10 Bright and Lemony Recipes to Shake Off the Winter Chill
Citrus is in season, and we want to highlight one of the most versatile fruits: lemon!
Bright and vibrant, lemon is an ingredient that complements a variety of dishes, both sweet and savory. And whether you’re looking for a bright and lemony bake or a citrusy twist on an old classic, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds here.
Below are 10 recipes that feature lemon in one way or another, from lemon bars and tarts to salmon and chicken.
Hungry for more? Check out our library of recipes for inspiration and even more lemony goodness!
Classic Lemon Bars
This light, creamy dessert uses a homemade shortbread dough as the base, which is then topped with a luscious custard filling made with freshly squeezed lemon juice. You can even take the flavors up a notch by adding a little zest, too!
Just be sure to line your baking pan with foil and a light coating of melted butter, canola oil or high-heat oil spray for easy removal—this gooey lemon dessert has the tendency to stick!
Fresh Tagliatelle with Grilled Shrimp, Lemon, And Burst Cherry Tomatoes
This delicious Italian-inspired dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds!
The thicker pasta noodle makes the perfect vessel for the zesty lemon sauce, which is made with olives, lots of herbs, a little olive oil and lemon juice. Sautéed cherry tomatoes also add a literal burst of bright flavor—this ties in nicely with the garlic and shrimp.
Get the Fresh Tagliatelle with Grilled Shrimp, Lemon and Burst Cherry Tomatoes recipe!
Chicken and Preserved Lemon Tagine with Olives
Cinnamon and ginger add a surprising yet delicious warmth to this dish, which boasts preserved lemons (which are basically pickled lemons, having been brined in water with salt or additional lemon juice).
Other bright and forward ingredients like olives, coriander and turmeric round out the flavors nicely—and come together to make an elegant, one-pot lemon chicken recipe perfect for a weeknight or special occasion.
Get the Chicken and Preserved Lemon Tagine with Olives recipe!
Blueberry Scones with Lemon Glaze
Blueberry scones are perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea and make a delightful addition to any brunch or breakfast spread.
This recipe would work with almost any berry or fruit—try subbing raspberries for a tart and tangy flavor! The lemon glaze is really what sets this apart though, adding a sweet and refreshing drizzle on top of the tender, crumbly pastry.
Pro Tip: Be sure to use a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
Lemon Meringue Pie
Lemon meringue pie is a classic, timeless dessert composed of lemon custard filling, fluffy meringue topping and a sweet pastry base made in a tart pan to give it the perfect crust.
Cream of tartar helps to stabilize the meringue, so this is a user-friendly recipe to try and perfect for those making this elegant lemon dessert for the first time.
Grilled Steak and Herbed Potatoes with Lemon Aioli
This is steak and potatoes with a citrusy twist!
This recipe calls for flank steak, which is marinated for 12 hours to add tenderness and lots of bold flavor to the meat. The bright herbs and a creamy lemon aioli bring the savory flavors of the flank steak up a notch and go perfectly with the fingerling potatoes, which have mild notes of sweetness and a buttery nuttiness.
Get the Grilled Steak and Herbed Potatoes with Lemon Aioli recipe!
Cedar Plank Salmon with Lemon-Dill Hollandaise
Salmon and lemon are a match made in heaven, so grab your grilling tongs and fire up the BBQ for this delicious recipe!
The cedar plank injects the salmon with a smoky, woodsy flavor, while the creamy lemon sauce adds a bright and tangy kick. Just be sure to soak your cedar plank in water for at least an hour before grilling—this ensures the wood produces maximum smoke flavor and is more resistant to charring.
Get the Cedar Plank Salmon with Lemon-Dill Hollandaise recipe!
No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake with Hazelnut Crust
This easy lemon dessert sets in the refrigerator, using a classic springform pan to give it the perfect shape.
The nutty graham cracker crust is delicate enough to not overpower the cheesecake—the real star of this lemon dessert—but bold enough to surprise and delight your taste buds. For individual-size desserts (and a quicker setup), use a muffin pan and paper liners.
Get the No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake with Hazelnut Crust recipe!
Roasted Carrots with Preserved Lemon and Feta
This recipe is the perfect side dish for any meal, but it shines on its own, too!
The tart and briny flavor of the preserved lemons provides a great complement to the salty feta, while the carrots impart a delicate sweetness, caramelizing in the oven for maximum flavor. Topped with fresh mint, this is a dish you’ll turn to again and again to help you beat the winter blues.
Get the Roasted Carrots with Preserved Lemon and Feta recipe!
Creamy Lemon Chicken & Orzo with Spring Vegetables
Asparagus, snap peas, radishes and fresh basil elevate this citrusy chicken dish and will have you thinking of the warmer days ahead with bright, refreshing flavors!
The chicken is coated with flour and pan-seared in a skillet to give it a nice crust, while the orzo is cooked with a little white wine and chicken stock to add a savory depth to this dish. Be sure to top it with lots of Parmesan and freshly cracked pepper to finish!
Get the Lemony Chicken & Orzo with Spring Vegetables recipe!
Hungry for more? Check out our library of recipes for inspiration and even more lemony goodness!
JOIN THE CONVERSATION