Lemon Lovers Rejoice! 50+ Sweet & Savory Lemon Recipes
Lemon Lovers Delight
Lemons do a lot more in my kitchen than just add a splash of flavor to water. That’s why I’ve put together a list of 60 lemon recipes that’ll show you just how versatile this fruit can be, from kick-starting your day with a tangy twist to adding some zest to your evening meals. Plus, I’ve got some straightforward guides on how to zest and juice your lemons perfectly every time, and even how to make your own lemon pepper seasoning. Whether you’re flipping lemon ricotta pancakes for breakfast or serving up lemon chicken piccata for dinner, you’ll see how lemons can make simple ingredients taste incredible.
In this roundup, you’ll find everything from the perfect pair of lemons and cranberries in muffins to the refreshing taste of lemon in your morning smoothie. And it’s not just about sweets; lemons bring out the best in savory dishes too. Giving your grilled chicken a lemony lift or making your seafood dishes pop with a hint of citrus. From quick snacks like lemon garlic shrimp to hearty meals like lemon herb baked cod, these recipes are all about making the most of lemons in your cooking. It’s about keeping things simple but flavorful, and letting the natural taste of good ingredients shine through.
Why You Should Use Lemon in Your Recipes
Natural flavor enhancer. Lemons instantly boost flavor and can enhance even the most bland dishes. It could very well be the secret ingredient to take your dish from good to so good!
Lightens up recipes. In addition to enhancing the flavor, the acidity in lemons cuts the heaviness in bold-flavored recipes, giving them a fresh, clean taste. Plus, some recipes may benefit from a drizzle of fresh lemon juice instead of additional seasonings.
Versatile and delicious. Lemons are versatile ingredients that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Add lemons to marinades, sauces, desserts, drinks, and much more!
Nutritional benefits. Lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and other beneficial nutrients. They can help improve digestion and boost the immune system.
Have a long shelf life. Unlike many fresh fruits and vegetables, lemons can last for several weeks when stored properly. This makes them a convenient ingredient to have on hand to add a burst of freshness to dishes last minute.
Tips for Cooking with Lemons
Swap lemon juice for vinegar. In many recipes like salad vinaigrettes and marinades, you can confidently use lemon juice in place of vinegar.
Cut properly. Cut the lemon crosswise for juicing to get maximum juice and lengthwise for garnishes for drinks, seafood, or salads. Lemon rounds and half moons can beautifully garnish lemon dessert recipes.
Start with room temperature lemons. In order to get maximum juice, never start with cold lemons as that makes the membranes tighter. Bring them to room temperature or run them under warm running water before juicing.
Zest first then juice. If a recipe calls for both lemon zest and juice, grate the outer peel first using a zester or microplane. Then, cut it in half and extract the juice.
Keep fruits and veggies fresh. Brushing fresh-cut fruits with lemon juice prevents browning and keeps their colors bright and vibrant.
Know the general yield. Of course, this depends on the variety and size of the lemon, but generally, a large lemon will produce about 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 4 tablespoons of lemon juice.
Helpful Gadgets for Cooking with Lemon
Lemon squeezer to get as much juice from your fresh lemons.
Citrus Zester with channel knife that makes perfect strips of lemon peel.
Citrus Peeler to effortlessly peel and zest lemons.
Microplane to grate or zest all citrus fruit leaving the bitter pith behind.
Lemon Slicer so you can cut your lemon into perfect wedges.
Paring Knife to slice or dice lemons precisely.
Best Lemon Recipes
Lemons add a burst of zesty, vibrant, and refreshing flavor to your dishes. Keep them on hand to use in both savory and sweet lemon recipes. You will love this collection of mouthwatering recipes, everything from basic tutorials to breakfast treats and savory lemon recipes made with chicken, seafood, and more. Plus, you’ll find Lebanese and vegetarian lemon dinner recipes to accommodate everyone at your table. And if you’re just here for irresistible lemon dessert recipes to satisfy that sweet tooth – we have that too!
Helpful Lemon Tutorials and Sauces
How to Zest a Lemon – Learn four easy ways to zest a lemon to bring a burst of citrus goodness in any dish. Whether you use a microplane zester, box grater, vegetable peeler, or a simple paring knife – get maximum flavor with minimal effort.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Seasoning – This easy DIY recipe can instantly elevate all your favorite savory lemon recipes. It brings a bright pop of citrus and piney black pepper flavor to all your dishes.
How to Cut Lemons & Limes – Achieve those restaurant-style cuts with this easy tutorial. Knowing how to cut lemons properly will help you maximize juice from this citrus fruit so you can get more for your bang.
