Add a bit of citrus to your life with one of these healthy lemon recipes. From main dishes to dessert, these recipes are sure to brighten your day.
61 Refreshing Healthy Lemon Recipes
1/61
Lemon Baked Cod
From the Recipe Creator:
After trying a few baked cod recipes, this was the first fish recipe that got two thumbs up from my picky meat-only eaters. The tangy lemon gives the cod fish some oomph. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
2/61
Lemon-Apricot Fruit Pops
From the Recipe Creator:
With just 31 calories, 4 teaspoons of sugar total and lots of vitamin C, this is one light and refreshing summer dessert everyone can find room for! —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho
3/61
Lemony Zucchini Ribbons
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh zucchini gets a shave and a drizzle of lemony goodness in this fab salad. Sprinkle the goat cheese or feta on top and dive in. —Ellie Martin Cliffe, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Try out more of these recipes using lemons.
4/61
Slow-Cooker Lemon Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
Garlic, oregano and lemon juice give spark to this memorable main dish. It's easy to fix—just brown the chicken in a skillet, then let the slow cooker do the work. I like to serve this dish to company. —Walter Powell, Wilmington, Delaware
5/61
Couscous and Broccoli
From the Recipe Creator:
I combined two recipes to create this side with broccoli and pasta. The splash of lemon adds nice flavor. Instead of toasted almonds, you could also sprinkle servings with grated Parmesan cheese. —Beth Dauenhauer, Pueblo, Colorado
6/61
Cajun Grilled Shrimp
From the Recipe Creator:
The kicked-up marinade on these shrimp makes this a flavor-packed dish. Serve over rice, and make sure to squeeze those charred lemons over top—that makes them taste extra bright and delicious. —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
7/61
Lemony Scallops with Angel Hair Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicate dish tastes so bright with a touch of lemon and tender sauteed scallops. Serve with crusty whole grain bread, and you have an impressive dinner that comes together in a flash. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
8/61
Fresh Artichokes with Lemon-Yogurt Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
Artichokes are at their best when you prepare them simply, without a lot of fuss or seasonings to overdress them. Many people dip the petals in melted butter or mayonnaise, but I think you'll love my tangy lemon-yogurt dip. —Jill Haapaniemi, Brooklyn, New York
9/61
Lemon-Dijon Pork Sheet-Pan Supper
From the Recipe Creator:
Most nights I need something that I can get on the table with minimal effort and delicious results. This sheet-pan supper has become an all-time favorite, not only because of its bright flavors but also because of its speedy cleanup time. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
10/61
Lemon & Garlic New Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a simplified version of a dish my Costa Rican host sister used to make when I was in the Peace Corps. It has become a favorite side dish at my house. —Katie Bartle, Parkville, Missouri
11/61
Lemon Salmon with Basil
From the Recipe Creator:
At our house we opt for healthy foods, and this lemony salmon with basil is a knockout in the good-for-you category. We have it with asparagus or zucchini. —Shanna Belz, Prineville, Oregon
12/61
Mixed Fruit with Lemon-Basil Dressing
From the Recipe Creator:
A slightly savory dressing really complements the sweet fruit in this recipe. I also use the dressing on salad greens. —Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois
13/61
14/61
Lemon Mushroom Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
There's a lot of flavor in this dish. The best part? It doesn't seem light at all! —Carrie Palmquist, Canova, South Dakota
15/61
Spicy Lemon Chicken Kabobs
From the Recipe Creator:
When I see Meyer lemons in the store, I know it must be spring. I like using them for these easy chicken kabobs, but regular grilled lemons still add the signature smoky tang. —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada
16/61
Lemony Garbanzo Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Everybody goes for this super fresh salad with the cumin-coriander dressing, especially on warm days. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
17/61
Crispy Dill Tilapia
From the Recipe Creator:
Every week I try to serve a new healthy fish. With its fresh dill and delicious panko bread crumb herb crust, this dish with mild tilapia is a winner. —Tamara Huron, New Market, Alabama
18/61
Honey-Lemon Asparagus
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone who tastes my glazed asparagus takes a second helping, so I usually double the recipe. For another option, try using a root vegetable such as turnip or parsnip. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
19/61
Lemony Mushroom-Orzo Soup for Two
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a versatile soup that works as an appetizer or as a side for a sandwich lunch. It's loaded with mushrooms and orzo pasta—and lemon livens up its mild flavor.—Edrie O'Brien, Denver, Colorado
20/61
Lemon-Caper Pork Medallions
From the Recipe Creator:
For an elegant but easy dinner you can put together in a twinkling for guests or unexpected visitors, these lightly breaded medallions are truly something special! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
