We love lemon bars and lemon drops just as much as the next person, but thankfully, we can satisfy our taste for citrus during dinner, too!
42 Lemony Dinner Recipes for Citrus Lovers
Updated on Sep. 18, 2024
1/42
Lemon Chicken Orzo
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a dish that’s light and fresh but still filling. My kids love all the veggies… for real! If you like a lot of lemon, stir in an extra splash of lemon juice just before serving. —Shannon Humphrey, Hampton, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 399 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 807mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 9g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
2/42
Lemon-Dijon Pork Sheet-Pan Supper
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Most nights, I need something that gets 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. Try out more of these recipes using lemons.
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 1-1/4 cups vegetables: 516 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 505mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 9g fiber), 39g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 5 lean meat, 3 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
3/42
Slow-Roasted Lemon Dill Chicken
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The lemon and dill in this slow-cooked recipe give the chicken a bright, fresh taste. Pair the entree with a side of noodles or a mixed green salad. —Lori Lockrey, Pickering, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken: 429 calories, 26g fat (9g saturated fat), 149mg cholesterol, 565mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 44g protein.
4/42
Lemony Scallops with Angel Hair Pasta
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
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
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 404 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 737mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 25g protein.
5/42
Lemon Roasted Chicken
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a meal I have my students make in our nutrition unit. It has a delicious lemon-herb flavor and is simple to make. —Mindy Rottmund, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2 chicken thighs with 4 ounces potatoes and 2 tomatoes: 446 calories, 20g fat (5g saturated fat), 151mg cholesterol, 429mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 45g protein.
6/42
Lemon Baked Cod
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 232 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 477mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 fat, 1/2 starch.
7/42
Herbed Lemon Pork Chops
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Expect to get plenty of compliments on these fast, flavor-packed chops. They're tender and juicy. —Billi Jo Sylvester, New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 200 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 350mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
8/42
Lemon Chicken Pasta
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother made chicken wings and served them over rice. To speed things up, I cook lemony chicken breasts and serve them over capellini pasta. —Aileen Rivera, Bronx, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 403 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 577mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
9/42
Lemon Butter Tilapia
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1 tablespoon sauce: 207 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 500mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
10/42
Roast Chicken
Total Time
2 hours 40 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I am a busy mom of four and a nursing student, so weeknight dinners are often rushed. Sunday dinners are very important to our family, and everyone loves when I make this old-fashioned chicken recipe. —Amy Jenkins, Mesa, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken: 281 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 441mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
11/42
Lemony Chickpeas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup chickpea mixture with 1 cup rice: 433 calories, 9g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 679mg sodium, 76g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 12g fiber), 13g protein.
12/42
Lemon-Olive Chicken with Orzo
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 345 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 636mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 starch.
13/42
Lemony Shrimp & Snow Pea Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This pretty pasta is a family favorite —the kids love the light lemony flavor and I love that they devour the fresh veggies. You can use other types of pasta for variety, like bow ties or corkscrews. —Jennifer Fisher, Austin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 279 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 390mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
14/42
Slow-Cooker Lemon Chicken
Total Time
5 hours 35 min
Servings
6 servings
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 336 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 431mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 56g protein.
15/42
Fried Lemon Fish
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fishing is a popular recreational activity where we live, so folks are always looking for ways to prepare their catches. My husband ranks this as one of his favorite fish fry batters. —Jackie Hannahs, Cedar Springs, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked fish: 384 calories, 17g fat (2g saturated fat), 167mg cholesterol, 481mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 33g protein.
16/42
Lemon-Caper Pork Medallions
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
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 Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 medallions: 232 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 589mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
17/42
Creamy Lemon Chicken
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you want an entree that's quick, easy and elegant, you can't beat this one. The lemon cream sauce is what makes it irresistible. It goes so nicely with the chicken and mushrooms. —Mary Anne McWhirter, Pearland, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 381 calories, 25g fat (15g saturated fat), 129mg cholesterol, 488mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein.
18/42
Chicken and Shrimp with Lemon Cream Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids love this creamy pasta. Whenever I make it, I know that they will happily clean their plates. —Joe Milholland, Smelterville, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 443 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 133mg cholesterol, 472mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein.
19/42
Baked Lemon Chicken
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 312 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 353mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
20/42
Lemony Vegetables and Pasta
Total Time
40 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My refreshing pasta dish comes together in 30 minutes. Its simplicity and flavor combinations are typical of authentic Italian cuisine. Buon appetito! —Erin Mylroie, Santa Clara, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 366 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 559mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 15g protein.
21/42
Lemon-Lime Salmon with Veggie Saute
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A fresh squeeze of lemon juice brightens so many flavors—acid is one of the most important influencers in how a dish tastes. If one acid is good, two is stronger: Add lemon and lime juice when you bake salmon, cooking the supporting cast of vegetables separately until crisp-tender. —Brian Hill, West Hollywood, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1-1/4 cups vegetables: 329 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 283mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
22/42
Honey-Lemon Chicken Enchiladas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Honey, lemon and chili flavors blend wonderfully in enchiladas. My family devours this dish, so I also use the chicken filling for soft tacos with toppings. —Kristi Moak, Gilbert, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
2 enchiladas (calculated without optional toppings) : 349 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 698mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch.