How to Make Mayonnaise – This popular condiment is enhanced with a touch of lemon juice that not only adds flavor but also helps to emulsify the ingredients, resulting in a smooth and velvety texture.
How to Make Aioli – Aioli is a garlic-infused mayonnaise that originated in the south of France. Like in mayonnaise, lemon juice is essential to balance the flavors and help achieve proper emulsification.
How to Make Tzatziki Sauce – Rich, creamy, and full of complex flavors, this authentic Tzatziki sauce makes a perfect addition to all your lemon dinner recipes.
How to Make Steak Marinade – One of the steak marinades is lemony Italian steak marinade and it’s an excellent way to add flavor, tenderize the meat, and add moisture. You’ll need both the zest and juice of the lemon in this easy steak marinade.
Lemon Recipes for Breakfast
Cranberry Lemon Muffins – Lemons and cranberries go well together and in these muffins, they shine in the most delightful tart-and-sweet combination. You won’t regret adding these muffins to your list of sweet lemon recipes.
Zucchini Bread Muffins – Perfectly fluffy and quick to make in one bowl, these zucchini bread muffins are a perfect breakfast or mid-afternoon snack.
Lemon Blueberry Bread – This quick bread is soft, spongey, has the most perfect crumb. It’s bursting with juicy blueberries and tart lemon flavor and is a delicious addition to your collection of lemon dessert recipes that can be served for breakfast, brunch, or after a meal.
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes – If you’re looking for sweet lemon recipes to whip up for breakfast, these lemon ricotta pancakes will be such a hit. They look fancy, but are actually a simple recipe made with common pantry ingredients.
Smoked Salmon Bagel – One of my favorite savory lemon recipes is this salmon bagel with tangy cream cheese. Top it with your favorites like red onions, cucumbers, capers, and fresh dill for a sophisticated way to start the day.
Blueberry Scones – With just a handful of simple ingredients, blueberries and lemon zest, these scones come together quickly and are so irresistibly delicious.
One Pan Oven Baked Oatmeal – Prepped and baked in the same dish, this baked oatmeal is packed with so much flavor from sweet bananas, frozen berries, and a touch of lemon zest for some tangy and refreshing taste.
Crepes with Lemon & Sugar – Add some European flair to your list of sweet lemon recipes. With their wonderful contrast of flavors between the raspberry and lemon, these delicate crepes are great to enjoy as a breakfast or dessert.
Savory Lemon Recipes with Chicken
Lemon Chicken Piccata – This comfort food gets a makeover with better for you ingredients. It’s a must make when you’re looking for savory lemon recipes that are easy, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious!
Grilled Lemon Chicken – One of the best ways to use up your bounty of lemons is to make recipes with lemon juice, like this grilled lemon chicken. Marinated in herbed lemon juice then grilled to perfection. Quick, easy, and oh-so-good!
Lemon Cilantro Chicken – You will love this flavorful marinated Lebanese cilantro chicken with garlic and lemon. It’s perfect when you’re looking for quick savory lemon recipes that are also meal prep friendly.
Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Kabobs – So flavorful and easy to make, these chicken kabobs are marinated with a combination of classic Middle Eastern spices, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.
Chicken Lemon Orzo Soup – Similar to chicken noodle soup and equally comforting, delicious, and nutritious. This soup comes alive with the addition of bright, citrusy, and lemon flavors.
Chicken Lemon Rice Soup – When it comes to savory lemon recipes, a nice comforting chicken soup tops that list. And you will love this cozy soup made with rice, hearty vegetables, and homemade lemony broth.
Rosemary Roasted Whole Chicken – When life gives you lemons, you turn them into delicious lemon dinner recipes to feed a crowd. This roasted chicken is a must-try!
Lemon Seafood Recipes
Lemon Pepper Salmon – If you’re looking for lemon dinner recipes, this salmon dish is an excellent option. It’s quick and easy to prepare and packed with flavor and can be served with your favorite side dish.
Honey Lemon Salmon – You can whip up an easy weeknight meal with just a handful of ingredients and a skillet with this honey lemon salmon. Add this to your list of savory lemon recipes because you’ll be returning to this easy dish repeatedly.
Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon – Quick lemon dinner recipes have never been easier than this sheet pan meal that has simple prep, hands-off cooking technique, and feeds a crowd!
Lemon Garlic Shrimp – Tender, buttery, and finished with fresh parsley and lemon, this flavor-packed seafood dish will hit the spot. Serve with a side dish or two for a fuss-free meal.