21/61
Lemon Vinaigrette
From the Recipe Creator:
Versatile and delicious, this lemon vinaigrette is a favorite among homemade salad dressings. The fresh lemon flavor brightens up simple green salads as a dressing but it's also a lively addition to fresh steamed vegetables, like broccoli, green beans or cauliflower. —Sarah Farmer, Taste of Home Culinary Director
22/61
Pressure-Cooker Lemon Chicken with Basil
From the Recipe Creator:
No matter when I eat it, this tangy chicken dish always reminds me of summer meals with friends and family. The recipe produces a lot of lovely sauce; serve it as is or spoon it over some lightly herbed couscous. —Deborah Posey, Virginia Beach, Virginia
23/61
Citrus Salmon en Papillote
From the Recipe Creator:
Salmon en papillote, or salmon cooked in parchment paper, is so easy to make yet so delicious, elegant and impressive. —Dahlia Abrams, Detroit, Michigan
24/61
Crunchy Lemon-Pesto Garden Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
I love using fresh vegetables straight from the garden to prepare this salad. If I pick the squash and cucumbers early enough, their skins are so tender that there's no need to remove them! Best yet, the salad is easily adaptable—any fresh veggie from the garden can be put in with delicious results. —Carmell Childs, Orangeville, Utah
25/61
Lemon-Parsley Tilapia
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to include seafood in our weekly dinner rotation but don't want to bother with anything complicated (and it had better taste good or the family will riot). This herbed fish does the trick. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
26/61
Grilled Lemon-Rosemary Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
Broiled or grilled, this simple chicken recipe has been a favorite for years. Try it with your favorite herbs. —Rebecca Sodergren, Centerville, Ohio
27/61
Frozen Watermelon Lemon Cream Tarts
From the Recipe Creator:
These fruit tarts are so refreshing on a hot summer day! They are extremely healthy and convenient, and just a few ingredients means they're easy to make, too. —Bethany DiCarlo, Harleysville, Pennsylvania
28/61
Lemon-Basil Grilled Shrimp & Couscous
From the Recipe Creator:
The basil and lemon in this dish complement each other so nicely. Using fresh ingredients really makes a big difference. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
29/61
Baked Lemon Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
I found this baked lemon chicken recipe many years ago when my children were toddlers. I've changed it a little over the years to make it my own. Everyone in my family just loves it! —Aida Babbel, Bowen Island, British Columbia
30/61
Lemon-Pepper Tilapia with Mushrooms
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I are trying to add more fish and healthy entrees to our diet and this one makes it easy. It comes together in less than 30 minutes, so it's perfect for hectic weeknights. —Donna McDonald, Lake Elsinore, California
31/61
Marinated Oranges
From the Recipe Creator:
This flavorful fruit was actually the topping in a cake recipe. But I didn't want all the calories or fat from the cake—and the oranges are a good dessert all by themselves! The dash of vanilla extract brings out the fruit's sweetness. —Carol Poindexter, Norridge, Illinois
32/61
Lemony Green Beans
From the Recipe Creator:
You can throw together this dish in minutes using ingredients you probably already have on hand. That’s the beauty of it. —Jennifer Tarantino, Rutherford, New Jersey
33/61
Parmesan Chicken with Lemon Rice
From the Recipe Creator:
I like the challenge of inventing recipes with ingredients I have on hand. This easy-peasy meal fits the bill. —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia
34/61
Turkey Cutlets in Lemon Wine Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
After I ate something like this at a local Italian restaurant, I figured out how to make it at home for my family. Now I serve it a lot since it's so quick to make—and they're so happy I do. —Kathie Wilson, Warrenton, Virginia
35/61
Lemon Basil Salmon
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband came up with this easy foil-packet recipe for flaky, fork-tender salmon. This recipe is a winner. —Marianne Bauman Modesto, CA
36/61
Lima Beans
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was growing up on Cyprus, my mother would often make this side dish to have with roast lamb. Although I hated lima beans when I was a kid (who didn't?), I love them now. They always remind me of home. —Paris Paraskeva, San Francisco, California
37/61
Lemon Garlic Mushrooms
From the Recipe Creator:
I baste whole mushrooms with a lemony sauce to prepare this simple side dish. Using skewers or a basket makes it easy to turn them as they grill to perfection. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida
38/61
Lemon-Olive Chicken with Orzo
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick skillet recipe is a healthy all-in-one meal. I just add a tossed salad for a menu the entire family loves. —Nancy Brown, Dahinda, Illinois
39/61
Lemon-Basil Roasted Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
Two of my favorite ingredients, onion and garlic, make lemony herbed potatoes even more delicious. The versatile side dish will complement just about any main course.
