Skip to content

Top Navigation

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Special Diets
  • Diabetes
  • Healthy Meal Plans
  • Healthy Eating
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Healthy Cooking
  • Shop
  • News
  • Videos
Log In Account Details

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore EatingWell

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Explore

    Explore

    • What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Avocado Every Day

      What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Avocado Every Day

      Can an avocado a day keep your health at bay? What does the research have to say? Read More
    • 7-Day No-Sugar High-Protein Meal Plan

      7-Day No-Sugar High-Protein Meal Plan

      Skip the added sugar and bump up the protein to keep yourself full on this 7-day meal plan. Read More
    • 20 Low-Carb, High-Protein Dinners Ready in 3 Steps or Less

       If you're looking for low-carb, high-protein dinners that don't require cooking for hours, these recipes got you covered. These dinner options are ready to serve in 3 steps or less so you can meet your nutrition goals easily. Each recipe l meets our nutrition parameters, with less than 14 grams of carbs and more than 15 grams of protein, without wasting on flavor. Recipes like 20-Minute Chicken Cutlets with Creamy Pesto Sauce and Cheesy Ground Beef Cauliflower Casserole are delicious options for you to get a healthy meal on your table in no time.  Read More
  • Healthy Recipes

    Healthy Recipes

    See All Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Healthy Lunch Recipes
    • Healthy Dinner Recipes
    • Healthy Snack Recipes
    • Healthy Dessert Recipes
    • Healthy Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Salad Recipes
    • Healthy Smoothie Recipes
    • Healthy Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Healthy Slow-Cooker & Crockpot Recipes
    • Healthy Kids Recipes
    • Healthy Holiday Recipes
    • Healthy Vegan Recipes
    • Healthy Vegetarian Recipes
    • Healthy Mediterranean Diet Recipes
    • Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Healthy Low-Calorie Recipes
    • Healthy Weight Loss & Diet Recipes
    • More Lifestyle Diet Recipes
    • More Health Condition Recipes
    • More Dietary Restriction Recipes
    • More Nutrient Focused Recipes
  • Special Diets

    Special Diets

    See All Special Diets
    • Clean Eating Diet Center
    • Mediterranean Diet Center
    • Low-Carb Diet Center
    • Weight Loss Center
    • Dairy-Free Diet Center
    • Gluten-Free Diet Center
    • High-Fiber Diet Center
    • Vegan Diet Center
    • Vegetarian Diet Center
    • Heart-Healthy Diet Center
    • Cholesterol Diet Center
    • Diabetes Diet Center
    • High Blood Pressure Diet Center
    • Low Sodium Diet Center
    • Healthy Aging Diet Center
    • Pregnancy Diet Center
  • Diabetes

    Diabetes

    See All Diabetes
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Diabetes Diet Center
  • Healthy Meal Plans

    Healthy Meal Plans

    See All Healthy Meal Plans
    • Meal Planning 101
    • Dinner Plans
    • Clean Eating Meal Plans
    • Mediterranean Diet Meal Plans
    • Low-Carb Meal Plans
    • Weight-Loss Meal Plans
    • Dairy-Free Meal Plans
    • Gluten-Free Meal Plans
    • High-Fiber Meal Plans
    • Vegan Meal Plans
    • Vegetarian Meal Plans
    • Heart-Healthy Meal Plans
    • Low Cholesterol Meal Plans
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Blood Pressure Meal Plans
    • Low Sodium Meal Plans
    • Anti-Aging Meal Plans
    • Pregnancy Meal Plans
    • Healthy Kids Meal Plans
    • ThePrep
  • Healthy Eating

    Healthy Eating

    See All Healthy Eating
    • Healthy Eating 101
    • Eat More Vegetables
    • 30-Day Challenges
    • Good Food Fast
    • Healthy Eating for Kids
    • Best Healthy Foods
    • Green and Sustainable Eating
    • The Beet
    • Transformed
  • Healthy Lifestyle

    Healthy Lifestyle

    See All Healthy Lifestyle
    • Wine, Beer & Spirits Guide
    • Entertaining
    • EatingWell in Real Life
    • Plant Your Plate
    • Healthy Pets
    • American Food Heroes
    • Future of Food
    • Food with Purpose
    • Obsessed
  • Healthy Cooking

    Healthy Cooking

    See All Healthy Cooking
    • Healthy Cooking How-To's
    • Ask the Test Kitchen
    • Budget Cooking Guide
    • Thrifty
    • Heritage Cooking
  • Shop

    Shop

    See All Shop
    • EatingWell Cookbooks & More
    • EatingWell Frozen Meals
  • News
  • Videos

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Healthy Recipes
  3. Healthy Ingredient Recipes
  4. Healthy Fruit Recipes
  5. Healthy Citrus Recipes
  6. Healthy Lemon Recipes
  7. 21 Fresh & Lemony Dinner Recipes

21 Fresh & Lemony Dinner Recipes

Alex Loh
Alex Loh Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD April 14, 2020
Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Slow-Cooker Citrus Salmon with Melted Leeks

These dinner recipes are bright and fresh thanks to the addition of lemon. Lemon provides a nice boost of acidity and pairs well with chicken, seafood and more. Recipes like Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Salmon and Skillet Lemon Chicken with Spinach are healthy, delicious and the perfect dinner for any weeknight.

