It’s remarkable how a little dose of lemon can lift an ordinary dish from something ho-hum to something extra special—like the Fairy Godmother giving Cinderella her glow-up. Desserts, salads, chicken, roasted potatoes…what can’t be improved by the yellow fruit’s sunny disposition? BHG readers clearly love it, too, and these are the recipes they keep coming back to. Grab your magic wand (errrr, zester) and get ready to wield some citrus sorcery.
Lemon-Blueberry Dump Cake
Credit:
Jason Donnelly / Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman
Juicy blueberries and bright lemon team up under a buttery, golden topping that tastes like it took way more effort than it did. It’s the kind of dessert you make when guests are coming over last-minute—or when you just want something warm and comforting without pulling out a mixer. With its cozy, cobbler-like feel, it’s best served straight from the pan, à la mode.
5-Ingredient Lemon Dump Cake
Credit:
Carson Downing
With just 10 minutes of prep and no mixing bowls required, this dump-and-bake dessert delivers lemon poppy seed energy with even less hassle. Cake mix, lemon pie filling, and butter come together in the oven to create crisp edges and a gooey, citrusy center, while a little cream cheese in the mix rounds out the lemon’s brightness. As one reader put it, “It reminded me of my mother-in-law’s lemon meringue pie”—high praise for a dessert this low-lift.
Greek-Inspired Quinoa Salad with Lemon-Feta Dressing
Credit: Carson Downing
Taking a cue from Horiatiki, Greece’s famous chopped salad, this hearty quinoa salad is loaded with all the Greek favorites—Kalamata olives, tangy feta, crisp veggies, and a bright lemon-feta dressing that makes every bite pop. It keeps well in the fridge, so you can make a big batch for grab-and-go lunches or easy weeknight dinners that turn mealtime into a mini Mediterranean escape.
Blueberry Lemonade Poke Cake
Credit: Jacob Fox
The secret to this cake is what happens after it comes out of the oven. Poking holes and pouring lemonade over the warm cake gives it an ultra-moist texture and sweet-tart citrus flavor throughout. A quick blueberry sauce and whipped topping keep the whole shebang fresh, not heavy—perfect for a summer potluck or bringing that sunny vibe home, even in the dead of winter.
Greek Chicken Skillet
Credit: Blaine Moats
Not all skillet dinners are created equal, and there’s a reason so many of our readers put this one at the top of their must-try list. Lemon, dill and pickled jalapeños flavor the chicken as it cooks with orzo and Brussels sprouts all in one pan. You can even prep and freeze the chicken then cook it straight from frozen on a busy night, making this a seriously smart meal to stash in your rotation. Finish with a generous sprinkle feta for an extra bit of “opa!”
Greek Lemon Potatoes
Credit:
Jake Sternquist
There are a million and one ways to serve potatoes, but giving them a Greek glow-up might be my favorite. The trick here is two-fold: first, roast them in chicken broth infused with plenty of lemon, grated garlic, and oregano. Then, a quick stint under the broiler crisps the edges, creating that irresistible combo of golden, crunchy exteriors and tender, middles. Serve with a scattering of fresh parsley and extra lemon wedges for a bright finish.
Lemon Herb Roasted Salmon with Broccoli and Tomatoes
Credit: Blaine Moats
BHG readers love a sheet pan dinner`, and for good reason. The prep is minimal, the cleanup is quick, and it’s an easy way to cook a protein and veg without much fanfare. Here, salmon, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes roast together, soaking up loads of flavor from lemon, garlic, and herbs while you barely lift a finger. Serve with some hearty grains or a simple salad for a well-balanced meal in no time.
Lemon Bars
Credit: Stephen Kent Johnson
These are the lemon bars readers swear by. The magic is in the contrast: crisp, buttery shortbread meets tangy, just-sweet-enough lemon filling that always sets up like a dream. They’re a classic for a reason—great for bake sales, showers, or any time you want a dessert that slices clean, travels well, and earns a little wow. Dust generously with powdered sugar and call it done.
Lemony Ricotta Summer Squash Galette
Make this galette once, and you’ll start inventing reasons to make it again—brunch, dinner parties, or whenever summer squash is piling up. Store-bought pie crust gives you a leg up on prep time, and the very nature of a galette (a free-form crust) lets you check perfection at the door. A generous dose of lemon zest and juice stirred into the ricotta filling delivers that ideal blend of cheesy-tangy goodness.
Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Shrimp and Veggies
Credit: Jason Donnelly
When dinner needs to happen fast, this recipe has your back. Lemon shines in two ways here: zesty lemon pepper seasoning coats the shrimp, while a squeeze of fresh lemon at the end brightens every bite. Let the air fryer do the work—shrimp stay juicy, veggies stay crisp, and the whole meal is ready in just 20 minutes.
Dining and Cooking