40/61
Lemon-Garlic Pork Chops
From the Recipe Creator:
My son James created these zesty chops spiced with paprika and cayenne. He keeps the spice rub in a jar to use with chops or chicken. —Molly Seidel, Edgewood, New Mexico
41/61
Roasted Herb & Lemon Cauliflower
From the Recipe Creator:
A standout cauliflower side is easy to prepare with just a few ingredients. Crushed red pepper flakes add a touch of heat. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin
42/61
Light & Lemony Scampi
From the Recipe Creator:
A touch more lemon helped me trim the calories in our favorite shrimp scampi recipe. For those who want to indulge, pass around the Parmesan. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
43/61
Lemony Parsley Baked Cod
From the Recipe Creator:
The trick to avoid overcooking a good piece of fish is to cook it at a high temperature for a short amount of time. Do that and the fish stays moist and tender. —Sherry Day, Pinckney, Michigan
44/61
Pickled Beet Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
I was looking for a recipe for pickled beets and saw one with lemon instead of vinegar. I immediately thought of making a tabbouleh-inspired salad with beets instead of tomatoes. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
45/61
Shrimp Kabobs
From the Recipe Creator:
Marinating the shrimp in Italian dressing adds wonderful flavor to these colorful shrimp kabobs.—Sharon Aweau, Kapolei, Hawaii
46/61
Slow-Cooked Lemony Spring Veggies
From the Recipe Creator:
These spuds do a slow simmer with carrots and onion for a comfort side that bucks up any entree. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of chives. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
47/61
Tuscan Fish Packets
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband does a lot of fishing, so I'm always looking for different ways to serve his catches. A professional chef was kind enough to share this recipe with me, and I played around with some different veggie combinations until I found the one my family liked best. —Kathy Morrow, Hubbard, Ohio
48/61
Lemon Cranberry Quinoa Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
As the family cook, I appreciate how easy this is to throw together on a busy weeknight. Plus, this salad never gets boring. One of my favorite variations is to substitute diced fresh mango for the cranberries, cilantro for the parsley, and lime for the lemon juice and zest. —Mary Shenk, DeKalb, Illinois
49/61
Zesty Marinated Shrimp
From the Recipe Creator:
These easy shrimp look impressive on a buffet table and taste even better! The zesty sauce has a wonderful spicy citrus flavor. I especially like this recipe because I can prepare it ahead of time. —Mary Jane Guest, Alamosa, Colorado
50/61
Honey-Lemon Asparagus
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone who tastes my glazed asparagus takes a second helping, so I usually double the recipe. For another option, try using a root vegetable such as turnip or parsnip. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
51/61
Lemon-Dill Salmon Packets
From the Recipe Creator:
Grilling in foil is an easy technique I use with foods that cook quickly, such as fish, shrimp, bite-sized meats and fresh veggies. The options are endless—and the cleanup is easy. —A.J. Weinhold, McArthur, California
52/61
Mixed Greens with Lemon Champagne Vinaigrette
From the Recipe Creator:
Simple and delicious, this champagne vinaigrette recipe pairs perfectly with mixed greens or a salad of your choice. —Ray Uyeda, Mountain View, California
53/61
Shrimp Pesto Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh basil and dash of red pepper puts zip in this lively shrimp pesto pasta. — Gloria Jones Grenga, Newnan, Georgia
54/61
Cod with Sweet Peppers
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick and delicious recipe is a long-time family favorite. I like to use three or four different-colored peppers for an extra-pretty presentation. Then serve with couscous or brown rice to round out the meal. —Judy Grebetz, Racine, Wisconsin.
55/61
Lemon Butter Tilapia
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I are always trying to increase the amount of fish in our diet. This recipe is fast, easy and enjoyable, even for non-fish lovers. —Catherine Jensen, Blytheville, Arkansas
56/61
Lemon Oregano Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband, Tom, made these tender potatoes when we were first married. They've remained a family favorite to this day. —Kate Hilts, Grand Rapids, Michigan
57/61
Grilled Salmon with Lemon
From the Recipe Creator:
This tender and flaky fish is wonderful to serve to family and friends. A savory marinade that includes dill gives the salmon mouthwatering flavor and since it can be grilled or broiled, you can enjoy it all year round! —Aelita Kivirist, Glenview, Illinois
58/61
Lemon Parmesan Orzo
From the Recipe Creator:
A splash of lemon and a shower of chopped parsley make this orzo one of my family's most requested springtime sides. It's fantastic with chicken, pork and fish, or you can eat it on its own as a light lunch. —Leslie Palmer, Swampscott, Massachusetts
59/61
Lemony Chickpeas
From the Recipe Creator:
These saucy chickpeas add just a little heat to meatless Mondays. They're especially good over hot, fluffy brown rice. —April Strevell, Red Bank, New Jersey
60/61
Lemon-Pepper Tilapia
From the Recipe Creator:
I usually have the ingredients on hand for this lemony dish that’s ready in a jiff. I use tilapia, but this method peps up any whitefish. —Jill Thomas, Washington, Indiana
61/61
Saucy Spiced Pears
From the Recipe Creator:
We serve these tangy, saucy pears over angel food cake, pound cake or with a little yogurt or vanilla ice cream. Sprinkle with a favorite topping. —Joy Zacharia, Clearwater, Florida
