines go straight into the blender — skin and all — and then the mixture gets added into your cake mix.

You can make this in a bundt, flan, or loaf pan, and it’ll come out great.

I love serving this cake around the holidays since the fruity flavor pairs so well with the heavier dishes we’re all accustomed to. 

I’ve even been known to have a slice for breakfast along with my coffee, it’s that good! (Sometimes, you just have to indulge.)