Meyer lemons bring a unique sweetness to cooking that regular lemons can’t match. These special citrus fruits taste less sour and more fragrant than their common cousins.
This collection of 21 recipes shows you how to use Meyer lemons in both sweet desserts and savory main dishes.
You’ll discover ways to cook with Meyer lemons that go beyond basic lemon recipes. From glazed chicken and roasted salmon to creamy ice cream and tangy bars, these recipes help you make the most of Meyer lemon season.
The recipes also include helpful cooking tips and creative ideas for using every part of these prized citrus fruits.
1. Meyer Lemon Honey Glazed Chicken
This dish combines tender chicken with a sweet and tangy glaze. You coat chicken pieces in cornstarch and cook them until golden brown.
The glaze uses Meyer lemon juice, honey, and soy sauce. Some recipes add rice vinegar and garlic for extra flavor.
You can serve this chicken with rice or a fresh salad. The bright Meyer lemon flavor makes it perfect for any dinner.
The cooking process takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
2. Meyer Lemon Tart with Almond Crust
This tart combines sweet Meyer lemons with a nutty almond crust. The almond base adds texture and flavor that pairs well with the citrus filling.
You can make the crust by mixing flour, ground almonds, sugar, and butter. The almond flavor balances the tartness of the Meyer lemons.
The filling uses Meyer lemon curd, which is smoother and less acidic than regular lemon curd. Some recipes add cardamom or other spices to enhance the flavor.
3. Candied Meyer Lemon Slices
Candied Meyer lemon slices turn whole lemons into sweet treats. You slice the lemons thin and cook them in sugar syrup.
Start by cutting Meyer lemons into thin rounds. Boil water and blanch the slices for one minute.
Move them to ice water right away. Make simple syrup with equal parts sugar and water.
Add the lemon slices and simmer for 30 minutes. The rinds become clear when done.
These candied slices work great as cake garnishes or snacks. You can store them in the fridge for up to one month.
4. Meyer Lemon Pasta with Garlic and Parmesan
You can create this bright pasta dish using simple ingredients. Cook one pound of pasta until al dente in salted water.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan. Add sliced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add Meyer lemon juice and zest to the pan. The Meyer lemons give a sweeter, less acidic flavor than regular lemons.
Toss the cooked pasta with the lemon mixture. Add fresh grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Meyer Lemon Muffins
Meyer lemon muffins bring bright citrus flavor to your breakfast table. These tender baked goods use the whole lemon, including the sweet peel and tart juice.
You can make bakery-style jumbo muffins or regular-sized ones. The Meyer lemon’s mild sweetness works perfectly in muffin batter without being too sour.
Try adding fresh cranberries for extra flavor and color. The combination creates a balance of sweet and tart that tastes great with coffee or tea.
6. Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
This bright dressing transforms any salad into something special. You need Meyer lemon juice, olive oil, and Dijon mustard as your base.
Add honey for sweetness and garlic for depth. The lemon zest gives extra citrus flavor.
Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl. You can also shake them in a jar with a tight lid.
This vinaigrette works great on green salads. You can also use it as a marinade for chicken or fish.
7. Meyer Lemon Bars
Meyer lemon bars combine sweet and tart flavors in one perfect dessert. The creamy lemon filling sits on top of a tender shortbread crust.
You can make these bars easily with whole eggs and just one bowl. Meyer lemons give a sweeter taste than regular lemons while keeping that bright citrus flavor.
The shortbread base melts in your mouth. Fresh Meyer lemon juice and zest create the tangy filling that makes these bars so refreshing.
8. Meyer Lemon Ice Cream
Meyer lemon ice cream tastes like frozen lemon meringue pie. It’s creamy, rich, and has a gentle tart flavor.
You need Meyer lemons, heavy cream, sugar, and salt to make it. Some recipes add half-and-half for extra creaminess.
Mix lemon juice with cream and sugar. Churn it in your ice cream maker following the directions.
Meyer lemons work better than regular lemons because they’re sweeter and less acidic. This makes the ice cream taste smooth instead of too tart.
9. Meyer Lemon Marmalade
Meyer lemon marmalade showcases the sweet, mild flavor of these special citrus fruits. You’ll need about 12 medium Meyer lemons, 3 cups of sugar, and water for this classic preserve.