Start Slideshow

1 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Baked Lemon-Pepper Chicken

7459542.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Looking for a quick, easy dinner? This baked lemon-pepper chicken recipe is it. Chicken breasts are cooked in a skillet, then finished in the oven with lemon slices that soften and become part of the sauce, with a touch of maple syrup and butter to carry the flavor. It's so simple and delicious, you'll be making this healthy dinner again and again. Source: EatingWell.com, December 2019

1 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Crispy Chickpea Grain Bowl with Lemon Vinaigrette

Crispy Chickpea Grain Bowl with Lemon Vinaigrette
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Our favorite part of these vegetarian grain bowls is the tangy lemon vinaigrette, which ties together a satisfying combo of quinoa, toasted pumpkin seeds, and roasted chickpeas and kale. Whip them up for easy meal-prep lunches or a healthy and satisfying dinner. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine, Winter 2019

2 of 21

3 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Salmon

7124995.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Wondering what to do with leftover salmon? This is a delicious and easy way to turn it into another weeknight-friendly, quick dinner. Don't forget to reserve some pasta water--its starch thickens the lemon-garlic pasta sauce and makes it silky-smooth. Source: EatingWell Magazine, November 2019

3 of 21

Advertisement

4 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Creamy Lemon Pasta with Shrimp

6610048.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Yogurt makes a fine substitute for cream in the sauce for this easy pasta recipe. Just warm the yogurt (do not boil) and add some pasta-cooking water to thin it out. Lemon and fresh basil brighten up the whole-wheat pasta and complement the shrimp in this quick dinner recipe. Source: EatingWell Magazine, June 2019

4 of 21

5 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Green Beans

Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Green Beans
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This easy lemon-garlic chicken recipe calls for cutlets, which cook in less than 10 minutes! Can't find them? Make your own from chicken breasts. Place each breast on a cutting board and, with your knife parallel to the board, slice into the skinny side of the chicken breast in a single smooth motion. The side of green beans is cooked right in the same pan as the chicken, so this 20-minute easy, healthy dinner is not just a snap to prepare--the cleanup is a cinch too. Source: EatingWell Magazine, October 2019

5 of 21

6 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lemon Garlic Scallops

7883005.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Lemon brightens up sweet scallops in this simple, light dinner. Serve the scallops alongside sautéed spinach with a piece of toasted whole-grain bread to sop up the buttery sauce. Source: EatingWell.com, March 2020

6 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lemon-Sopressata Chicken

4473432.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

You'll only need 5 ingredients and 30 minutes for this healthy chicken recipe. Serve with mashed potatoes and a mixed green salad with red-wine vinaigrette to round out dinner. Source: EatingWell Magazine, March/April 2017

7 of 21

8 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Herb-Grilled Chicken Frites

7944502.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

We combine fresh herbs, capers, lemon juice and olive oil along with the juices collected from the chicken as it rests to make a simple sauce that livens up this take on poulet frites, or chicken and fries. Source: EatingWell Magazine, May 2020

8 of 21

9 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lemon-Tahini Couscous with Chicken & Vegetables

Lemon-Tahini Couscous with Chicken & Vegetables
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

When you want pasta in no time, couscous is your best friend! The tiny pasta balls cook up in minutes, and absorb all the water so you don't have to fuss with draining. Tossed with sautéed vegetables plus leftover chicken, it's a fast and tasty meal in a bowl that's perfect as an easy dinner recipe. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine, Summer 2019

9 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spice-Roasted Chicken & Lemon Potatoes

7801827.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

If it isn't already, this vibrant dish will make oven-roasted chicken a favorite at your house. With the lemon potatoes, it's an irresistible and simple meal. You can use the leftover meat in soup, sandwiches, and salads. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine, Spring 2020

10 of 21

11 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Old Bay Salmon with Lemony Mashed Peas

salmon on a plate with lemon wedges
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Cooking butter until it browns adds a toasty, nutty flavor to this easy skillet salmon recipe. Here it gives Old Bay-rubbed salmon a chef-worthy finish--not bad for 20 minutes! Source: EatingWell Magazine, March 2020

11 of 21

12 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Skillet Lemon Chicken with Spinach

Skillet Lemon Chicken with Spinach
Credit: Diana Chistruga
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This simple, ultra-quick chicken dinner--packed with spinach and peppers--is delicious on its own or served over brown rice or your favorite pasta. Source: EatingWell.com, February 2020

12 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan

Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This one-pan pasta that combines lean chicken breast and sautéed spinach for a one-bowl meal is garlicky, lemony and best served with a little Parm on top. I call it "Mom's Skillet Pasta" and she called it "Devon's Favorite Pasta." Either way it's a quick and easy weeknight dinner we created together and scribbled on a little recipe card more than a decade ago, and it remains in my weekly dinner rotation to this day. It's a simple dinner the whole family will love. Source: EatingWell.com, August 2018

