Bright and zesty citrus is lemon is a great way to add flavour to all kinds of dishes, both sweet and savoury. If you have food allergies, you’ll love this collection of allergy friendly lemon recipes. You’ll find everything from dips, sides and salads through to delicious sweet treats, cakes and desserts. All our allergy friendly lemon recipes are free from top allergens including nuts, eggs, dairy and wheat/gluten.
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Lemon allergies?
Lemon allergies are rare, but it is of course possible to be allergic to anything at all, including lemons and other citrus fruits.
Some people with oral allergy syndrome – also known as pollen food allergy syndrome – may also experience an itchy mouth and other symptoms from lemon in foods and drinks, especially if it isn’t cooked. Lemons contain proteins called profilins that can cause oral allergy syndrome.
While lemon allergies are uncommon, some people with a cashew allergy may also react to citrus seeds. So you may need to watch out for stray seeds making it into your lemon dishes if you are allergic to cashews.
If you have an allergy to lemons, skip these lemony recipes and head over to our recipes page for some other delicious ideas.
Cooking with lemons
All of these allergy friendly lemon recipes use fresh lemons, usually lemon juice and zest from the lemon rind. When zesting lemons or using whole lemon pieces, it’s a good idea to remove any fruit wax from store bought lemons first. You’ll also need a lemon zester or grater and a citrus juicer or reamer for many of these recipes.
For some recipes, you can substitute bottled lemon juice – but just be sure to check for your allergens (for example, some can contain sulfites in the preservatives).
If you have lemons to use, you’re sure to find something tasty in this allergy friendly lemon recipe collection.
Lemon appetisers
Start your meal with these delicious lemon flavoured appetisers (entrees) that are perfect for sharing. Dips can be served with wheat and gluten free pita bread crackers or vegetable crudités.
Lemon and white bean dip with herbs
This lemon and white bean dip is combines zesty lemon with lots of fresh herbs. It’s so quick and easy to make and is ready to share in under 10 minutes. Enjoy with gluten free crackers or add to a dips platter with other allergy friendly dips.
Vegan Skordalia – Greek lemon, garlic and potato dip
Delicious vegan Skordalia is a traditional style Greek lemon, potato and garlic dip. Serve warm as an amazing dip, or enjoy as a side with other allergy friendly Greek inspired dishes.
Our allergy-friendly Greek Skordalia recipe is dairy free, gluten free and vegan so you can easily cater to lots of different dietary requirements.
Lemon flavoured sides, salads and mains
Lemon flavours go perfectly with a host of savoury dishes, including meats like lamb or pork, chicken, fish, haloumi and fetta chesses, and plant based protein like tofu. Add a lemon side to your main dish or include generous amounts of lemon when cooking the main event.
Lemon fennel and cucumber salad
Lots of fennel salads are made with orange, but lemon is the star of this lemon fennel and cucumber salad. The lemon, garlic and chili infused dressing adds a hint of spice to the refreshing greens.
This salad is naturally free from top allergens and is gluten free and vegan.
Gluten free Greek lemon rice pilaf
Rice pilaf is made with a mix of rice and orzo pasta, which is usually wheat based. This gluten free Greek lemon rice pilaf uses gluten free orzo instead. It’s also vegan.
This zesty rice recipe is packed with flavours from the lemon and fresh herbs. It’s perfect to serve as a side with so many mains.
One pan lemon chicken with potatoes and tomatoes
Who doesn’t love a one pan dinner, where everything goes in together? This tasty lemon chicken dish combines tender chicken pieces with wedges of potato and truss cherry tomatoes, all topped with lemon and herbs and baked in the oven.
It’s a quick and easy dairy free dinner that’s free from all of the top allergens and is gluten free too.
Allergy friendly desserts with lemon
Zesty, tart lemon is the perfect match for the sweetness of desserts and other sweet treats. Explore nut, egg, dairy and gluten free lemon treats from lemon slice and cookies to cake and pudding.
Dairy and gluten free lemon slice
Our gluten and dairy free lemon slice is one of our most popular recipes. It’s a delicious no-bake slice that’s easy to make and has no dairy, eggs, nuts or gluten. The lemon biscuit base is topped with lemon icing for even more citrus flavour.
Vegan lemon slice makes a delicious snack and is perfect for sharing with anyone with special dietary requirements.
Allergy friendly lemon granita
Lemon granita is a traditional Italian lemon ice treat that’s made with just fresh lemons and sugar syrup. It’s cool and refreshing and free from top allergens, making it the perfect summer dessert for people with food allergies or intolerances.
Not only is this icy dessert allergy friendly and naturally glute free and vegan, it’s also so simple to make without any special equipment needed.
Lemon zucchini and poppy seed cake
A loaf cake with a difference, this lemon zucchini and poppy seed cake combines zesty lemon with the goodness of zucchini (also known as courgette).
This lemon cake is made without milk or eggs, so is completely vegan, and is also made with gluten free flour. It’s finished with a tangy lemon glaze and fresh lemon slices.
Dairy and egg free lemon crinkle cookies
Everyone loves lemon cookies, and our allergy friendly recipe means no one has to miss out. These light and airy dairy and egg free lemon cookies are rolled in icing sugar (powdered sugar) before baking to give the classic crinkle finish.
Our lemon cookies are vegan and can also easily be made gluten free if needed.
Allergy friendly lemon and coconut balls
Enjoy the same delicious taste as lemon slice, but in a bite sized ball that’s perfect for snacking. These allergy friendly lemon and coconut balls and dairy, egg, nut and gluten free – and vegan too. Perfect for sharing with friends and family with food allergies or dietary needs.
Dairy free Greek lemon rice pudding
Lemons are a common ingredient in Greek cuisine. Another Greek inspired dish, this dairy free Greek rice pudding (or Rigazolo) is flavoured with plenty of lemon and cinnamon. It’s delicious enjoyed warm or cold, for a dessert (or even for breakfast!).
Vegan lemon curd
Lemon curd – or lemon cheese – is a delicious lemon spread, often used to fill cakes or tarts.
Traditionally lemon curd is made with eggs and butter, but this vegan lemon curd recipe is completely egg and dairy free, making it perfect for people with food allergies to enjoy.
Try spooning into gluten free pastry cases for a delicious lemon treat.
More allergy friendly recipes
If you enjoyed these delicious allergy friendly lemon recipes, you may also like our other citrus flavoured recipes like our vegan orange poppy seed muffins, dairy and egg free lime and coconut cake. You’ll find lots more ideas to try on our allergy friendly recipes page.
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