Garlic Lemon Tuna Pasta – You will love this 10-minute pasta dish that’s loaded with fresh Mediterranean flavors and made with basic pantry ingredients. It’ll quickly become one of your go-to savory lemon recipes.
Lemon Parsley Baked Cod – When it comes to lemon dinner recipes, baked cod is a good option. It’s simple to prep and baked to tender perfection with bright lemon slices on top.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers – Marinated in lemon and herb dressing and takes minutes to prepare, these shrimp skewers are wonderfully juicy and oh-so-delicious.
Lemon Herb Shrimp and Rice Bowl – This is an excellent one-pan weeknight meal with a splash of citrus and herby goodness. It’s a must if you’re looking for quick and easy lemon dinner recipes!
Vegetarian Lemon Recipes
Pasta al Limone – One of the easiest lemon dinner recipes are pasta dishes and this one hits the spot. It’s made with fresh lemon, garlic, black pepper, and parmesan cheese and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Lemony Green Bean Almondine – With tender-crisp green beans, sliced almonds, and lots of flavor with garlic and lemon, these green beans will become your go-to side dish for busy weeknights and special occasions.
Chickpea Salad with Lemon Dressing – Packed with fresh veggies, nutrients, and Mediterranean flare, this chickpea salad is the perfect make-ahead dish. Great for lunches or summer cookouts.
Lemon Orzo Salad – Fresh, vibrant, and easy to make, this cucumber lemon orzo salad is a perfect summer side dish and one of the best recipes with lemon juice. Easy, light, and satisfying.
Lemon Basmati Rice – Fresh, colorful, and oh-so-flavorful, this lemon basmati rice will become one of your favorite lemon dinner recipes. It’s easy to make and adds great variety to your plate.
Hummus Pasta – This creamy vegan pasta is a healthy side dish that’s hearty on its own or paired with another dish. It’s made in one pot and ready in 15 minutes – perfect for a weeknight meal.
Bulgur Chickpea Salad – Full of Mediterranean flavors, this vegetarian salad is simple to make and full of fresh flavors! It’s hearty, healthy, and one of my go-to’s when I’m looking for no-cook savory lemon recipes.
Lebanese Recipes with Lemon
Tabbouleh Salad – This is a healthy vegan appetizer made with bulgur, parsley, mint, and chopped vegetables. It’s easy to whip up and makes a great accompaniment to any of these lemon dinner recipes.
Shredded Cabbage Salad – The fresh lemon juice enhances the vibrant and fresh flavors of cabbage, tomatoes, parsley, and green onions. This cabbage salad is the perfect side dish to accompany any entree.
Homemade Hummus – What’s a roundup of lemon recipes without the classic homemade hummus? This traditional hummus has the most authentic taste and texture and one of my go-to recipes with lemon juice.
Authentic Baba Ghanoush – This Lebanese-inspired Baba Ghanoush is made with only 4 ingredients and very little preparation. It’s one of those savory lemon recipes that makes a perfect appetizer for any occasion.
Chicken Shish Tawook – If you’re looking for lemon dinner recipes that are packed with flavor, easy to make, and crowd-pleasers, this popular Lebanese grilled chicken skewers recipe is your answer.
Lemon Tahini Sauce – Drizzle this over shawarma or any other meat or vegetable for a wonderfully creamy finishing sauce. It’s also great as a dip, spread, or even dressing. It’s one of those recipes with lemon juice that you’ll appreciate having in your back pocket.
Lemon Garlic Sauce (Toum) – Anything with garlic and lemon juice is a flavorful treat, and this sauce is no exception. The combination of fresh lemon juice and savory garlic creates a zesty and versatile flavor profile that is oh-so-good!
Other Lemon Dinner Recipes
Grilled Lamb Chops – With a simple mint and lemon marinade, these lamb chops burst with Mediterranean flavors. The citrusy taste from the lemon complements the earthiness of the lamb, while the mint adds a refreshing kick.
Lemon Ricotta Pasta – This vegetarian, bright, and flavorful pasta dish comes together in 20 minutes using simple pantry items. The creamy ricotta pairs perfectly with the zesty lemon for a refreshing yet satisfying meal.
Zucchini Casserole – Brighten up a creamy zucchini casserole with zingy lemon zest. It balances the richness of the creamy sauce well and pairs perfectly with this summer squash.
Lemon Rice Soup – Easy to make with basic kitchen staples, this soup is hearty, comforting, and loaded with nutrients. But I have to admit, the lemony broth is my favorite part about this soup.
