Bright and Zesty Lemon Recipes You Need to Try

Lemons have a way of making everything taste fresher, brighter, and just a little more exciting. Whether you’re squeezing one over a pasta dish for a final touch or letting it take center stage in a lemon bar, this citrus powerhouse never disappoints. From sweet treats to savory meals, these zesty lemon recipes prove that a little zest can go a long way.

Avgolemono Soup

Soup with chicken, and carrots in it. — Image Credit: The Forked Spoon

Avgolemono soup is a classic Greek dish made with chicken broth, eggs, and lemon juice. This comforting, silky soup gets even better with shredded chicken, rice, and veggies, making it a quick and well-rounded meal for any night of the week.

Get the recipe: Avgolemono Soup

Lemon Cake with Lemon Buttercream

A yellow iced cake with yellow icing flowers. — Image Credit: My Gorgeous Recipes

What's better than lemon? Double the lemon! This 2 layer cake features a moist sponge cake coated in a velvety smooth, zesty buttercream. Perfect any time of the year.

Get the recipe: Lemon Cake with Lemon Buttercream

Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes with Lemon and Herbs

Chicken on a plate with potato slices. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This easy Instant Pot chicken and potatoes dish is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal. The chicken and potatoes are cooked with lemon and herbs, making a delicious and quick (5 minutes High Pressure!) dinner.

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes

Easy Lemon Basil Dressing

Yellow salad dressing in a jar. — Image Credit: My Plant Based Bowl

Lemon basil dressing is a bright and flavorful addition to any salad. The fresh lemon and dried basil combine to create a light and zesty dressing that's perfect for summer.

Get the recipe: Easy Lemon Basil Dressing

Lemon Fettucine with Garlic Shrimp

Swirled pasta on a plate with green peas and shrimp. — Image Credit: Chocolates & Chai

This lemon fettuccine with garlic shrimp is bright, fresh, and easy to make. It’s a simple, satisfying meal for lunch or dinner.

Get the recipe: Lemon Fettucine with Garlic Shrimp

Baked Lemon Chicken

A plate with rice, chicken, broccoli and lemon. — Image Credit: The Forked Spoon

This baked lemon chicken is easy, flavorful, and made with just a handful of ingredients. Juicy chicken breasts, fresh lemon, garlic, butter, and herbs come together for a meal everyone will love.

Get the recipe: Baked Lemon Chicken

Bulgur Pilaf with Lemon and Za'atar

Bulgur on a plate with topped with pickled red onions and fresh herbs. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This lentil and bulgur pilaf is hearty, fragrant, and packed with flavor. With tender bulgur, vermicelli, za’atar, and fresh veggies like zucchini and yellow beans, it comes together in just 30 minutes—all in one pot.

Get the recipe: Bulgur Pilaf

Lemon Sheet Cake

A square slice of cake topped with white icing, a lemon halfmoon and a cherry. — Image Credit: Savory Experiments

Packed with the fresh, tangy taste of lemon, this easy lemon sheet cake is a dessert you'll crave all year round!

Get the recipe: Lemon Sheet Cake

Lemon Blueberry French Toast

French toast topped with icing sugar and saucy blueberries. — Image Credit: Chocolates & Chai

Lemon Blueberry French Toast is the ultimate breakfast indulgence—it’s like a lemon cake and blueberry French toast combined!

Get the recipe: Lemon Blueberry French Toast

Gluten Free Lemon Coconut Loaf

A lemon loaf cake topped with coconut and lemon slices. — Image Credit: Haute and Healthy Living

This lemon coconut bread with honey lemon drizzle is the perfect balance of tangy and sweet! It’s a light, flavorful treat that makes a great snack or dessert for any Spring or Summer gathering.

Get the recipe: Gluten Free Lemon Coconut Loaf

Sweet Potato Kale Ravioli with Lemon Thyme Cream Sauce

Ravioli in a bowl topped with cream sauce and herbs. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This sweet potato kale ravioli with lemon thyme cream sauce is a delicious and unique pasta dish. The sweet potato and kale filling pairs well with the rich, tangy lemon thyme cream sauce.

Get the recipe: Sweet Potato Kale Ravioli

Lemon Garlic Chicken

Chicken on rice with a lemon slice and green onions on top. — Image Credit: Savory Experiments

This honey lemon garlic chicken is a simple dinner that combines the sweetness of honey with the boldness of garlic and lemon for a flavorful sauce that’s both bright and delicious!

Get the recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken

Lemon Basil Hummus

Creamy dip in a bowl. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This lemon basil hummus is a bright and flavorful dip, perfect for snacking or adding to meals. The fresh lemon and basil give it a unique twist, making it a delicious and healthy option.

Get the recipe: Lemon Basil Hummus

Strawberry Lemonade Vodka Cocktail

A pink drink topped with lemon slices. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This summer try a strawberry lemonade vodka cocktail - a refreshing and fruity drink, perfect for hot days. The combination of sweet strawberries, tangy lemonade, and vodka makes it a delightful and easy-to-make cocktail.

Get the recipe: Strawberry Lemonade Vodka Cocktail