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GET IT NOWI’ve always loved the tangy, bright flavor of lemon pepper seasoning, but store-bought versions often fall flat or are loaded with unnecessary additives. That’s why I make my own! It might be less common than your everyday Italian seasoning or taco seasoning, but it’s definitely worth having in your pantry. My homemade lemon pepper seasoning recipe is super easy to throw together, and it adds a fresh, zesty taste to just about anything you sprinkle it on. Make it with me in just 5 minutes!
Why You Need My Lemon Pepper Seasoning
- Bright, zesty flavor – My homemade mix packs a punch with real lemon peel, giving it a fresh, citrusy kick you won’t find in store-bought versions.
- Just 6 simple, natural ingredients – You don’t need too many ingredients for the best lemon pepper seasoning! Plus, you’ll know exactly what’s going into your spice blend (no fillers), and it’s naturally gluten free.
- Super versatile – Whether it’s roasted veggies, baked chicken (I first made this for my lemon pepper wings), or seafood, this seasoning adds a burst of flavor that makes any dish feel special.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my lemon and pepper seasoning, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
- Lemon Peel – I use dried lemon peel like this for that bright, tangy citrus flavor that makes this seasoning stand out. If you can’t find it, you can make your own by drying fresh lemon zest (see my tips below).
- Dried Herbs – Dried thyme adds a subtle earthy flavor. You can substitute it with dried oregano or parsley if you prefer.
- Spices – Garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt (or any fine salt you’ve got is fine), and of course, black pepper.
How To Make Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Simply mix all the lemon pepper seasoning ingredients together! You can mix in a small bowl before transferring to an airtight container, or sometimes I just do it right in the container and shake to combine.
For a finer texture, you can grind the spices in a coffee grinder, spice grinder, or even mash them up with a mortar and pestle.
Recipe Variations
- Can you use fresh lemon peel? Yes, but you’ll have to dry it first. Zest your lemon finely, then spread the peel in a thin layer on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Dry in the oven on the lowest setting for 30-60 minutes, or for a few days on the counter.
- Do you have to add the salt? No, but most lemon pepper seasonings do contain salt, and so does mine. Feel free to leave it out if you want to control the salt in your dishes separately.
How To Store
Store your homemade lemon pepper seasoning in an airtight container.
You can use spice jars with lids, or just use small multi-purpose jars like I do (they are handy for so many things!). I also label my jars with a label maker like this.
The spice blend will keep for up to 2 years, but for the freshest flavor, I recommend using it within a year.
Ways To Use It
My lemon pepper seasoning recipe goes with all kinds of savory foods. I love it for chicken, seafood, veggies, and potatoes especially.
TIP: My rule of thumb is 2 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of chicken, 1 1/2 tablespoons per pound of seafood, or 1 tablespoon per pound of vegetables.
A lot of this has to do with getting the right amount of salt for that type of food, so be careful if you want to experiment with more or less.
Here are some of my favorite uses for lemon pepper:
- Chicken – I already mentioned my lemon pepper chicken wings, but it’s just as perfect for any of my other healthy chicken recipes.
- Fish & Seafood – Lemon is always a good idea for baked halibut, cod, or salmon. Sometimes I even use it to season lobster tails or baked shrimp.
- Roasted Vegetables – Just toss them with olive oil and lemon pepper seasoning before popping in the oven. I love these spices on roasted asparagus or brussels sprouts, but they’re yummy on roasted radishes or broccoli and cauliflower, too.
- Soups & Salads – Use this seasoning blend to add a lemony kick to my healthy detox soup or cucumber tomato salad.
- Potatoes – Give roasted potatoes or air fryer potatoes a zesty flavor.
- Marinades – Add it to the marinade from my lemon garlic chicken or grilled shrimp recipes for extra citrus bite.
Lemon Pepper Seasoning (5-Min Recipe)
Make my easy homemade lemon pepper seasoning in minutes, with just 6 simple ingredients. It's amazing on wings, seafood, and veggies!
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Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
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In a small bowl, stir all ingredients together.
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Store your lemon pepper seasoning in an airtight jar.
LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 teaspoon
- How much seasoning does this make? The recipe makes 1/2 cup. The serving size is based on how much seasoning you’d typically eat in a serving of whatever you put it on.
- Want to dry fresh lemon peel yourself? Just zest lemons finely and dry in the oven at the lowest temperature for 30-60 minutes, or on the counter for a few days.
- How do you use it? See my ideas above! My rule of thumb is 2 tablespoons of lemon pepper seasoning per pound of chicken, 1 1/2 tablespoons per pound of seafood, or 1 tablespoon per pound of vegetables.
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy.
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Lemon Pepper Seasoning
19 Comments
Jan
0Can I use table salt instead of sea salt ? Thank you
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Jan, Yes, you can.
Tammy
0This recipe is great! I’ve always used store bought seasoning but haven’t been able to find my usual brand. I especially love that I’ll be able to adjust the salt to my personal taste.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0I’m so glad you liked it, Tammy! Thank you.
Kim
0Hello. Have you considered making lemon pepper with fresh lemon verbena leaves? If so would you happen to know the ratios? Thank you. I have a bunch of lemon verbena to harvest in a couple of weeks.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Kim, Sorry, I’ve never tried that. Please let me know how it goes if you try it out!
Kim
0Thank you for your response. I’ll have to give it a go by trial and error?
lempepper
0Is the fastest way to dehydrate the lemon peel, to throw it in my dehydrator?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi, I usually buy the lemon peel already dehydrated, but you can also dry it in the oven on the lowest setting, or on the counter. I’ve added the details to the post!
Debbie
0What is the easiest way to make the dried lemon peel?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Debbie, I purchase the lemon peel already dried, but I’ve also dried it in the oven (use the lowest setting), or you can do it on the counter for a few days. I’ve updated the post with more details. Thank you for asking!
Donny
0Looks like a fantastic recipe! I definitely wanna make it. If you leave out the salt, will it still stay fresh for up to 1 year if properly stored? Will the dried lemon peel go bad faster without the salt acting as a preservative?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Thank you, Donny! Yes, it should still last a year without the salt, as long as the lemon peel is completely dried and you store it sealed in a dark place.
H. Winston
0This looks like a great recipe but I have a question about the garlic “powder” – the link to the Watkins products does say garlic powder but it really looks like granulated garlic. True garlic powder is really processed into a dust or powder just like talcum powder. I use both but for different purposes. Is this really more of a granulated garlic? Thank for the great site.
Also, I don’t see that you have a recipe for bacon wrapped zucchini wedges. It is one of our favorite appetizers or side that is really a keto friendly recipe. I have developed a quick version using Hidden Valley Ranch dressing powder for dredging prior to wrapping with the bacon. I would be happy to share if you have any interest.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0The term “powder” can vary in texture and coarseness from brand to brand, so feel free to use the coarseness you prefer in your cooking. I tend to like the more powdered varieties, personally. Thank you for the recipe suggestion! We would love to see your recipe over in our Facebook group!
Margo
0So so good good
Diane N
0Excellent! Used a mini processor to mix. I’m using to season sea scallops wrapped in bacon. Great multipurpose blend! TY
Justine
0I love homemade seasonings! They’re really so much cheaper than store bought (not to mention tastier). Lemon pepper is one of my favorite blends!
Katie
0So good. I know my family would love this!