Beef Shawarma – You can enjoy this popular Middle Eastern street food in the comfort of your home using this simple recipe. It’s made with flank steak, wrapped in pita bread with vegetables and that tasty tahini sauce drizzle!
Egg Salad Sandwich – This simple egg salad sandwich proves that everything can be elevated with a touch of lemon zest. Creamy eggs, hint of fresh herbs, and the brightness of lemon creates a flavorful explosion with every bite.
Grilled Beef Kabobs – Marinating meat recipes with lemon juice is guaranteed to achieve perfectly tender, irresistibly delicious, and wonderfully flavored meat. These kabobs are an example of that.
Sweet Lemon Recipes
Lemon Zucchini Bread – One of my favorite summer desserts is this lemon zucchini bread. It’s fresh and perfectly moist and so irresistibly delicious. And one of those classic lemon dessert recipes that you tend to go back to.
Lemon Bread – Easy to make and oh-so-delicious, this lemon bread has the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and light – perfectly wrapped up in a quick loaf that’s great as one of your favorite sweet lemon recipes.
Cranberry Lemon Pound Cake – You will love this bright and beautiful cranberry lemon pound cake. It has just the right amount of sweetness with tart cranberries in every bite, and a must-try from your repertoire of lemon dessert recipes.
Vegan Lemon Bars – Creamy, chewy, and absolutely delicious, these lemon bars are a true bite of sunshine. The oatmeal walnut crust holds the tart and sweet custard so perfectly that you’d think you’re biting into a smooth lemon cloud.
Vegan Lemon Pudding – When life gives you lemons, whip up one of my favorite recipes with lemon juice – this bright lemon pudding! It’s made with just a few dairy-free ingredients and is delicious, light, and satisfying.
Lemon Ricotta Cake – Bursting with fresh lemon flavor and that perfect moist crumb, this is a must-try from your list of sweet lemon recipes. It’s light, custardy, and has that citrusy freshness that we all want in a lemon cake.
Recipes with Lemon Juice
Mint Lemonade – You will love this zesty and refreshing blend of vibrant mint, rose water, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. It’s a unique twist that adds sweet and herby flavor to quench your thirst.
Homemade Lemonade – There’s nothing more refreshing on a hot day than a tall glass of classic homemade lemonade. Sweetened with simple syrup and fresh lemons, this drink has that perfect citrusy kick that you can’t get enough of.
Chia Fresca – One of the most refreshing recipes with lemon juice is this hydrating chia fresca. It’s made with coconut water, chia seeds, fresh lemons and slightly sweetened with honey for a refreshing and healthy drink.
Lemon Cucumber Juice – If you’re looking for a cool and refreshing drink to help you stay hydrated, this bright and citrusy cucumber juice is your answer. It strikes the perfect balance between crisp cucumbers and tangy lemons and is just oh-so-good!
Ginger Shots – Spicy, citrusy, and so simple to make, this should be one of your go-to recipes with lemon juice, year round. Grab your blender and 4 simple ingredients to help you boost your wellness routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are lemons in season?
Lemons are typically in season year-round, as they grow in various regions around the world with different growing seasons. However, the peak season for lemons in the United States is from November through about April. Lemons are most abundant during this time and tend to be the freshest and full of flavor.
What is the best variety of lemons to use in recipes?
Each variety has its own unique flavor profile and characteristics that may work better in certain recipes. For example, Meyer lemons are known for their sweeter, less tangy flavor which are great for lemon dessert recipes. On the other hand, Eureka lemons have that classic lemony flavor that is more tangy and less sweet and works great in savory lemon recipes. In most recipes, the lemon types are interchangeable unless specifically mentioned which lemon variety to use. Ultimately, the best type of lemon depends on your personal preference and the specific flavor you are looking for.
How can I get the most juice out of a lemon?
Start by rolling the lemon between a hard surface and the palm of your hand, pressing down to loosen those membranes and release lemon juice. You can also run the lemon under warm water to break up some of those cells. Then, cut the lemon crosswise, and, using a citrus juicer, squeeze the lemon half to extract as much juice as possible. Now you’re ready to let all those recipes with lemon juice shine with vibrant citrus flavor.
Embrace the tangy goodness of lemons and discover new and exciting ways to incorporate them into your favorite dishes. If you usually opt for sweet lemon recipes, let this roundup of lemon recipes inspire you to sprinkle some zest into your savory dishes as well.
This article originally appeared on FeelGoodFoodie and was syndicated by MediaFeed.
