25 Recipes that Make the Most of Lemons

Lemons are having a moment right now. From drinks to dinners to desserts, we’ve got all the lemon-based recipes you could ever need.
Published June 28, 2022

As the weather continues to warm up, our need for refreshing recipes increases, and what’s more refreshing than the flavour of fresh lemon?

We’ve rounded up 25 of our favourite recipes for lemon-flavoured drinks, snacks, dinners, and desserts, from lemon cocktails to lemon tartlets, there’s something for everyone on this list, and enough recipes to keep you cooking throughout the summer.

Drinks

Lemon Fizz

Get a boost of vitamin C and a refreshing summer drink all in one with this fresh, icy drink.

Traditional Lemonade

Sweet, tart and simple – is there anything more summer-appropriate than lemonade?

Creamy berry-lemon cooler

This frozen cooler combines bananas, berries, lemonade and soy milk for a creamy summer treat. Feel free to swap in other alternative milks as desired.

Snacks, Sides, and Sauces

Lemon-Herb Sauce

Full of basil, parsley and garlic, this refreshing green sauce can be used as a marinade on just about anything, as a topping on seared fish or veggies, or even to add flavour to a homemade salad dressing.

Zucchini Fries with Lemon and Dill

Japanese panko breadcrumbs make these fries extra crispy for a satisfying snack or easy side dish.

Lemon-fennel roasted cauliflower spread

Just like hummus, minus the chickpeas, this is a great vegetarian-friendly spread to bring to any summer event.

Chickpea-Lemon Bruschetta

Typically made with fresh tomatoes, bruschetta is a refreshing snack perfect for summer. This version swaps tomatoes for chickpeas (and other beans work well, too), amping up the protein content.

Shredded Kale with Lemon and Parmesan

This makes for an easy side dish that can feed a crowd, plus it packs a hefty dose of vitamin C and iron.

Grilled Lemon and Mint Carrots

Try these carrots as a snack or as a side dish for grilled meats or burgers.

Breakfasts

Fluffy Lemon-Ricotta Pancakes

This twist on a classic breakfast item is great topped with fresh berries and lemon juice.

Strawberry-Lemon Pancakes

Other berries can easily swap in if you don’t have strawberries on hand, or simply don’t like them. These pancakes also freeze well, so feel free to make extra so you have easy breakfasts waiting in the freezer.

Lemon & Yogurt Pancakes

These pancakes also freeze well and have yogurt in both the batter and as a topping, making for a more decadent breakfast.

Lunches and Dinners

Greek Lemon Chicken Thighs and Potatoes

Get your Mediterranean summer vibes on with this easy meal that makes a great lunch or dinner any night of the week. Marinate overnight to amp up the flavour.

Lemon Chicken with Broccoli

You can have this easy weeknight meal ready in just half an hour. Serve with rice, couscous or pasta and enjoy the brightness of lemon in a savoury setting.

Grilled lemon-oregano chicken with shaved fennel salad

The marinade here doubles as a salad dressing, making prep easy.

Tagliatelle with Arugula and Lemon Cream

This pasta is bright and creamy but light, so it won’t feel like a heavy meal on sweaty summer nights. Plus, it’s super easy to make – you can have it on the table in less than 30 minutes.

Spice-Roasted Eggplant with Preserved Lemon Tabouli

This dish mixes things up by using preserved lemons, which offer a completely different flavour and texture to the fresh version.

Desserts

Individual Lemon Soufflés

Get fluffy and fancy with these soufflés, which are surprisingly easy to make.

Creamy Lemon Pie Tart

This pie does not skimp on richness, but it manages to keep it light on the Points. It’s also a great prep-ahead dessert, because it’ll last well in the freezer for up to two weeks.

Lemon Bars

Tart but sweet, these are perfect for your next summer barbecue or pool party.

Classic Lemon Meringue Pie

There’s no lemon dessert more classic than the lemon meringue pie, and this light version is sure to please.

Berry-Lemon Tartlets

Tangy and sweet come together in these cute mini desserts. Our recipe suggests topping them with fresh blueberries, but any berry will do.

Raspberry-Topped Lemon Cream

The “cream” here is all yogurt-based, but with its sweet and tangy richness, your guests will never know.

Blueberry-meyer lemon sorbet with thyme

Herbal, tangy and sweet, this sorbet is a perfect refreshing summer dessert, and it is beautiful to look at, too.

Lemon-Honey Cookies

These cookies have just enough sweetness from the honey to balance out the tang of the lemon.