13 of 21

14 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Creamy Lemon Chicken Parmesan

Creamy Lemon Chicken Parmesan
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This riff on classic chicken Parmesan replaces the usual marinara with a luscious lemony cream sauce. We've lightened it up by using half-and-half instead of cream, with just-as-delicious results. Serve this lemony chicken dinner with whole-wheat pasta or brown rice. Source: EatingWell.com, January 2018

14 of 21

15 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Slow-Cooker Lemon-Pepper Chicken Thighs with Broccolini

7278551.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

What if you could have tender, slow-cooker chicken thighs and crisp Broccolini to feed four with 10 minutes of hands-on time and eight common ingredients? Now, you can, and here's the recipe to prove it. Garnish with fresh oregano leaves and additional kosher salt and black pepper, if desired. Source: Everyday Slow Cooker

15 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Linguine with Lemon Alfredo Shrimp

Linguine with Lemon Alfredo Shrimp
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This bright and lemony shrimp pasta dish was inspired by traditional Alfredo but comes in at only a fraction of the fat and calories. Reduced-fat cream cheese adds body to the sauce, while Parmesan cheese adds its signature robust flavor. This recipe calls for brown rice pasta, which is gluten-free, but if gluten is not a concern for you feel free to serve this sauce over regular linguine or fettucine--or any pasta you like! Source: EatingWell.com, March 2020

16 of 21

17 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Skillet Lemon Chicken & Potatoes with Kale

Skillet Lemon Chicken & Potatoes with Kale
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This easy one-pan skillet-roasted lemon chicken is perfect for weeknight dinners. Juicy chicken thighs are cooked in the same pan as baby potatoes and kale for a satisfying meal with the added bonus of minimal cleanup. Source: EatingWell.com, March 2019

17 of 21

18 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Slow-Cooker Citrus Salmon with Melted Leeks

7125924.jpg
Credit: Slow-Cooker Citrus Salmon with Melted Leeks
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

We've discovered the perfect pairing for this moist, lemony, slow-cooker salmon--slightly chewy leeks. Like other alliums, leeks become sweet and rich when roasted slowly for a long time. When cooked in the slow cooker they "melt," becoming jam-like but still retaining pleasant chewiness. Garnish with fresh sage leaves and thyme sprigs, if desired. Source: Everyday Slow Cooker

18 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lemon Chicken Pasta

6599307.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

We love the combination of lemon zest and toasted breadcrumbs in this quick and easy pasta recipe for one. This healthy dinner is made with rotisserie chicken and quick-cooking spiralized zucchini and baby zucchini, so you get a complete meal in just 10 minutes. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine, Summer 2019

19 of 21

20 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lemon Chicken & Rice

6351612.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This easy Persian-inspired chicken and rice dish has a beautiful golden color and a wonderful fragrance. If you have saffron in the cupboard, do add that optional pinch; just a little will enhance the flavor and aroma of the dish. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine, Spring 2019

20 of 21

21 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Quinoa, Chicken & Broccoli Salad with Roasted Lemon Dressing

5873026.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Roasting lemons mellows their tartness and creates a layer of caramelized flavor that pairs well with the raw broccoli and savory quinoa in this healthy chicken dinner salad. Even better, the chicken and lemons roast on one sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze. Source: EatingWell Magazine, November/December 2018

21 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Alex Loh

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 21 Baked Lemon-Pepper Chicken
    2 of 21 Crispy Chickpea Grain Bowl with Lemon Vinaigrette
    3 of 21 Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Salmon
    4 of 21 Creamy Lemon Pasta with Shrimp
    5 of 21 Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Green Beans
    6 of 21 Lemon Garlic Scallops
    7 of 21 Lemon-Sopressata Chicken
    8 of 21 Herb-Grilled Chicken Frites
    9 of 21 Lemon-Tahini Couscous with Chicken & Vegetables
    10 of 21 Spice-Roasted Chicken & Lemon Potatoes
    11 of 21 Old Bay Salmon with Lemony Mashed Peas
    12 of 21 Skillet Lemon Chicken with Spinach
    13 of 21 Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan
    14 of 21 Creamy Lemon Chicken Parmesan
    15 of 21 Slow-Cooker Lemon-Pepper Chicken Thighs with Broccolini
    16 of 21 Linguine with Lemon Alfredo Shrimp
    17 of 21 Skillet Lemon Chicken & Potatoes with Kale
    18 of 21 Slow-Cooker Citrus Salmon with Melted Leeks
    19 of 21 Lemon Chicken Pasta
    20 of 21 Lemon Chicken & Rice
    21 of 21 Quinoa, Chicken & Broccoli Salad with Roasted Lemon Dressing

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    EatingWell

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Recipe Index
    • Jobs
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletters
    Sign Up
    Meredith© 2023 EatingWell.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. EatingWell may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. All Right Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright EatingWell. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.eatingwell.com

    Sign in

    View image

    21 Fresh & Lemony Dinner Recipes
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.