The thin skin also makes them perfect for marmalade. You start by slicing the lemons thinly and letting them sit with water overnight.
This softens the peels and helps release natural pectin. The finished marmalade has a bright golden color and balanced sweet-tart taste.
Spread it on toast or use it in marinades and sauces.
10. Meyer Lemon Roasted Salmon
This simple dish takes just minutes to prepare and roasts quickly in your oven. You can use either slow roasting at low heat or regular roasting at 350 degrees.
Place your salmon in a baking dish with olive oil. Top with thin Meyer lemon slices and season with salt and pepper.
The citrus adds bright flavor while keeping the fish moist. Your salmon will be tender and flavorful when done.
Regular lemons work if you can’t find Meyer lemons.
11. Meyer Lemon and Herb Grilled Chicken
This grilled chicken recipe combines Meyer lemons with fresh herbs for a bright, flavorful meal. You’ll need chicken breasts, Meyer lemon juice and zest, olive oil, garlic, and herbs like rosemary.
Start by making a marinade with the lemon juice, zest, olive oil, and chopped herbs. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Grill the chicken over medium heat until it reaches 165°F internal temperature. The Meyer lemons add a sweet, mild citrus flavor that pairs perfectly with herbs.
12. Meyer Lemon Pound Cake
Meyer lemon pound cake offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. The cake has a dense, buttery texture that pairs well with tea or coffee.
You can make this cake using fresh Meyer lemon juice and zest. The bright citrus flavor runs throughout the entire cake.
Many recipes include a lemon glaze or icing for extra flavor. This adds moisture and enhances the lemon taste in each slice.
13. Meyer Lemon Sorbet
Meyer lemon sorbet offers a refreshing summer dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. You only need fresh Meyer lemons, sugar, and water.
Start by making simple syrup. Heat sugar and water until the sugar dissolves completely.
Let it cool down. Add fresh Meyer lemon juice and zest to your cooled syrup.
Chill the mixture in your refrigerator overnight. Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to freeze it properly. This sorbet freezes quite hard, so serve it shortly after making or let it soften before scooping.
14. Meyer Lemon Risotto
You’ll love this creamy rice dish that highlights Meyer lemons’ sweet flavor. The citrus adds brightness to the rich, creamy texture of classic risotto.
Start with arborio rice and slowly add warm broth. Stir frequently to create that signature creamy texture.
Add Meyer lemon zest and juice near the end of cooking. This keeps the citrus flavor fresh and bright.
Finish with Parmesan cheese and butter for extra richness. The result is a perfect balance of tangy and creamy flavors.
15. Meyer Lemon Curd
Meyer lemon curd offers a sweeter taste than regular lemon curd. You need just four ingredients: Meyer lemons, butter, sugar, and egg yolks.
The gentle cooking process uses a water bath method. This prevents the eggs from scrambling while creating a smooth texture.
You can make this curd in about ten minutes using one pot. The finished product works well as a tart filling or dessert spread.
Meyer lemons require less sugar due to their natural sweetness. This makes the curd perfectly balanced between tart and sweet flavors.
16. Meyer Lemon Scones
Meyer lemon scones bring bright citrus flavor to your breakfast table. These buttery pastries are lighter and fluffier than regular scones.
You’ll want to add fresh Meyer lemon zest to the dough for the best flavor. The zest gives you that amazing citrus smell while baking.
A sweet Meyer lemon glaze on top makes these scones extra special. The glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tart lemon.
These scones work great with tea or coffee. You can serve them warm from the oven or at room temperature.
17. Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Cake
You can make this bright, buttery cake using Meyer lemons’ sweet flavor. The poppy seeds add a nice crunch to every bite.
This cake works well as a loaf or layer cake. You mix butter, sugar, and eggs with Meyer lemon zest and juice.
Add flour, baking powder, and poppy seeds to complete the batter. The cake bakes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Top your finished cake with lemon glaze for extra citrus flavor.
18. Meyer Lemon Cheesecake
Meyer lemon cheesecake brings together creamy richness with bright citrus flavor. The sweet-tart taste of Meyer lemons creates the perfect balance in this dessert.
You can make this cheesecake with a graham cracker crust or try a lemon cookie base. Both options work well with the smooth filling.
