17 Lemon Recipes That Bring Zest, Zip, and a Little Attitude

Lemon isn’t just a garnish—it’s a flavor punch that wakes up every dish. These 17 recipes turn tangy, bright citrus into show stopping meals and desserts that demand attention. From sweet and tart treats to bold, savory dishes, each recipe proves a little lemon goes a long way in making flavor pop and your taste buds sit up and notice.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp on the Blackstone Griddle

Shrimp on the Blackstone Griddle? Yep, it's that easy! In under 5 minutes, you’ll have tender, flavorful lemon garlic shrimp ready to enjoy. Perfect for a speedy dinner or snack!
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Shrimp on the Blackstone Griddle

Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Honey Lemon Pepper Thighs with parsley on a white plate. — Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs are the perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and a little kick. With just the right amount of honey, lemon, and black pepper, this dish makes for an easy yet flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Lemon pasta with spinach, feta and cherry tomatoes in a bowl. — Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bright, fresh, and oh-so-easy—this Mediterranean pasta brings together lemon, spinach, and feta for a flavorful dish that’s perfect on its own or topped with your protein of choice.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

These hot honey lemon pepper wings are a crispy, sweet, and tangy delight that’ll have you coming back for more with every bite!
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Lemon Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Two crispy chicken thighs surrounded by lemon slices, mini sweet peppers, thyme, and cherry tomatoes. — Lemon Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This lemon chicken tray bake is an effortless and flavorful meal! With crispy chicken thighs, roasted sweet peppers, garlic, and a pop of lemon, it’s everything you need for a quick, tasty dinner in one pan.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Chicken and Rice Salad with Fresh Basil and Lemon

Chicken and rice salad in a glass bowl. — Chicken and Rice Salad with Fresh Basil and Lemon. Photo credit: The Honour System.

This Chicken and Rice Salad with Fresh Basil and Lemon is a light, flavorful dish that pairs tender chicken, hearty rice, and fragrant basil with a zesty lemon dressing—perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Salad with Fresh Basil and Lemon

Lemon Garlic Chicken

Bring some zing to your dinner with our Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken! Tender chicken infused with lemon and garlic makes for a quick, flavorful dish that’s bursting with freshness in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken

Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon

Baked ricotta cheese in a blue casserole dish with sliced bread. — Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon and Herbs is the perfect appetizer for any occasion! Creamy, zesty, and loaded with fresh herbs, it’s a breeze to make and pairs wonderfully with bread, crackers, fruit, or olives.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon

Greek Lemon Potatoes

Greek Lemon Garlic Potatoes in a black dish with lemon in the background. — Greek Lemon Potatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

These Easy Greek Lemon Potatoes are roasted to perfection in a rich garlic-lemon broth, soaking up all the flavor as they cook. Quick to prep and hard to resist—perfect on their own or as a side to any main dish!
Get the Recipe: Greek Lemon Potatoes

Lemon Roasted Chicken

Lime marinated grilled chicken sliced on a red plate over rice. — Lemon Roasted Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Add a burst of flavor to your dinner with lemon-roasted chicken! The citrusy lemon pairs perfectly with juicy, tender chicken for a refreshing twist on the classic roast. Simple, satisfying, and totally delicious.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Roasted Chicken

Salmon Lemon Herb Butter Sauce

Two salmon fillets with lemon sauce on a white plate. — Salmon Lemon Herb Butter Sauce. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

The secret’s in the sauce! Flaky, sweet salmon gets a major upgrade with this NO-FAIL lemon butter and herb sauce. It’s a match made in flavor heaven!
Get the Recipe: Salmon Lemon Herb Butter Sauce

Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

Gnocchi in Lemon-Parmesan Sauce on a black plate. — Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

The real star of the meal? This creamy Parmesan side dish! Silky, smooth, and packed with flavor, it’s super easy to make and ready in minutes—your dinner just found its new best friend.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

Lemon Chicken Piccata Pasta

Chicken breast cut with pasta in the background. — Lemon Chicken Piccata Pasta. Photo credit: .

This dish is all about indulgence without the fuss. Simple to make, yet impressive enough to make you feel like a five-star chef in front of your guests!
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Piccata Pasta

Lemon Pepper Pork Chops

Get your protein fix with these flavorful Lemon Pepper Pork Chops! Easy to cook on the grill, stovetop, or in the oven, they’re a versatile dish that pairs perfectly with a crisp salad or steamed green beans.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Pork Chops

Stovetop Lemon Dill Chicken

What starts on the stovetop ends as an unforgettable meal! This dish brings together ingredients in a way that takes your everyday dinner to a whole new level of flavor and excitement.
Get the Recipe: Stovetop Lemon Dill Chicken

Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta

A fast and easy plate of pasta with parmesan cheese and parsley. — Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Warm pasta meets a buttery garlic sauce and is crowned with Parmesan—simple, yet delicious! It pairs perfectly with ham for a comforting meal that’s both easy and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta

Lemon Dill Salmon and Asparagus

This lemon dill salmon and asparagus brings gourmet flavors to your table in no time! With flaky salmon, tender asparagus, and a delicious lemon dill sauce, it's all ready in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Dill Salmon and Asparagus