20 Sweet and Savory Lemon Dishes You’ll Want to Try Now

Lemon isn’t just for dessert or drinks, it’s a flavor booster that can brighten everything from main dishes to salads and baked goods. This collection features sweet, savory, and zesty recipes that bring fresh, vibrant flavor to your table. Whether you’re looking for quick weeknight dinners, show-stopping brunch ideas, or a tangy twist on a classic dessert, these lemon recipes are easy, delicious, and full of sunshine in every bite.

Lemon Pretzel Salad

Would you like to save this?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

A sweet and tangy dessert layered with a buttery pretzel crust. Creamy lemon filling is topped with whipped topping. The combination of salty and tart flavors is irresistible. Perfect for gatherings or potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pretzel Salad

Greek Lemon Potatoes

Potatoes roast with olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice. The result is tender, flavorful wedges with crisp edges. Lemon adds brightness to the savory herbs. Ideal as a side dish for chicken or lamb.
Get the Recipe: Greek Lemon Potatoes

Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs cook slowly in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. The meat stays tender and flavorful. Lemon adds tangy depth to the sauce. Perfect for a hands-off, comforting dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Thighs

Stovetop Lemon Dill Chicken

Three cooked chicken breasts with broccoli florets and lemon slices in a skillet with a brown sauce. — Stovetop Lemon Dill Chicken. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Chicken breasts are pan-seared with a lemon-dill sauce. The sauce is bright, tangy, and herbaceous. Quick to prepare on the stovetop. Each bite is light, flavorful, and juicy.
Get the Recipe: Stovetop Lemon Dill Chicken

Raw Lemon Slice

Three almond pastries topped with lemon slices and powdered sugar are arranged on a wooden board, with whole almonds scattered nearby. — Raw Lemon Slice. Photo Credit: Two City Vegans.

Lemon slices can enhance drinks, salads, or desserts. Fresh slices retain brightness and aroma. They provide both visual appeal and tangy flavor. A simple addition to elevate any dish or beverage.
Get the Recipe: Raw Lemon Slice

Lemon Pepper Pork Chop

Pork chops are seasoned with lemon zest and cracked pepper. Pan-searing locks in juices while the lemon adds tang. The dish is quick and flavorful. Each bite balances citrus and spice.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Pork Chop

Shaved Brussels Sprout Slaw with Lemon Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Brussels sprouts are thinly sliced and tossed with a lemony vinaigrette. Apple cider vinegar adds a hint of sweetness and acidity. The salad is crisp and refreshing. Lemon brightens every bite.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprout Slaw with Lemon Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Lemon Vanilla Waffle French Toast

Waffles soak in a lemon-vanilla custard before cooking. Bright lemon zest balances sweet vanilla flavors. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. Perfect for brunch or special breakfasts.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Vanilla Waffle French Toast

Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs roast with honey, lemon, and cracked pepper. Sweet, tangy, and savory flavors blend beautifully. The glaze caramelizes slightly in the oven. Each piece is juicy and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Lemon Garlic Chicken

Grilled chicken breasts on flatbread, garnished with herbs, served with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a dollop of white sauce on a white plate. — Lemon Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Chicken is roasted or sautéed with garlic and fresh lemon juice. The sauce adds tangy brightness and depth. Easy to prepare for a weeknight meal. Each bite is savory with a hint of citrus.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken

Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Parmesan

Chicken breasts are cooked in lemon sauce and topped with cheese. The Instant Pot keeps the chicken moist and flavorful. Lemon adds a tangy note to the classic Parmesan flavors. Quick and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Parmesan

How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

A bowl of garlic-infused olive oil with chopped herbs, surrounded by garlic cloves, lemon wedges, parsley, and a red-and-white striped cloth. — How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Lemon juice, garlic, and butter combine into a versatile sauce. Perfect for fish, chicken, pasta, or vegetables. It’s quick to prepare with bold, bright flavor. Adds richness without heaviness.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

Lemon Poppy Seed Granola

Granola with shredded coconut spilling from a glass jar onto a surface. — Lemon Poppy Seed Granola. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Oats and seeds are baked with lemon zest and a touch of sweetness. Crunchy and tangy, it works well with yogurt or milk. Lemon adds brightness to the wholesome ingredients. A refreshing breakfast or snack option.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Poppy Seed Granola

Roasted lemon potatoes, broccoli and peppers

Vegetables roast with lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic. The mix caramelizes for deep flavor. Lemon adds acidity and brightness. A colorful, satisfying side dish.
Get the Recipe: Roasted lemon potatoes, broccoli and peppers

Salmon Lemon Herb Butter Sauce

Salmon is topped with a lemon and herb-infused butter. The sauce enhances the natural flavor of the fish. Quick to prepare for a weeknight or dinner party. Each bite is rich, tangy, and buttery.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Lemon Herb Butter Sauce

Lemony Shaved Asparagus Salad

Thinly shaved asparagus combines with lemon juice and olive oil. The salad is crisp, fresh, and lightly seasoned. Lemon enhances the natural flavor of the asparagus. Perfect as a side dish or starter.
Get the Recipe: Lemony Shaved Asparagus Salad

Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Fish fillets bake in lemon juice and butter for a simple, flavorful dish. The lemon adds brightness while butter keeps the fish tender. Minimal preparation and maximum flavor. A light and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Grilled Scallops with Lemon, Mint, and Pinot Grigio Sauce

Scallops are grilled and finished with a lemon-mint wine sauce. The citrus and herbs highlight the sweet seafood flavor. Each bite is fresh, tangy, and aromatic. Ideal for an elegant dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Scallops with Lemon, Mint, and Pinot Grigio Sauce

Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon

Ricotta is baked with lemon zest and juice for a creamy, tangy dish. Can be served as a dessert or savory appetizer. Lemon balances richness with acidity. Smooth, light, and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon

Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

Gnocchi are tossed in a lemony Parmesan sauce. The sauce is creamy, tangy, and comforting. Lemon lifts the flavors of the dish. Each bite is tender, rich, and bright.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce