13 Lemony Spring Dinners for a Burst of Fresh Flavor
The juice is definitely worth the squeeze.
While lemons are thankfully available all year round, there’s just something about their bright, citrusy zing that works so well come springtime. Perhaps it’s the promise of more sunshine and brighter days ahead! Whatever the reason, you don’t have to be shy about using lemon in anything and everything, from puckery desserts to lemony spring dinners the whole family will love.
Lemons provide a much-needed acidic component to savory dishes, so not only do they provide flavor, but balance as well. They pair very nicely with chicken dinners as well as practically every type of seafood from fancy (yet oh-so-simple) shrimp recipes to flaky white fish like tilapia. Try a simple lemon pasta ready in just 25 minutes or a fun twist on pizza that will surprise and delight your tastebuds.
Another benefit of lemons? They add so much tang without a ton of effort. You’ll find both the zest and the juice in several of these recipes to easily amp up the flavor, and in most cases, you only need one or two for an entire meal. (Pro tip: Always zest before you juice! It is so much easier when the fruit is full.) No matter what you decide to make, these spring dinners with lemon are definitely worth a squeeze!
Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken
Parsley, dill, basil, and chives work so well with the lemon to brighten up simple chicken thighs. Plus, dinner will be ready in just 30 minutes!
Get Ree’s Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken recipe.
Lemon Chicken-Orzo Soup
Fresh, hearty, and satisfying, this twist on chicken noodle soup is perfect for those unseasonable chilly or rainy days. Use chicken breasts or thighs.
Get Ree’s Lemon Chicken-Orzo Soup recipe.
Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Grits
Lemon and garlic go together like peanut butter and jelly! Such simple ingredients go a long way in flavoring this classic dish.
Get Ree’s Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Grits recipe.
Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Prosciutto
This is exactly what you want on a spring day. It’s both creamy and comforting but still full of those fresh flavors like tart lemon and sweet green peas.
Get Ree’s Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Prosciutto recipe.
Chicken Francese
The combo of tender, juicy chicken and zingy lemon never gets old. Serve this easy dinner over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta any night of the week.
Get the Chicken Francese recipe.
Grilled Tilapia
Skip the messy cleanup and cook a whole meal in a foil packet. Flaky fish, tender asparagus, slices of fresh lemon, and fragrant herbs all cook together for an impressive yet lazy spring dinner.
Get the Grilled Tilapia recipe.
Chicken Piccata
Ree was inspired to recreate this dish after having it at a restaurant. Thankfully, it’s really easy to throw together. It’s bright and lemony with just the right amount of decadent cream.
Get Ree’s Chicken Piccata recipe.
Lemon Pasta
If you want dinner on the table as quickly as possible, you’re only ten minutes of prep away from crowd-pleasing lemon pasta. It’s vegetarian friendly, too!
Get the Lemon Pasta recipe.
Lemon Pizza
Yes, pizza! Make your own dough or use the refrigerated kind. Top with cheese, garlic, shallots, and lemon slices, then drizzle with hot honey for a little kick, plus some basil for freshness.
Get the Lemon Pizza recipe.
Lemon Pepper Chicken
Zippy lemon and spicy black pepper are a combination that nobody can turn down. Create your own or use a store-bought blend for an even faster dinner.
Get the Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe.
Shrimp Scampi
This may sound fancy, but this lemony, garlicky, restaurant-quality meal is ready in just 15 minutes. Don’t skimp on the fresh herbs—they really finish the dish.
Get Ree’s Shrimp Scampi recipe.
Sheet-Pan Chicken with Lemons and Olives
Roasting lemons really brings them to the next level. The juices left on the sheet pan are super flavorful, so be sure to drizzle them over the chicken and couscous.
Lemon Basil Shrimp Risotto
Feeling a bit fancy? Try your hand at Ree’s risotto! Don’t be intimidated, because her step-by-step instructions make this flavorful dish easy to tackle.
Get Ree’s Lemon Basil Shrimp Risotto recipe.
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