We found the best recipes from California—all shared by local home cooks. These dishes showcase fresh ingredients from across the Golden State, like lemon, avocado and seafood.
The Best Recipes from California
Updated on Mar. 11, 2024
1/26
Lemon Pound Cake
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Citrus trees grow abundantly in California, and I'm always looking for new recipes which use the fruit from the orange and lemon trees in my yard. This lemon pound cake is one of my favorites! My mother passed this recipe down to me. —Richard Killeaney, Spring Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 500 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 107mg cholesterol, 333mg sodium, 70g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
2/26
Easy Fish Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Searching for a lighter alternative to traditional fried fish, I came up with this crispy, crunchy fish tacos recipe. It's a hit with friends and family. —Jennifer Palmer, Rancho Cucamonga, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 taco: 350 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 632mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
3/26
Slow-Cooked Southwest Chicken
Total Time
3 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish needs just 15 minutes of prep, so you'll be out of the kitchen in no time. The delicious low-fat chicken gets even better with a garnish of reduced-fat sour cream and fresh cilantro. —Brandi Castillo, Santa Maria, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 320 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 873mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 8g fiber), 19g protein.
4/26
California Dream Smoothie
Total Time
15 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It's sunshine in a smoothie! This one's a true California treat—sweet and tangy from start to finish. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 269 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 61mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (57g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
5/26
Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Once you've tried this tangy, yet delicate lemon chicken piccata, you won't hesitate to make it for company. Seasoned with parmesan and parsley, the chicken cooks up golden brown, then is drizzled with a light lemon sauce. —Susan Pursell, Fountain Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 232 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
6/26
Cheese & Herb Potato Fans
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It's downright fun to make and serve this potato recipe. The fresh herbs, butter and cheeses are just what a good potato needs. —Susan Curry, West Hills, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 potato: 318 calories, 15g fat (10g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 797mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein.
7/26
Lemon Angel Cake Bars
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A neighbor gave me this recipe years ago and it's been in flavor rotation ever since. It can be made ahead and serves a bunch, so it's perfect for parties and potlucks. —Marina Castle, Canyon Country, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 116 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 135mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
8/26
Egg-Topped Avocado Toast
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We always have avocados on hand, so it's easy to make this quick breakfast toast for my husband and me. It's really tasty! —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 313 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 211mg cholesterol, 492mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 15g protein.
9/26
Grilled Cauliflower Wedges
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This side is incredibly easy, yet is packed with flavor and looks like a dish from a five-star restaurant. The grill leaves the cauliflower cooked but crisp, and the red pepper flakes add bite. —Carmel Hall, San Francisco, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge: 57 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 32mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
10/26
Sweet Potato and Egg Skillet
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I try to incorporate nutritious sweet potatoes in meals as often as possible, especially with breakfast. I came up with this recipe to feed my family a healthy, hearty breakfast—and it worked! —Jeanne Larson, Rancho Santa Margarita, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 224 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 201mg cholesterol, 433mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 medium-fat meat.
11/26
Smoky Spanish Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After enjoying a similar dish at a Spanish tapas restaurant, my husband and I were eager to make our own version of this saucy chicken at home. If I want to make it extra healthy, I remove the skin from the chicken after browning. —Ryan Haley, San Diego, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 272 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 646mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
12/26
Lemony Garbanzo Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 363 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 478mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 10g fiber), 11g protein.
13/26
Lemon Blueberry Scones
Total Time
30 min
Servings
14 scones
From the Recipe Creator:
I enjoy serving these fruity scones for baby and bridal showers. They're a bit lower in fat than most other scones, so you can indulge with little guilt. —Jacqueline Hendershot, Orange, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 scone: 158 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 192mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
14/26
Chicken Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A few people in my family have special dietary needs, but luckily, these chicken tacos work for all of us. I toss up a simple green salad and have a meal we can all enjoy together. —Christine Schenher, Exeter, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 354 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 474mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
15/26
Mushroom Asparagus Quiche
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Loads of asparagus pieces add color and flavor to this hearty, creamy quiche. And its easy crescent roll crust means you'll have dinner ready in a snap! —Sharon A. Fujita, Fontana, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 272 calories, 18g fat (8g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 580mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
16/26
Balsamic Chicken Pasta Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love all the colors and flavors of this quick and easy dish and serve it often in summer, to the delight of my guests! You can't beat the combination of Gorgonzola and bacon. Leftover grilled shrimp makes a tasty substitute for chicken. —Terry McCarty, Oro Grande, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cup: 408 calories, 20g fat (5g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 323mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.
17/26
Lemon-Butter Brussels Sprouts
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Kick up these stovetop lemon Brussels sprouts with fresh lemon zest. Even my toddler will eat this up! — Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 207 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 340mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein.
18/26
Chicken Vegetable Curry
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This comfort dish gets fabulous flavor when I add chicken, sweet red peppers, coconut milk and the all-important seasoning—curry powder. —Roxana Lambeth, Moreno Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup curry: 339 calories, 22g fat (14g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 755mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
19/26
Rosemary Lemonade
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings (1 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend suggested I add a sprig of rosemary to lemonade. The herb makes the drink taste fresh and light, and it's a pretty garnish. —Dixie Graham, Rancho Cucamonga, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 121 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
20/26
Slow-Cooked Caribbean Pot Roast
Total Time
6 hours 30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish is definitely a year-round recipe. Sweet potatoes, orange zest and baking cocoa are my surprise ingredients. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef with 1/2 cup vegetable mixture : 278 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 453mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
21/26
Avocado Goat Cheese Truffles
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Give guests the VIP treatment with luxurious truffles you can make in your own kitchen. The goat cheese is mild, and red pepper heats up each bite just a bit. Crackers are the perfect accompaniment. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 truffle: 65 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 43mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
22/26
Lemon Snowdrops
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I save my snowdrop cookies for special occasions. The crunchy, buttery sandwich cookie has a puckery lemon filling. —Bernice Martinoni, Petaluma, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich cookie: 147 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 94mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
23/26
Pork Chile Verde
Total Time
6 hours 55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pork slowly stews with jalapenos, onion, green enchilada sauce and spices in this flavor-packed Mexican dish. It's wonderful on its own or stuffed in a warm tortilla with sour cream, grated cheese or olives on the side. —Kimberly Burke, Chico, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 345 calories, 18g fat (4g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 545mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein.
24/26
Lemon Blueberry Cornmeal Cake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I lightened up this quick and easy dessert by making a few substitutions. Because the treat is so sweet, no one will know it's healthy, too.—Roxanne Chan, Albany, California.
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 250 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 156mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
25/26
Rosemary-Lemon Grilled Chicken
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a simple dish with big bold lemon and rosemary flavors that's made with very few ingredients. It's great by itself but can also be used on top of salad greens as another creative dinner option. —Debbie Carter, Kingsburg, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half : 324 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 337mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 35g protein.
26/26
Lemon-Dill Salmon Packets
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 305 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 93mg cholesterol, 405mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fat.
