Our 50 Best Lemon Recipes That Are Full of Bright Flavor, From Dinner to Dessert

When life gives you lemons, make one of these luscious recipes.

Lemon sheet cake piece topped with frosting and garnished with lemon and mint
Photo:

Kim Shupe

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Or pie. Or chicken. Or scallops. Or...you get the point. The versatile fruit brightens anything it touches, from sweet-tart desserts to summer-perfect dinners. If you're just as obsessed with lemons as we are, you've come to the right place.

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Lemon Cake with Lemon Filling and Lemon Butter Frosting

a single glass of lemonade with a blue and white straw sitting on a kitchen counter next to a full pitcher of lemonade.
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"This lemonade recipe makes a very refreshing drink!" —Jo

02 of 50

Grandma's Lemon Meringue Pie

Closeup shot of a slice of lemon meringue pie

Allrecipes/DIANNE

"This lemon meringue pie is so delicious and perfect for sharing! The sweet and tart lemon filling is thickened with cornstarch, flour, and egg yolks." —Emilie S

03 of 50

The Best Lemon Bars

The Best Lemon Bars garnished with powdered sugar on top of parchment paper

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"These lemon bars are simple to make and will wow your friends. Tart, rich, and delicious all rolled into one!" —Patty Schenk

04 of 50

Easy Garlic-Lemon Scallops

close up of garlic-lemon scallops on a plate, with wilted greens
Mary E. Tung

"In this simple scallop recipe, large sea scallops are sautéed in butter and garlic and served with a lemon-butter sauce. They will melt in your mouth!" —Button

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Perfect Lemon Curd

Perfect Lemon Curd in a bowl
Sally

"Classic lemon curd that's wonderfully tart, sweet, and smooth. Delicious spread on scones or used to fill cakes and tarts." —TAWNIE44

06 of 50

Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes with herb garnish
Kim's Cooking Now

"This Greek lemon chicken dish with garlic and herb roast potatoes is a classic recipe and easy to cook in one roasting pan. The lemony crispy chicken is a proven crowd-pleaser, easy on the wallet, and a favorite of mine." —Chef John

07 of 50

Simple Lemon Cake

simple lemon cake with glaze
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios.

"This best lemon cake recipe is perfect for picnics and parties. It's moist and soft." —BakingTwins

08 of 50

Easy Lemon-Pepper Chicken Wings

Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings in a bowl
Drea3d

"We love lemon-pepper wings, especially during football season. I got tired of spending so much money on them that I decided to whip up my own version of Wingstop's lemon-pepper chicken wings. The end result was an empty platter and pleased bellies." —FleurSweetLoves

09 of 50

Lemon Chicken Piccata

Lemon Chicken Piccata

"This delicious lemon chicken piccata dish is exquisite and easy to prepare. The light and luscious lemon sauce really pops without being too acidic; it is simply divine. Serve it with herb-roasted potatoes or lemon-rice pilaf." —LemonLush

10 of 50

Greek-Style Lemon Roasted Potatoes

Greek Style Lemon Roasted Potatoes

"These Greek potatoes wedges with lemon and oregano are roasted until tender. They're a great complement to souvlaki. All you need is a great Greek salad for a full meal!" —koko

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Easy Lemon Cookies

Easy Lemon Cookies close up of cookies on a plate with juicer in background
sweetserenade

"Make lemon cookies from cake mix in just 20 minutes! These sweet, tart crinkle cookies are easy to make with just five ingredients." —Lissa

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Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Rolls

strawberry lemon cheesecake rolls in a baking pan

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"These rolls have a little bit of everything in one—and I love that! Perfect for really any time of the day too, breakfasts, snacks, or for dessert. These hit the spot.” —Amanda Stanfield

13 of 50

Salmon with Lemon and Dill

looking down at a baking dish of salmon topped with lemon and dill

"Salmon is baked in a lemon dill butter sauce for this wonderful (and easy) recipe I got from my aunt. The flavors really complement the fish here." —Michelle Ramey

14 of 50

Candied Lemon Peel

looking down at a tray of candied lemon peels

"This candied lemon peel recipe is a good way to use up lemon rind and goes well with coffee or dessert. It really does taste like candy, and you can use this method for any citrus fruit." —StevenRN

15 of 50

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs

Baked-Lemon-Butter-Chicken-Thighs in a pan

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"These delicious lemon garlic chicken thighs are low carb, keto friendly, and easy enough for a weeknight meal. Guaranteed to impress the pickiest eaters!" —France C

