Sunny Citrus Smoothie opens in a new tabIf life’s giving you lemons, make more than just lemonade! Lemons add brightness and zingy flavor to a variety of dishes from soup to dessert. Kids of all ages love this Sunny Citrus Smoothie opens in a new tab for breakfast. A lunchtime salad of spring greens tossed with Lemony Cashew Dressing opens in a new tab is simply delightful. Brighten up your dinner menu with this delicious fresh Winter Greens Pesto opens in a new tab spooned over whole grain pasta, steamed vegetables or grilled chicken or fish — or use as a sandwich spread (yummy with marinated grilled tofu or tempeh). See? Lemony goodness from morning to night!
Lemons are sour, acidic and wonderfully refreshing. When blended with other ingredients — think oils in salad dressings, honey in tea, or butter in sauces — lemons and their zest add the perfect “spark” to create flavorful balance. Here’s a little lemon trivia:
Eureka and Lisbon lemons are the most common varieties. They’re available year-round and are used interchangeably in recipes. Eureka lemon is thick-skinned, bumpy or knobby in appearance. They have plenty of seeds and a moderate amount of juice. Lisbon lemons have a thinner, smoother skin and are generally seedless and juicier.
Meyer lemons are a hybrid between an orange and a lemon, making them slightly more orange in color and a bit sweeter in flavor. They’re super juicy and wonderful in salad dressings and desserts.
Halibut with Radish RelishIf you’ve got a longing for lemons, try these tips and recipes:
Pair fish with lemon! Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and/or a sprinkling of zest to baked, roasted, broiled or grilled fish. Try these recipes:
Lemon-Marinated Fish with Onions and Carrots opens in a new tab
Roasted Salmon and Broccoli with Lemony Linguini opens in a new tab
Carrot and Horseradish Roasted Cod with Red Potatoes and Lemon opens in a new tab
Lemon Tarragon Smoked Salmon Spread opens in a new tab (great on crackers, bread or salad greens)
Brighten a pot of your favorite vegetable soup with lemon juice or try this Greek Lemon and Chicken Soup opens in a new tab.
Add a squeeze of lemon to a dish of steamed veggies, like in this Sesame Lemon Broccoli opens in a new tab.
Season grain and pilaf dishes, similar to this Lemon-Coriander Quinoa opens in a new tab.
Add lemon juice and zest to roasted vegetables, like this Roasted Asparagus with Lemon Feta Crumble opens in a new tab.
Add lemon juice and/or zest to salad dressing. Here are some ideas:
Lemony Asparagus Salad opens in a new tab (experiment with the amount of lemon juice you add. Start with less, adding more as desired).
Spicy Celery Salad opens in a new tab is flavored with lemon, dates and almonds.
Try this Dijon Vinaigrette opens in a new tab substituting some or all of the vinegar with lemon juice.
Lemons liven up greens, too! Try this lemon-flavored Lemon-Ricotta Kale Dip opens in a new tab on whole grain crackers or bread.
Add fresh or dried lemon zest to muffins, quick breads, cookies, pancakes and waffles. Or try these no-cook, totally addicting Lemon Treats opens in a new tab.
Add lemon slices to a pitcher of water or sparkling water.
For special brunches, consider serving Homemade Lemon Curd opens in a new tab or Lemon Blueberry Cake opens in a new tab.
Are you loving with lemons? Got a recipe or an idea? Let me know.
