Meyer lemons are a sweeter, less acidic variety of lemons with a bright, floral aroma that makes them perfect for cooking and baking.
Their unique flavor can enhance both savory and sweet dishes, from desserts to salad dressings.
Using Meyer lemons in recipes adds a fresh, zesty taste that is light and aromatic.
These recipes are simple, approachable, and perfect for anyone looking to brighten up everyday meals with a citrus twist.
1. Meyer Lemon Bars
These Meyer lemon bars are soft, tangy, and perfectly balanced between sweet and citrusy. The crust is buttery, and the filling is creamy, making them an irresistible treat for dessert lovers.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup Meyer lemon juice
- Zest of 1 Meyer lemon
Step by Step Instructions:
Make the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix the flour, powdered sugar, and softened butter until crumbly. Press the mixture evenly into a greased 8×8-inch pan. Bake for 15–18 minutes until lightly golden.
Prepare the Lemon Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk eggs, granulated sugar, Meyer lemon juice, and zest in a medium bowl until smooth. Pour this mixture over the warm crust once it’s slightly cooled.
Bake and Cool: Return the pan to the oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the filling is set. Allow it to cool completely before slicing into squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
2. Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette
This Meyer lemon vinaigrette is a tangy, refreshing dressing perfect for salads, roasted vegetables, or grilled chicken. Its natural sweetness pairs beautifully with bitter greens and light summer dishes.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup Meyer lemon juice
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step by Step Instructions:
Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the Meyer lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey until fully blended. Season with salt and pepper according to taste.
Emulsify the Dressing: Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking to create a smooth, slightly thickened vinaigrette. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve: Drizzle over mixed greens, roasted vegetables, or as a marinade for chicken. Store any leftover dressing in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to one week.
3. Meyer Lemon Chicken
This Meyer lemon chicken recipe is juicy, tender, and infused with citrusy flavor. The tangy lemon sauce brightens the dish, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or a light, flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 Meyer lemons, sliced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Step by Step Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.
Cook with Lemon and Garlic: Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add chicken broth and Meyer lemon slices, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Finish Cooking: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the lemon sauce over the top. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Serve with sauce drizzled on top.
4. Meyer Lemon Sorbet
Meyer lemon sorbet is a refreshing, icy dessert perfect for warm days. Its light, natural sweetness and vibrant citrus flavor make it an elegant treat to cleanse the palate.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup Meyer lemon juice
- Zest of 2 Meyer lemons
Step by Step Instructions:
Make Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from the heat and let it cool.
Combine Lemon Juice and Zest: Stir the Meyer lemon juice and zest into the cooled syrup. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.
Freeze: Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a smooth, sorbet consistency. Alternatively, pour into a shallow dish and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes until firm.
5. Meyer Lemon Pasta
This Meyer lemon pasta is light, creamy, and bursting with citrus flavor. It’s an easy, quick meal perfect for lunch or dinner, with a delicate balance of lemon zest and parmesan.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp Meyer lemon juice
- Zest of 1 Meyer lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step by Step Instructions:
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
Prepare the Sauce: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in Meyer lemon juice, zest, and reserved pasta water. Simmer for 2 minutes to combine flavors.
Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, adding Parmesan cheese. Adjust salt and pepper. Serve warm, garnished with extra lemon zest and Parmesan if desired.
6. Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
These muffins are soft, moist, and bursting with Meyer lemon flavor. The poppy seeds add a delicate crunch, making them perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup Meyer lemon juice
- Zest of 1 Meyer lemon
- 2 tbsp poppy seeds
Step by Step Instructions:
Preheat Oven and Mix Dry Ingredients: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, milk, Meyer lemon juice, and zest. Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined.
Bake: Spoon the batter into lined muffin tins, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool slightly before serving.
7. Meyer Lemon Glazed Salmon
This Meyer lemon-glazed salmon is tender, flavorful, and slightly sweet with a citrusy tang. It’s perfect for a healthy, elegant dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup Meyer lemon juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Step by Step Instructions:
Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together Meyer lemon juice, honey, olive oil, and minced garlic.
Cook the Salmon: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush generously with the glaze and season with salt and pepper.
Bake and Serve: Bake for 12–15 minutes until the salmon is cooked through. Brush with remaining glaze before serving for extra flavor.
8. Meyer Lemon Cake
This Meyer lemon cake is soft, moist, and full of bright citrus flavor. A simple glaze on top enhances its sweet and tangy taste.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup Meyer lemon juice
- Zest of 1 Meyer lemon
- 2 tsp baking powder
Step by Step Instructions:
Prepare the Batter: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time. Mix in flour and baking powder alternately with milk. Fold in lemon juice and zest.
Bake: Pour batter into a greased 9-inch pan. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with Meyer lemon juice and drizzle over cooled cake. Serve and enjoy.
9. Meyer Lemon Curd
Meyer lemon curd is creamy, tangy, and perfect for spreading on toast, filling pastries, or adding to desserts. Its smooth texture and sweet citrus flavor are irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Meyer lemon juice
- Zest of 2 Meyer lemons
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 cup butter, cubed
Step by Step Instructions:
Cook the Curd: In a heatproof bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and zest. Place over simmering water and cook, whisking constantly, until thickened.
Add Butter: Remove from heat and whisk in butter cubes until smooth.
Cool and Store: Transfer curd to a jar and refrigerate. Use for toast, cakes, or tarts.
10. Meyer Lemon Risotto
This risotto is creamy, rich, and brightened with Meyer lemon. The subtle citrus flavor pairs beautifully with Parmesan cheese and herbs.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup Meyer lemon juice
- Zest of 1 Meyer lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step by Step Instructions:
Cook the Rice: Heat butter in a pan and sauté the rice for 2 minutes. Gradually add broth, stirring constantly, until rice is tender and creamy.
Add Lemon and Cheese: Stir in Meyer lemon juice, zest, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.
11. Meyer Lemon Tea
Meyer lemon tea is a soothing, refreshing drink with a delicate citrus aroma. Perfect for relaxing moments or a light pick-me-up during the day.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups hot water
- 1–2 tsp honey
- Juice of 1 Meyer lemon
- 1 slice of lemon for garnish
Step by Step Instructions:
Prepare Tea: Boil water and pour it into a cup. Stir in Meyer lemon juice and honey until fully dissolved.
Serve: Garnish with a slice of Meyer lemon. Enjoy warm for a soothing citrus tea experience.
Conclusion
Meyer lemons add a unique sweetness and bright citrus flavor to a wide variety of dishes. From desserts and drinks to savory meals, these 11 recipes showcase their versatility.
Using Meyer lemons can easily elevate everyday dishes, bringing a fresh, aromatic touch to your cooking.
Whether baking, making dressings, or preparing a refreshing beverage, these recipes offer simple, delicious ways to enjoy the distinct flavor of Meyer lemons.