Here’s a cool thing about citruses: They’re tough, durable, and can really withstand some harsh weather. And while eating them won’t give you the same physical protection against the weather, they’re full of ingredients that can help!
Lemons are very high in vitamin C. They deliver
We’ve rounded up some of the tastiest, healthiest ways to make use of the mighty lemon.
Lemon cream pie overnight oats
Do you love lemon cream pie, but not what it does to your waistline? Get all the flavor of that sweet treat for breakfast with this easy solution from Destination Delish. It uses chia seeds and oatmeal to create a hearty breakfast flavored with lemons, almond extract, and a coconut whipped cream.
Lemon smoothie
If you’re looking for a breakfast on the go, or a sweet treat on a hot summer day, this healthy smoothie is one great option. The Greek yogurt in it will fill you up and create a creamy consistency. Cut the honey in half if you prefer less sweetness — the ginger, lemon, and turmeric flavor will carry it without.
Lemon blueberry blender muffins
It’s hard to find a good muffin recipe that’s not loaded with sugar. This one from Eat Yourself Skinny hits the mark, using honey along with fresh blueberries to sweeten these treats without blowing your diet. Serve these at brunch with a big fruit salad.
Lemon and coconut bliss balls
When you’re craving something sweet but also trying to live a healthy lifestyle, it’s easy to feel deprived. By keeping something like these on hand, you can satisfy your cravings with no guilt. Plus, they’re super easy to put together.
Lemon vegan ice cream
If you’ve ever made homemade ice cream, you know the work involved. This version from Eat Healthy, Eat Happy won’t wear your arms out (no churning!). As an added bonus, it’s loaded with healthy ingredients, including dates for sweetening.
Immune-boosting whole lemon ice cubes
Lemon cubes like these from The Harvest Kitchen should be in everyone’s freezer. They’d be perfect in a glass of ice water, but also thrown into a smoothie or used in cooking. Just blend whole lemons, add water, and freeze. Ditch the peels if the bitterness is too much.
Lemon garlic hummus
From Nourished, this flavorful homemade hummus is the perfect crowd-pleaser for a potluck, the big game, or just snack time. Serve it with crudités or whole grain crackers.
Grilled lemon herb Mediterranean chicken salad
From Greece to Spain, lemons are a staple of several Mediterranean cuisines. This salad isn’t your typical light lunch — it’s a full meal with flavors intense enough to satisfy everyone in your family. It’s packed with not only fresh vegetables, lemons, and Kalamata olives, but a dressing made of numerous herbs.
Slow-cooker lemon-garlic chicken
There’s nothing quite like returning from a long day’s work to a home filled with the smells of a ready-to-eat dinner. With this recipe from Just a Pinch, your house will smell like delicious herbs, lemon, and chicken. As with most slow-cooker recipes, the prep and ingredients in this one are deceptively simple!
Lemon rice
The right side dish can make or break a meal, and this recipe from Katerina at Diethood is sure to brighten up your plates. It’s made with lots of tart lemons, milk and broth to make it creamy, onions, garlic, and plenty of bright herbs. Serve it alongside chicken or fish with a green vegetable for the perfect meal.
Greek lemon chicken soup
Greek tables often feature dishes with lemons, and this traditional soup is no different. The recipe features couscous, feta, and herbs for a unique and satisfying dish. Serve it for family and friends, or make ahead for a week’s worth of lunches.
Easy lemon chicken with caramelized lemons
Averie Cooks brings us this classy recipe loaded with herbs and lemons. Despite looking like it could have taken hours to prepare, it can be on your table in less than 30 minutes! Serve with brown rice and asparagus for a healthy meal your guests will devour.
Garlic lemon grilled zucchini
Lemons are great for flavoring fresh vegetables. Treat yourself to this recipe from Dashing Dish in summer, when the zucchini is in-season, and serve it alongside grilled fish for a light weeknight meal.
Lemon garlic baked salmon and asparagus
Salmon and asparagus make a great healthy meal, and when you add lemon to the mix, the flavors are taken to a whole new level of delicious. This recipe from Cafe Delites is a simple one to put together and cooks in under 10 minutes. Best of all, there’s hardly any added fat to be found.
Crispy potatoes with garlic lemon avocado aioli
Vegans, rejoice! The creamy sauce paired with these delectable potatoes is vegan, made with avocado, vegan mayo, and spices. The fats in this dish are all “good” fats from olive oil and the avocados. Best of all, there’s lemons!
Sweet potato toast with herby beans
Sweet potato toast is a new fad, giving you all the possibilities of toast without the empty carbs that bread provides. This version uses a delicious mixture of cannellini beans, zucchini, and a lemon dressing to make a simple meal worth devouring.
Sautéed mushrooms with garlic and lemon pan sauce
Sautéed mushrooms make a great low calorie side dish, and they’re especially popular among low-carb dieters. These mushrooms from Belly Full are sautéed in a garlic and lemon sauce, sure to produce lip-smacking flavors served alongside nearly any main dish.
Carrot lemon falafel
Love crunchy, fried falafel, but trying to cut back for your waistline? This solution from Cocoon Cooks is a great way to get your falafel fix! The falafel is made with lemon and a mix of traditional and untraditional ingredients and then baked in the oven.
Mushroom, lemon, and lentil salad
This filling salad would be a great dish to make ahead and eat throughout the week. It features lentils, mixed mushrooms, lemon, and herbs to create a flavorful dish perfect for vegetarians.
Lemon herb baked tofu
Tofu is a healthy canvas for any flavorful meal. That’s because it literally soaks up whatever flavors you pair it with — in this case, lemon and herbs. This dish from Divine Healthy Food is vegan and goes wonderfully with broccoli and rice.
