10 Zesty Lemon Plant-Based Recipes to Make This Summer

It’s unfortunate that the word “lemon” is slang for something that doesn’t work or is faulty or defective. Nothing could be further than the truth for the lemon fruit itself. Lemons are beautiful and brighten up any dish you use them in. They work in both sweet and savory dishes as well as in salads, salad dressings and beverages. Lemons are inexpensive and we can use the whole fruit including its juice and peel.

They are also good for our health. Lemons may taste acidic to they are one of the most alkaline-forming foods we can put into our bodies. Lemons contain vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin A, vitamin E, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, folate, niacin, riboflavin, potassium, zinc, and phosphorus. They are high in antioxidants and cancer-fighting properties. Studies have shown lemons to be helpful with diabetes, constipation, high blood pressure, fever, indigestion as well as teeth, skin and hair care. Lemons and their juice can help prevent and/or treat kidney stones.

It sounds like lemons are just the opposite of defective since they do so much good for our bodies, our health and our food. This summer, take advantage of the bounty of fresh lemons and make these yellow jewels a part of your everyday routine and menu. Here are 10 sunny and zesty lemon recipes to make this summer.

1. Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

Enjoy the zingy taste of lemon zest in this adorable Lemon Poppy Seed Bundt Cake. It’s topped with a sweet lemon glaze for even more lemony goodness and garnished with beautiful fresh blackberries.

2. Stealthy Lemon Birthday Cake

You don’t need for it to be someone’s birthday to make this delicious Lemon Birthday Cake. The fact that this lemon cake is moist and light and covered with yummy lemon icing is reason enough to celebrate.

3. Tofu Piccata

This Tofu Piccata is a vegan version of the Italian classic dish usually made with veal. The tofu is cooked in a delicious sauce of vegan butter, white wine, garlic, lemons and capers.

4. Artichoke and Spinach Risotto With Lemon Cashew Cream

Everyone’s favorite combo comes together in this amazing Artichoke and Spinach Risotto. The lemon cashew cream adds brightness to this extra-rich, super-creamy dish.

5. Lemon Coconut Curd and Cupcakes

These Lemon Coconut Curd Cupcakes have lemon all through them. There is lemon zest and juice in the moist, tender cakes. Then there is a lemon coconut curd that not only tops the cupcakes but runs all through them too.

6. Raw Lemon Macaroons

If you like lemon and you like coconut, you’ll love these Lemon Macaroons. They’re raw and easy to make with a dehydrator. A perfect snack for anyone who’s nuts about coconut and lemons.

7. Creamy Lemon Ziti With Roasted Asparagus

No one will believe that the creamy sauce on this Lemon Ziti with Asparagus is made with beans but it’s true. White beans, non-dairy milk, and lemon come together for a decadent dish that’s so much healthier but doesn’t taste that way.

8. Moroccan Tofu in a Lemon-Olive Sauce Over Spaghetti

Lemons and green olives are a match made in heaven. They make a delicious sauce that’s bright and perfect over Moroccan Tofu cooked with warm spices and gluten-free spaghetti.

9. Lemon Cashew Tarts

The only thing better than vegan cheesecake is a bunch of little personal-sized vegan cheesecakes. These Lemon Cashew Tarts have an almond crust and a cashew filling that is light, delicious, refreshing, and the perfect size to keep all to yourself.

10. Raw Raspberry Lemon Donut Holes

Lemon and raspberries hit the perfect balance of tart and sweet. These Raw Raspberry Lemon Donut Holes also have coconut inside and coconut powdered sugar on the outside for the perfect treat on a summer day.

All of these lemony recipes will fill your summer days with bright and sunny goodness. For even more lemon deliciousness, check out these 24 Fresh Vegan Recipes for Lemon Lovers.

Learn How to Cook Plant-Based Meals at Home

Reducing your meat intake and incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet is known to Support various health benefits, including reducing chronic inflammation, improving heart health, enhancing mental well-being, achieving fitness goals, meeting nutritional needs, managing allergies, and promoting gut health, among others. Dairy consumption also has been linked to many health problems, including acne, hormonal imbalance, cancer,  prostate cancer, and has many side effects.

For those of you interested in eating more plant-based, we highly recommend grabbing our favorite plant-based cookbooks and downloading the Food Monster App — with over 20,000 delicious recipes, it is the largest plant-based recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals, and get healthy! And, while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.

Here are some great resources to get you started:

• Weekly Vegan Meal Plans
• Plant-Based Health Resources
• Plant-Based Food & Recipes
• Plant-Based Nutrition Resources
• The Ultimate Guide to Plant-Based Nutrition
• Budget-Friendly Plant-Based Recipes
• High Protein Plant-Based Recipes
• Plant-Based Meal Prep
• Plant-Based Cookbooks 

For more Animal, Earth, Life, Vegan Food, Health, and Recipe content published daily, subscribe to the One Green Planet Newsletter! Lastly, being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!