Your best bet for staying healthy and not hungry this summer? It’s lemons! Make the most of this versatile citrus fruit to whip up easy, low-key but nutritious options which offer a healthy dose of Vitamin C but are also full of flavour. The best part about using lemon is that you can use it in many different ways; you can use lemon juice in a savoury herb-filled recipe or use some zest to add a lemon flavour to an ice cream.
You can make yourself the perfect weekday dinner in under 10 minutes if you have some lemon and around 3 veggies in your fridge. The trick is to use an easy lemon garlic dressing! Toss chopped vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes with a mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven until tender and caramelized for a few minutes. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice! Here are some other lemon recipes for summer which won’t need you to spend more than 10 minutes in the kitchen (give or take a couple of extra minutes for prepping).
Lemon Infused Water
Start your day with a refreshing glass of lemon-infused water. Simply squeeze fresh lemon juice into a glass of cold water and garnish with a few lemon slices. This hydrating beverage not only quenches your thirst but also detoxifies your body and aids your weight loss journey.
Lemon Yoghurt Toast
Upgrade your usual morning toast with this easy, nutritious option. Simply whisk together egg, yoghurt, maple syrup, lemon zest, lemon juice and salt in a small bowl. You need to spoon this mixture on a slice of lightly toasted sourdough bread and bake for 8-10 minutes. You can also top it with some berries or chocolate chips.
Lemon Yogurt Parfait
Make yourself a refreshing and nutritious lemon yoghurt parfait for a light summer dessert or snack. Layer creamy Greek yoghurt with homemade lemon curd, granola, and fresh berries in tall glasses or jars. Repeat the layers until the glasses are filled, finishing with a dollop of yoghurt and a sprinkle of granola on top. The tangy lemon curd adds a burst of flavour to the creamy yoghurt and crunchy granola, creating a delightful treat that's as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers
These zesty shrimp skewers are a breeze to make and burst with flavour. Toss peeled and deveined shrimp with lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Thread onto skewers and grill for a few minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra citrus kick.
Lemon Zucchini Spaghetti
This light and flavorful pasta dish is perfect for a quick summer meal. Cook your favourite pasta according to the package instructions, then toss with blanched asparagus spears, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The bright lemon flavour complements the tender zucchini beautifully and you can even add some lemon juice.
Lemon Berry Salad
Combine fresh mixed berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries with baby spinach or mixed greens for a vibrant summer salad. Drizzle with a simple dressing made from lemon juice, honey, and a touch of olive oil. The tartness of the lemon balances the sweetness of the berries, creating a lovely flavour profile that's perfect for warm weather.
Lemon Sorbet
Cool off on a hot summer day with homemade lemon sorbet. In a blender, combine fresh lemon juice, water, sugar, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn until it reaches a soft, creamy consistency. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze until firm. Remember sorbet melts differently from ice cream so you may need to set the freezer accordingly.
