Summer Herb and Citrus Marinades

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

These summer herb and citrus marinades are perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your meals, making them a must-try for any cook. They’re simple to prepare and bring a fresh, zesty twist to your favorite dishes.

• Bright and invigorating flavors that make every bite feel like summer.
• Quick and easy to make, with ingredients you probably already have.
• Versatile for any protein, from chicken to fish, or even veggies.

Recipe

Summer herb and citrus marinades are a revitalizing way to enhance the flavor of your favorite proteins and vegetables. These marinades combine the zesty brightness of citrus with the aromatic depth of fresh herbs, creating a perfect balance for grilling or roasting.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, orange juice, and olive oil.
2. Add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary, lemon zest, and orange zest. Stir to combine.
3. Mix in the honey, salt, and black pepper until well incorporated.
4. Place your choice of protein or vegetables in a resealable bag or shallow dish.
5. Pour the marinade over the ingredients, ensuring they are fully coated.
6. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
7. Remove from the refrigerator and cook as desired, discarding any leftover marinade.

Notes:

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• This marinade works well with chicken, fish, shrimp, tofu, or vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.

Time:

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: Varies based on protein or vegetables

Serving: 4

Calories: Approximately 120 per serving

Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired

Nutrition

These marinades pack a punch of flavor while also being light and healthy. Here’s a breakdown of the key nutrients:

What To Serve With It

I love pairing my summer herb and citrus marinades with simple sides that let the flavors shine. Grilled vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, soak up the marinade beautifully, and fresh salads add a crisp contrast. Trust me, these combos make every bite feel like summer on a plate.

Grilled Vegetables

When I’m firing up the grill, I always make sure to throw on some veggies—they’re not just a side dish, they’re a star of the meal. My go-to grilling techniques include brushing them with herb-infused oil and using medium heat to get those perfect char marks. I love mixing vegetable varieties like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus—they each bring their own sweetness and crunch. Pro tip: slice them thick so they don’t fall through the grates. Trust me, once you taste smoky, caramelized veggies straight off the grill, you’ll never skip them again. They’re that good.

Fresh Salads

Fresh salads are the perfect companion to grilled dishes, adding a cool, crisp contrast to the smoky flavors. I love tossing together greens with fresh herb combinations like basil, mint, and cilantro—they bring a burst of summer to every bite. To brighten things up, I drizzle a dressing with citrus flavor profiles, using lemon, lime, or orange juice mixed with olive oil. It’s light, zesty, and balances the richness of grilled meats or veggies perfectly. Sometimes, I’ll add avocado or toasted nuts for extra texture. It’s simple, invigorating, and always makes the meal feel complete.