Many recipes include lemon curd on top for extra citrus punch. The curd adds a beautiful golden layer and intensifies the lemon taste.
This dessert works great for beginners. The recipe is straightforward and very forgiving if you follow basic cheesecake steps.
19. Meyer Lemon and Basil Chicken
This dish combines the sweet citrus flavor of Meyer lemons with fresh basil. You marinate chicken breasts in Meyer lemon juice, olive oil, and minced garlic.
Add fresh basil leaves to the marinade for extra flavor. Let the chicken sit for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Pan-fry the chicken until golden brown on both sides. The basil and Meyer lemon create a bright, herb-forward taste that works well with rice or pasta.
20. Meyer Lemon Olive Oil Cake
You’ll love this moist and tender cake that combines sweet Meyer lemons with rich olive oil. The olive oil creates a softer texture than butter-based cakes.
This cake stays moist at room temperature because oil doesn’t solidify like butter does. You can make it in about an hour with simple ingredients.
The Meyer lemons add a bright, sweet citrus flavor that’s less tart than regular lemons. A lemon glaze on top makes it even more delicious.
21. Meyer Lemon Glazed Carrots
You can turn simple carrots into a bright side dish with Meyer lemons. The sweet citrus flavor makes carrots taste fresh and light.
Cook sliced carrots in a pan with butter until they start to get soft. Add Meyer lemon juice, a little honey, and salt.
Let the carrots cook until the liquid turns into a shiny glaze. The Meyer lemons add sweetness without being too sour.
This side dish works well with chicken, pork, or fish. You can make it in about 15 minutes.
Cooking Tips for Meyer Lemons
Getting the most from Meyer lemons means picking the right fruit and using proper techniques. Their natural sweetness changes how you balance flavors compared to regular lemons.
Selecting the Best Meyer Lemons
Look for Meyer lemons with bright yellow skin that feels heavy for their size. The skin should give slightly when you press it but not feel mushy.
Avoid lemons that have:
- Dark spots or bruises
- Wrinkled skin
- Light weight (means less juice)
- Green tinges (not fully ripe)
Fresh Meyer lemons give off a fragrant smell at the stem end. Store them in your fridge for up to two weeks or on the counter for 3-4 days.
Choose lemons with thin, smooth skin for the best zesting. Use thick-skinned lemons when you only need juice.
Zesting and Juicing Techniques
Always zest Meyer lemons before cutting them. Use a microplane grater and only scrape the yellow part of the skin.
Avoid the white pith underneath because it tastes bitter. Turn the lemon as you zest to get even strips.
To get maximum juice:
- Roll lemons on the counter while pressing down
- Microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm them
- Use room temperature lemons instead of cold ones
Cut lemons in half crosswise, not lengthwise. Squeeze over a fine mesh strainer to catch seeds.
One Meyer lemon typically gives you 2-3 tablespoons of juice.
Balancing Sweetness and Acidity
Meyer lemons are sweeter and less acidic than regular lemons. Adjust your recipes to account for this difference.
Use about 25% more Meyer lemon juice than regular lemon juice in recipes. Their mild flavor lets you use more without overpowering dishes.
When baking:
- Reduce sugar by 1-2 tablespoons per cup
- Add extra zest for stronger lemon flavor
- Taste batter before baking to check balance
In savory dishes, Meyer lemons pair well with delicate flavors like fish and chicken. Their sweetness complements herbs like thyme and rosemary.
Start with less Meyer lemon juice than recipes call for. Add more as needed.
Creative Ways to Use Meyer Lemons
Meyer lemons work well in both sweet and savory cooking because of their mild, floral taste. You can make everything from roasted chicken dishes to homemade preserves with these citrus fruits.
Incorporating Meyer Lemons in Savory Dishes
Add Meyer lemon juice and zest to roasted chicken for a bright, citrus flavor. The mild taste pairs well with herbs like rosemary and thyme.
Meyer lemon risotto makes a creamy side dish. Add the zest during cooking and finish with fresh juice right before serving.
Savory Meyer Lemon Ideas:
- Roasted Cornish game hens with olives and fennel
- Simple lemon vinaigrette for salads
- Lemon rice and chicken soup
- White pizza with Meyer lemon and cheese
Make a whole lemon salsa verde by processing Meyer lemons with their peels. Mix them with toasted pistachios, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a food processor.
