Bright and cheery, lemons are perfect for sunny spring days. Although lemons are not necessarily the choice for an afternoon snack, these tangy bulbs of sunshine instantly liven up any dish. Lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C and other antioxidants, which help boost the immune system. This tasty citrus fruit can be used in savory and sweet dishes — so go on and awaken your taste buds with these nine lemon-filled recipes.
1. LEMON EDAMAME AVOCADO SANDWICHES | LOVE AND LEMONS
Gorgeously bright and vibrant, these sandwiches make others green with envy. They are slathered with a cilantro-lemon edamame spread and filled with an array of toppings — sliced avocado, cucumbers, pickled onions and greens. Recipe makes 4 servings at 1 sandwich each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 385; Total Fat: 19g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 9g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 447mg; Carbohydrate: 39g; Dietary Fiber: 10g; Sugar: 8g; Protein: 14g
2. LEMON BUTTER SEARED SALMON | FIT FOODIE FINDS
Have dinner ready in 20 minutes with just five ingredients: salmon, lemon juice, garlic, dill and butter. This pan-seared salmon is flaky and moist with a deliciously crisp skin. Serve with a side of roasted veggies, greens or quinoa. Recipe makes 2 servings.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 292; Total Fat: 18g; Saturated Fat: 8g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 90mg; Sodium: 414mg; Carbohydrate: 3g; Dietary Fiber: 2g; Sugar: 0g; Protein: 28g
3. LEMONY HERB-LOADED CHOPPED GREEK SALAD | PINCH OF YUM
Lemon and aromatic herbs perfume this bright and bold Greek salad. Crunchy and refreshing, this dish is a colorful mixture of quinoa, white beans, tomatoes, cucumbers and olives. Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make this a main course salad. Recipe makes 6 servings.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 337; Total Fat: 15g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 9g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 473mg; Carbohydrate: 41g; Dietary Fiber: 8g; Sugar: 4g; Protein: 11g
4. LEMON BLUEBERRY CHIA PUDDING | IFOODREAL
Lemon and blueberries are a perfect match. Zesty lemons and sweet blueberries are combined with Greek yogurt and chia seeds. Not only does the Greek yogurt make this pudding thick and creamy, it also adds extra protein. Make a batch for an easy, on-the-go breakfast. Recipe makes 1 serving.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 308; Total Fat: 11g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 112mg; Carbohydrate: 38g; Dietary Fiber: 18g; Sugar: 17g; Protein: 15g
5. LEMONY ORZO VEGGIE SALAD WITH CHICKEN | COOKING LIGHT
This colorful orzo and chicken salad is packed with an assortment of chopped fresh vegetables and tossed with a tangy lemon dressing. It’s a great use for leftover rotisserie chicken. Recipe makes 4 servings at 1 1/4 cup each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 281; Total Fat: 8g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 26mg; Sodium: 301mg; Carbohydrate: 35g; Dietary Fiber: 2g; Sugar: 4g; Protein: 16g
6. LEMON CHEESECAKE YOGURT CUPS | SKINNYTASTE
Craving a sweet treat? Try these lemon cheesecake cups which are made with Greek yogurt and topped with fresh berries. Light and creamy, these mini desserts will surely satisfy your sweet tooth. Recipe makes 12 servings at each 1 cupcake each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 108; Total Fat: 5g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 7mg; Sodium: 108mg; Carbohydrate: 12g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugar: 9g; Protein: 4g
7. NO-BAKE LEMON PISTACHIO SHORTBREAD COOKIE BITES | COTTER CRUNCH
Bright and lemony, these cookie bites are vegan friendly and taste like shortbread cookies. Each bite is filled with pistachios, almond butter and a hint of honey. Recipe makes 25 servings at 1 cookie bite each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 77; Total Fat: 5g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 18mg; Carbohydrate: 8g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 4g; Protein: 2g
8. SLOW-COOKER LEMON GREEK CHICKEN | MYFITNESSPAL’S RECIPES
Lemon and chicken thighs marry with fragrant oregano in this dish. A refreshing Greek salad complements the chicken to make this a delicious low-carb lunch. Make the chicken thighs and Greek salad ahead of time to pack for lunch during the week. Recipe makes 4 servings at 1 chicken thigh and 1 cup Greek salad each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 301; Total Fat: 16g; Saturated Fat: 5g; Monounsaturated Fat: 3g; Cholesterol: 103mg; Sodium: 375mg; Carbohydrate: 18g; Dietary Fiber: 5g; Sugar: 3g; Protein: 24g
9. ASPARAGUS SALAD WITH LEMONY DRESSING | THE ROASTED ROOT
Bring out the simple flavor of asparagus with this salad featuring a lemon-parsley dressing. Serve this as a side salad along with your main course, or add a hard-boiled egg and avocado and enjoy as a light meal. Recipe makes 4 servings.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 258; Total Fat: 20g; Saturated Fat: 4g; Monounsaturated Fat: 6g; Cholesterol: 10mg; Sodium: 435mg; Carbohydrate: 17g; Dietary Fiber: 7g; Sugar: 5g; Protein: 10g