Prep: 5 This Lemon Pepper Seasoning is a game-changer, adding a burst of fresh, tangy flavor to any dish in no time flat. After multiple batches and taste tests, this is the BEST homemade seasoning recipe you’ll find—simple, speedy, flavorful, and perfected! This is my go-to seasoning for salmon, chicken, and so much more. Trust me, you’ll never use store-bought again!
Lemon Pepper Seasoning Recipe
As a busy, working mom of three little kids, seasoning blends are one of my favorite hacks for healthy eating and making quick, easy meals. They’re a ready-to-use mix that add flavor without having to use multiple spices and extra measuring!
This Lemon Pepper Seasoning is SO GOOD, and can be used in endless ways. My Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp is ready in just 20 minutes and made even faster by substituting with this homemade lemon pepper. Who knew you could replace store-bought spice blends with even better ingredients in just 7 minutes at home? I’ve been loving this homemade seasoning and I know you’re going to love it, too!
Love Spice Blends? Make My BBQ Seasoning Recipe!
Why You’ll Love this Lemon Pepper
- Balanced Flavor – Often times, Lemon Pepper Seasonings can be overly salty and strong with a fake lemon flavor. Not this one! You’ll love the subtle lemon flavor, fragrant pepper, and just the right amount of salt.
- Easy to Make – It’s super simple to dehydrate fresh lemon zest in the microwave, combine the seasonings, and then use this delicious seasoning. You’ll never buy it again!
- Ready in Minutes – Literally, just a few minutes (7 minutes, to be exact) and it’s ready to use, or give to friends and family so they can enjoy it, too.
- Easy to Store – Store this homemade lemon pepper seasoning in these airtight spice jars (opens in a new tab) (or any airtight container) at room temperature for up to 3-6 months!
Ingredients In Lemon Pepper
With only 5 ingredients that you probably have in your pantry, you can whip this up SO fast! Here’s what you need:
- Fresh Lemons – Fresh lemon zest goes in this seasoning recipe. Choose deep yellow lemons that are medium to large in size. You can substitute it with 2 Tablespoons of granulated dried lemon peel. (opens in a new tab)
- Ground Pepper – For a stronger pepper flavor, freshly grind the pepper before measuring it out.
- Kosher Salt – I love using kosher salt (opens in a new tab) in seasoning blends. It has a coarse texture, unlike iodized salt, and incorporates well into the blend. You can substitute it with coarse sea salt (opens in a new tab) or Himalayan pink salt (opens in a new tab).
- Garlic Powder (opens in a new tab) – I love the Simply Organic brand of spices. The flavor is always consistent and the quality is great!
- Onion Powder (opens in a new tab)
How to Make Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Did you know you can dehydrate citrus zest in the microwave in just a few minutes? Follow these easy steps for how to make homemade lemon pepper seasoning:
- Place the lemon zest on a paper towel on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with another paper towel. Microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring between, until it is completely dry.
- Add the dried zest and other ingredients to a bowl, and stir really well.
- Store the seasoning in an airtight jar for 3-6 months.
How to Use the Best Lemon Pepper
There are truly endless possibilities when it comes to using this homemade seasoning blend. Here are some ideas for what to make with lemon pepper seasoning:
- Roasted Veggies – Heat oven to 375 degrees F, add whatever veggies you love to a sheet pan, and toss the vegetables with 1 Tablespoon avocado oil and 2 Tablespoons Lemon Pepper Seasoning. Bake for 20 minutes or until desired doneness. Our family loves roasted brussel sprouts, asparagus, onions, potatoes, broccoli, and mushrooms.
- Lemon Pepper Chicken, Fish, & More – Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning is SO GOOD on proteins. I love using it on chicken breasts, shrimp, and salmon the most. Just sprinkle both sides of your protein before cooking or baking!
- Vinaigrette – Add a teaspoon of Lemon Pepper to this Easy Classic Lemon Vinaigrette recipe in place of the salt and pepper for an even more flavorful dressing option! Drizzle it over salads, cooked veggies, or a sandwich. Yum!
- Healthy Avocado Egg Salad Recipe – Swap the salt & pepper in this recipe with 1 1/2 – 2 teaspoons of Lemon Pepper. It brings the flavor up another notch, trust me!
- Instant Pot Shredded Chicken – Sprinkle the chicken breasts with the lemon pepper seasoning, add the chicken broth, and cook according to the recipe instructions. This lemon pepper shredded chicken would be perfect for meal prep on a busy week.
- Boost Lemony Recipes – Recipes that have lemon-forward flavors are made even more robust with a sprinkle of your Lemon Pepper Seasoning. I love adding it to my Lemon Garlic Eggplant Mushroom Orzo, Chicken Lemon Rice Soup, and Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta.
- Lemon Pepper Popcorn – Movie night just got way more exciting! Sprinkle a little over freshly made popcorn and stir well to coat it all.
Lemon Pepper Seasoning Tips
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less black pepper.
- For a stronger lemon flavor, grind the dried lemon peel before adding it to the other ingredients, or use 1 drop of food-grade lemon oil (opens in a new tab).
- If you prefer not to microwave the zest, you can dry it on the counter for a few days covered lightly with a paper towel, or set your oven to the lowest temperature and dry it on a parchment-lined sheet pan for 20-30 minutes, watching closely so it doesn’t burn.
- Check the expiration dates on your pepper, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder before using them. The flavors fade as spices age so your blend will taste much better with fresher spices!
Storing Lemon Pepper Seasoning
- Room Temperature – Store in an airtight jar (opens in a new tab) or container for 3-6 months.
- Fridge or Freezer – Extend the life of your seasoning by storing it in the refrigerator or freezer for up to 1 year in an airtight jar, container, or freezer bag.
More Healthy Lemon Recipes You’ll Love
- Lemon Ice Cream
- Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing
- Gluten-Free Lemon Bars
- The BEST Lemon Balsamic Lentil Salad
- Lemon Basil Pesto Salmon
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Lemon Pepper Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 medium lemons, zested (about 4 Tablespoons dried zest)
- 2 Tablespoons ground pepper
- 2 Tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon onion powder
Instructions
- Zest the 4 lemons and place the zest on a paper towel on a microwave-safe plate, and cover with another paper towel.
- Microwave for 30 seconds at a time, lightly stirring between, until the zest is dry. About 2 minutes.
- Combine the zest to the rest of the ingredients, stir well, and store in an airtight jar for up to 3-6 months.
- For a stronger lemon flavor, grind the dried lemon zest before mixing it.
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this? I’d love to see!
Tag me on socials at @JarOfLemons (opens in a new tab) or #JarOfLemons (opens in a new tab)
This was so simple and so delicious. I just eyeballed the ingredients and it turned out spectacular!! Added this to chicken meatballs and it took the recipe to a whole new level. Highly recommend!
Thanks so much, Lindsey. I’m glad you enjoyed this seasoning!
Just made this – stunning!!
Thanks so much, Celie!