16 of 50

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp

looking down at a plate of golden-brown air fryer lemon pepper shrimp
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"These air fryer shrimp are easy to make and can be served with a salad or on top of rice or pasta. They are also great as a cold appetizer." —bdweld

17 of 50

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

Lemon-Ricotta Pancakes
Chef John

"If these lemon ricotta pancakes were any lighter, they would float off the plate! They are easy to make and delicious served with a pat of butter, lemon zest, and a drizzle of maple syrup." —Chef John

18 of 50

Meyer Lemon Avocado Toast

Meyer Lemon Avocado Toast

"I like to use this recipe when I have a ripe avocado that I don't want to waste. It is absolutely delicious and a wonderful source of fiber and fatty acids." —princessofmontecito

19 of 50

Lemon-Basil Quinoa Salad

Lemon-Basil Quinoa Salad

"Found this and thought I would share since quinoa seems to be becoming so popular. This make-ahead salad (served warm or room temperature) is great for outdoor parties since it won't spoil in the sun." —manella

20 of 50

Pan-Roasted Halibut with Clamshell Mushrooms and Lemon Butter Sauce

closeup of a halibut fillet topped with mushrooms and chopped parsley

Dan Toomey

"Made it as per the recipe and it was fantastic!" —Andy Clark

21 of 50

Lemon-Roasted Chicken Recipe

a sheet pan with roasted chicken breast with lemon and rosemary
Allrecipes Magazine

"This lemon-roasted chicken is our go-to baked chicken dish. This simple-but-delicious chicken recipe is perfect for regular weeknight meals or when company comes." —cherylb413

22 of 50

Lemon Buttermilk Pound Cake with Aunt Evelyn's Lemon Glaze

Lemon-Buttermilk Pound Cake with Aunt Evelyn's Lemon Glaze
naples34102

"My mother's lemon buttermilk cake is a blue-ribbon winner. This pound cake always gets rave reviews." —Sarah Copeland Sawicki

23 of 50

Lemon Pound Cake Cookies

Lemon Pound Cake Cookies

"I was trying to make lemon cookies, but ended up making something totally different and I was glad with the outcome." —jaibux

24 of 50

Yummy Lemon Coconut Loaf

Yummy Lemon Coconut Loaf

"This loaf is buttery, moist, and full of flavor. The sweet/tart lemon drizzle really puts it over the top." —Christina

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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

"This lemon chicken orzo soup is comfort in a bowl. It is so flavorful with tender pieces of chicken in a lemony broth with orzo pasta, carrots, onions, celery, and baby spinach. This has quickly become one of my family's favorite soup recipes." —ReneePaj

26 of 50

Lemon Sheet Cake

Lemon sheet cake piece topped with frosting and garnished with lemon and mint

Kim Shupe

"This homemade lemon sheet cake is topped with a sweet and tart lemon glaze. It's light, lemony, and perfect for pleasing a crowd at your next summer party!" —Yolanda Gutierrez

27 of 50

Chicken Limone

chicken limone in a platter

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"Chicken limone is a luscious way to prepare chicken cutlets. The lemon pan sauce, with shallots for a sweet onion note, and just a touch of cream, really boosts the flavors of the browned bits that remain in the pan." —Amanda Stanfield

28 of 50

Famous Chicken Française

A plate of chicken francaise, served with slices of lemon and topped with chopped parsley

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"Chicken Française made with lemon juice, egg, butter, and garlic. C'est magnifique!" —Paula Tomlinson

29 of 50

Homemade Limoncello

A tray with a bottle of homemade limoncello and two glasses of limoncello

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"Ice-cold limoncello is a distinguished, refreshing drink and worth the extra time it takes to make." —Michelle O'Sullivan

30 of 50

Air Fryer Lobster Tails with Lemon-Garlic Butter

A plate with two air fryer lobster tails served with lemon wedges

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"My first time ever cooking lobster and it turned out amazing." —R. Smith

31 of 50

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

a close up, low angle view of about a dozen lemon cream cheese bars
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"This lemon cream cheese bar recipe is easy and tastes divine. Nothing brings a recipe to life like fresh lemons! For a change of pace from custard-style lemon bars, you need to look no further." —Pamela Souza LeBlanc

32 of 50

Sweet and Simple Lemon Tart

Sweet and Simple Lemon Tart
lutzflcat

"This simple lemon tart recipe has a taste you'll never forget." —luvluv1

33 of 50

Lemon Chiffon Pie

Slice of lemon chiffon pie with whipped cream

"Light, fluffy lemon chiffon pie. This recipe is also good using lime juice. Garnish each slice with sweetened whipped cream." —Ginger P

