Blood Orange Olive Oil Recipes for Fresh, Zesty Dishes

Blood oranges are a spectacular fruit, boasting a vibrant red hue and a uniquely sweet-tart flavor that’s both refreshing and captivating. When paired with the rich, peppery notes of quality olive oil, the result is an extraordinary combination that can elevate both sweet and savory dishes.

Blood orange olive oil recipes harness this delightful fusion, creating dishes that are perfect for spring and summer menus or any time you want to add a burst of color and flavor to your cooking.

In this post, we’ll explore a variety of recipes featuring blood orange olive oil, from zesty dressings and marinades to luscious cakes and vibrant salads. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to experiment, these recipes will inspire you to incorporate this gorgeous ingredient into your culinary repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Using blood orange olive oil in your recipes offers a wonderful balance of bright citrus and smooth olive oil richness. It’s not just about flavor but also about the beautiful color and the health benefits packed in these ingredients.

Blood oranges are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, while olive oil is well-known for its heart-healthy fats.

This combination is versatile — perfect for drizzling over salads, marinating proteins, or baking into desserts. Plus, blood orange olive oil adds a gourmet touch to everyday dishes, making your meals feel special without much extra effort.

Ingredients

• Blood oranges – fresh, juiced and zested (3 large)
• Extra virgin olive oil – 1/2 cup (preferably infused with blood orange or plain high-quality)
• Honey or maple syrup – 2 tablespoons (optional, for sweetness)
• Garlic cloves – 2, minced (for savory recipes)
• Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil – 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Sea salt – 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper – freshly ground, 1/2 teaspoon
• All-purpose flour – 2 cups (for baked recipes)
• Baking powder – 2 teaspoons (for cakes and breads)
• Sugar – 1 cup (for desserts)
• Eggs – 2 large (for baked goods)
• Yogurt or plant-based yogurt – 1/2 cup (for moist cakes)
• Salted nuts like almonds or pistachios – 1/2 cup, chopped (optional garnish)

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (various sizes)
• Zester or grater
• Citrus juicer or reamer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Baking pan or loaf pan (for cakes)
• Skillet or frying pan (for savory recipes)
• Fine mesh strainer (optional, for juice)
• Spatula and wooden spoon
• Knife and cutting board

Instructions

Recipe 1: Blood Orange Olive Oil Vinaigrette

1. Juice and zest the blood oranges. Use a fine grater to zest the peel carefully without the bitter white pith. Then juice the oranges, straining out any seeds or pulp for a smooth dressing.
2. Combine the juice, zest, and olive oil. In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup blood orange juice, 1 tablespoon zest, and 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil.
3. Add honey, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Whisk in 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, and chopped herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Mix well and adjust seasoning. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed. Use immediately or chill for up to one week.

Recipe 2: Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan or loaf pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients. In a large bowl, sift together 2 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
3. Whisk wet ingredients. In another bowl, whisk 1 cup sugar, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup blood orange juice, 1 tablespoon zest, 1/2 cup blood orange olive oil, and 1/2 cup yogurt until smooth.
4. Combine wet and dry mixtures. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined.
5. Pour batter into pan and bake. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and serve. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Optionally, garnish with chopped nuts or a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Recipe 3: Blood Orange Olive Oil Roasted Vegetables

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare vegetables. Chop a mix of your favorite veggies — carrots, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and red onions work well — into bite-sized pieces.
3. Make the marinade. In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup blood orange juice, 1/2 cup blood orange olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or thyme.
4. Toss vegetables in the marinade. Coat the vegetables evenly, then spread them out on the baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Roast until tender and caramelized. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking.
6. Serve warm. Finish with a drizzle of fresh blood orange olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.

Tips & Variations

For an extra burst of citrus flavor, add some finely chopped blood orange segments to your salads or desserts.

Swap out regular olive oil for blood orange-infused olive oil if you want a more pronounced citrus aroma.

Try adding a pinch of chili flakes to the vinaigrette or roasted vegetable marinade for a subtle, spicy kick.

For vegan cake options, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based yogurt.

Nutrition Facts

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Serving Suggestions

• Drizzle the blood orange olive oil vinaigrette over mixed greens, arugula, or kale salads.
• Serve the blood orange olive oil cake with a dollop of whipped cream or vegan coconut cream for a delightful dessert.
• Pair the roasted vegetables with quinoa, couscous, or as a side for grilled fish or chicken.
• Use blood orange olive oil as a finishing drizzle on grilled or steamed vegetables for a flavorful touch.
• Try incorporating this oil into marinades for tofu or tempeh for a fresh twist on plant-based meals.

More Recipes to Explore

• Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious
• A Cold Vegetable Soup Recipe to Refresh Your Summer Meals
• Best Vegan Kale Dip Recipe for Easy Healthy Snacking

Conclusion

Blood orange olive oil recipes offer a wonderful way to infuse fresh, vibrant flavor into your cooking. From dressings that brighten salads to cakes that captivate with their moist texture and zesty notes, this ingredient combo is a versatile kitchen staple.

Its natural antioxidants and healthy fats make it a nourishing choice as well. Whether you’re roasting vegetables or experimenting with baked goods, blood orange olive oil adds an elegant twist that’s sure to impress your family and guests.

Explore these recipes and tweak them to your liking to discover how this delightful pairing can transform everyday meals into memorable culinary experiences. For more creative and healthy recipes, be sure to check out some of the other delicious options linked above.

Happy cooking!

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