Use the peels to add extra flavor to marinades for fish and chicken. Meyer lemon works especially well with salmon dishes.
Enhancing Desserts with Meyer Lemon Flavor
Meyer lemon bars combine tart-sweet filling with shortbread crust. These work well for picnics and potlucks because they travel easily.
Make Meyer lemon pound cake, upside-down cake, or lemon ice cream. The mild flavor blends well with other dessert ingredients.
Popular Meyer Lemon Desserts:
- Lemon curd for tarts and cookies
- Meyer lemon tartlets
- Lemon cookies that freeze well
- Fresh lemon ginger smoothies
Meyer lemon pairs well with chocolate in desserts. The citrus balances the rich chocolate flavor without being too sharp.
Making Preserves and Infusions
Freeze Meyer lemon juice in ice cube trays. Frozen juice stays good for about three months and works well in recipes later.
Make limoncello by steeping Meyer lemon peel in alcohol. This Italian liqueur takes several weeks to make but stores well.
Preserve whole Meyer lemons in salt for cooking. This method keeps them for months and adds flavor to stews and rice dishes.
Preservation Methods:
- Freeze juice in ice cube trays
- Make homemade lemonade concentrate
- Dry the zest for seasoning blends
- Pickle lemon slices in vinegar
Use Meyer lemons for natural cleaning products. The oils in the peel help remove grease and leave a fresh scent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Meyer lemons work well in sweet treats like cookies and cakes and in savory dishes such as glazed chicken and pasta. These citrus fruits offer healthy cooking options and often appear in classic recipe collections.
What are some easy dessert recipes that use Meyer lemons?
Make Meyer lemon cookies by adding fresh juice and zest to basic sugar cookie dough. The natural sweetness of Meyer lemons lets you use less sugar than regular lemon cookies.
Meyer lemon muffins require just basic baking ingredients plus fresh lemon juice and zest. You can make them in under an hour from start to finish.
Candied Meyer lemon slices work as both a dessert and garnish. You only need lemons, sugar, and water to create these sweet treats.
How can I incorporate Meyer lemons into a savory dinner dish?
Meyer lemon honey glazed chicken combines the citrus with honey for a sweet and tangy main course. The glaze caramelizes during cooking for extra flavor.
Meyer lemon pasta with garlic and parmesan makes an easy weeknight dinner. Toss cooked pasta with fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, and grated cheese.
Add Meyer lemon juice and zest to salad dressings. The mild flavor works well with both green salads and grain bowls.
Can you suggest healthy recipes that feature Meyer lemons as a main ingredient?
Grill fish or chicken with Meyer lemon seasoning for lean protein and bright citrus flavor. Use fresh juice and zest as a marinade or finishing sauce.
Meyer lemon water helps you stay hydrated while adding vitamin C. Squeeze half a lemon into a glass of water for a refreshing drink.
Roast vegetables with Meyer lemon dressing for a nutritious side dish. The citrus helps your body absorb iron from leafy greens.
Start with your favorite sugar cookie recipe and add two tablespoons of fresh Meyer lemon juice. Mix in one tablespoon of lemon zest for extra flavor.
Replace some of the butter with Greek yogurt to keep cookies soft. This also adds protein while reducing calories.
Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes until edges turn lightly golden. Let the cookies cool completely before removing them from the baking sheet.
How do I make a Meyer lemon cake that’s both delicious and straightforward?
Use a basic vanilla cake mix and replace the water with fresh Meyer lemon juice. Add lemon zest to the batter for stronger flavor.
Make a simple glaze with powdered sugar and Meyer lemon juice. Pour over the cooled cake for a sweet finishing touch.
A Meyer lemon pound cake also works well. Add juice and zest to your favorite pound cake recipe for a dense, flavorful dessert.
Are there any Meyer lemon recipes available from Bon Appétit that are considered classics?
Bon Appétit has featured Meyer lemon tart recipes that many home cooks consider must-try classics. These often include almond crusts that pair well with the citrus.
The magazine has also published Meyer lemon pasta dishes that became reader favorites. These recipes typically focus on simple ingredients that highlight the lemon flavor.