34 of 50

Lemon Lush

Lemon Lush

"This lemon lush recipe has been a hit with our family now for all our get-togethers. A family friend shared this lemon and cream cheese dessert with me." —Mrs. Kelly Z

35 of 50

Chicken with Lemon-Caper Sauce

very close up of a few chicken breasts with lemon-caper sauce

"A rich lemon sauce for chicken makes this dish perfect for a special meal." —ALISSASMOM

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Fantastic Lemon Butter Fillet

close up view of Fantastic Lemon Butter Fillet served with pasta salad on a white plate
Sherri

"This wonderful recipe will make your mouth water when you sink your teeth into the lemon butter spiced fillets. Use any type of fish!" —Matthew

37 of 50

Amazing Lemon Scones

Amazing Lemon Scones

"These lemon scones with a sweet lemon glaze are so delicious —they melt in your mouth!" —ANGELSTAR

38 of 50

Roasted Garlic Lemon Broccoli

Roasted Garlic Lemon Broccoli
TTV78

"I decided to give lemon roasted broccoli a try when I was looking for a unique way to prepare broccoli. Florets are roasted after being tossed in olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and minced garlic. A squeeze of lemon juice before serving seals the deal." —NERDYCHEESECAKE

39 of 50

Lemon Asparagus Pasta

pesto with asparagus and Parmesan cheese in red cast iron pot

France C

"This was such a tasty, easy dish to make. I absolutely love it as it is written." —Marilyn Hunter

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Lemon Tahini Dressing

1654536950Lemon20Tahini20Dressing.jpeg

"This rich and creamy lemon tahini dressing is easy to whisk up in minutes by blending olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic with a few spoonfuls of tahini paste. Delicious on salads or drizzled over roasted vegetables." —Pat Bernitt

41 of 50

Lemon Chicken And Rice Casserole

Lemon Chicken And Rice Casserole on a white plate

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"Try this lemon chicken and rice casserole for an easy mid-week dinner. Chicken thighs are quickly browned and then baked with rice, lemon, and cream of chicken soup to create a comfort dish for the whole family." —Catherine Jessee

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Lemon Tiramisu

a slice of lemon tiramisu served on a white plate.

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"Lemon tiramisu is made with lemon curd, lemon syrup, and mascarpone cheese." —Emily Nienhaus

43 of 50

The Best Lemon Vinaigrette

A jar of lemon vinaigrette with a bowl of mixed greens in the background

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"This lemon vinaigrette is one of my favorite salad dressings. It works for a simple salad or with crispy Parmesan chicken on a green salad." —lukeder101

44 of 50

One-Pan Shrimp And Rice

one pan shrimp and rice with lemon on a white plate

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"This could easily become one of my go-to weeknight dinners to make. The flavors are clean and simple.” —Renu Dhar

45 of 50

The BEST Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning

bird's eye view of bowl of lemon pepper, lemons, zester, on board

Shelia Johnson

"This is the BEST homemade lemon pepper seasoning. African yellow pepper and white pepper both bring heat to the usual mix of lemon zest and black pepper, for a lemon pepper seasoning that's perfect on chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables." —Shelia Johnson

46 of 50

Blueberry Lemon Loaf

an overhead view of 3 slices of blueberry-raspberry-lemon loaf on a pink surface, surrounded by lemon slices and raspberries.

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"A family recipe for our favorite blueberry lemon bread. No mixer required! Like most sweet loaves, it tastes best when allowed to sit for a day, wrapped in plastic wrap." —TABLESPOON

47 of 50

Lemon Asparagus Risotto

Lemon Asparagus Risotto

"This asparagus risotto is flavored with garlic, white wine, lemon, and Parmesan cheese. I like to serve this as a main dish under some steamed halibut or other white fish." —stefychefy

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Super Lemon Ice Cream

high angle looking at a scoop of super lemon ice cream
naples34102

"This lemon ice cream is tart, tangy, and very refreshing in the summer!" —AOSWALT

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Chef John's Baked Lemon Pepper Salmon

Chef John's Baked Lemon Pepper Salmon

"You don't need the broiler to make great salmon fillets. A hot oven can produce tender, moist, flaky meat every time. This baked lemon-pepper salmon recipe uses lots of lemon juice and black pepper." —Chef John

50 of 50

Honey Lemon Tea

Honey Lemon Tea

"This lemon tea is my favorite tea. My dad used to make it for me all the time. It is a sweet and sour tea — you taste the honey, then the lemon. Great for soothing sore throats. Yum, yum, yum!" —COOKIN*KTH

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