23/42
Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll be amazed that you can make this simple, elegant pasta in mere minutes. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up all of the garlic lemon sauce. —Athena Russell, Greenville, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 163 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 284mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
24/42
Lemon Chicken and Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
On our busy ranch, we often need meals we can put on the table in a hurry. This all-in-one chicken dish - with its delicate lemon flavor - fits the bill and it's inexpensive to boot. —Kat Thompson, Prineville, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 370 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 746mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
25/42
Lemon-Garlic Pork Chops
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 233 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 638mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat.
26/42
Spicy Lemon Chicken Kabobs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 182 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
Discover what a Meyer lemon is.
27/42
Lemon-Pepper Tilapia with Mushrooms
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 216 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 173mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
28/42
Lemon-Roasted Chicken with Olive Couscous
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
8 servings (4 cups couscous)
From the Recipe Creator:
If you can find preserved lemons, use them instead of the plain lemons for an even more authentic flavor in this North African-inspired recipe. —David Feder, Buffalo Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
7 ounces cooked chicken with 1/2 cup couscous: 456 calories, 24g fat (6g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 435mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 39g protein.
29/42
Salmon with Dill Sauce & Lemon Risotto
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the classic combination of lemon and fish, and this salmon risotto is delicious and easy to throw together at the end of a long day. —Amanda Reed, Nashville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 3 tablespoons sauce and 3/4 cup risotto: 815 calories, 54g fat (10g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 1273mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 34g protein.
30/42
Lemon Chicken and Rice
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
2 casseroles (4 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I couldn’t say who loves this recipe best, because it gets raves every time I serve it! Occasionally I even get a phone call or email from a friend requesting the recipe, and it's certainly a favorite for my grown children and 15 grandchildren. —Maryalice Wood, Langley, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
2 chicken thighs with 3/4 cup rice mixture: 624 calories, 26g fat (6g saturated fat), 173mg cholesterol, 754mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 53g protein.
31/42
Flavorful Lemon Chicken
Total Time
4 hours 35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy and delectable meal is bound to become a staple with your family. It's made with everyday ingredients, there's nothing complicated or fancy about this delicious recipe. —Elizabeth Hokanson, Arborg, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with about 1/3 cup sauce: 309 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 509mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 36g protein.
32/42
Basil-Lemon Crab Linguine
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I always add herbs to pasta to really punch up the flavor. This linguine looks and tastes like it's from a five-star restaurant. We love it. —Tonya Burkhard, Palm Coast, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 392 calories, 18g fat (11g saturated fat), 161mg cholesterol, 856mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
33/42
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.
34/42
Tortellini with Asparagus & Lemon
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a terrific warm-weather dish, loaded with fresh flavors. I make mine meatless, but some sliced grilled chicken on top would be awesome, too. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 594 calories, 28g fat (15g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 843mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein.
35/42
Turkey Cutlets in Lemon Wine Sauce
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 turkey cutlet with 2 tablespoons sauce: 145 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 110mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 fat.
36/42
Grilled Lemon Chicken
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There’s one word to describe this grilled lemon chicken recipe: "Yum!" It’s so easy to prepare ahead of time, then fire up the grill when we get home from church on Sunday. Guests love the citrus flavor! —Heather Erb, Milton, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 258 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 256mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 4 very lean meat, 2 fat.
37/42
Artichoke & Lemon Pasta
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
While sailing in the Mediterranean, we tasted a lemony artichoke pasta. I developed my own version of it that our guests love. Try it with shrimp and kalamata olives. —Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 343 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 919mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
38/42
Rosemary-Lemon Chicken Thighs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A cooking show inspired me to create this lemony chicken. Ask your butcher to remove the bones from chicken thighs but leave the skin intact. —Jennifer Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1 tablespoon sauce and 2 teaspoons cooked bacon: 286 calories, 20g fat (6g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 279mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein.
39/42
Lemony Shrimp & Tomatoes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 kabobs (1/2 cup sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe for my family because they love grilled shrimp. I love it because it's quick, delicious and good for us. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob with 2 tablespoons sauce: 147 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 140mg cholesterol, 475mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
40/42
Lemon-Butter Tilapia with Almonds
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sometimes I want a nice meal without a ton of effort or wait time. Thankfully, I have this lemony, buttery fish that's super fast and totally tasty. —Ramona Parris, Canton, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with about 2 tablespoons sauce and 2 tablespoons almonds: 269 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 427mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein.
41/42
Creamy Lemon Pasta
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been making this lemony pasta for the family for years. It's both simple and indulgent enough to make it a go-to recipe. —Anne Miller, Glenfield, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 518 calories, 34g fat (21g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein.
42/42
Parmesan Chicken with Lemon Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
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
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken with 3/4 cup rice: 500 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 623mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 36g protein.
