I’ve found I really like using fresh lemon juice in many of my recipes, like chicken piccata. Especially since our family lives in a place where fresh citrus is widely available. This lemon pepper seasoning blend was born when I wanted to find a way to use all of those leftover lemon and lime peels!

I use leftover peels in cleaning products some of the time, but I also figured out a way to dry/dehydrate them for food use. I had been using lemon zest, salt, and pepper on quite a few recipes when I realized I should just pre-mix them and have them ready to go.

Plus it’s cheaper and healthier than the lemon pepper seasoning from the grocery store! Much of the time store store-bought spices have lots of added food-like synthetic ingredients.

How to Make Lemon Pepper

This process is very easy and you can do it one of two ways. If you’re using fresh lemon peels (lime works too), then they’ll need to be dried in the oven or dehydrator first. I then mix the freshly dried peels with whole peppercorns and salt. Either a food processor or spice grinder works well for this.

For an even faster version, you can combine pre-dried lemon peel granules with ground black pepper and salt. I’ve included links to all of the different ingredients in the recipe below.

Lemon pepper seems to be a polarizing spice, so if it isn’t your thing, check out my other herb and spice blends here.

What to Pair With Lemon Seasoning

I didn’t think I liked lemon pepper until pregnancy cravings made me obsessed with it. And the obsession never went away. Perfect on everything, in my opinion, it adds a delicious, mildly spicy lemon flavor to foods. For an extra savory flavor on meats and veggies, add a little onion powder and garlic powder too.

I like to use this seasoning in recipes like these:

Here’s how to make your own lemon pepper!

Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning Recipe

Homemade lemon pepper seasoning with lemon or lime zest, pepper, and salt is a great addition to fish, chicken, or vegetables.

• If using fresh lemons, preheat the oven to its lowest setting. Thoroughly zest the lemons and spread the fresh lemon out on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.

• Put into the oven on the lowest setting and leave until completely dried. Mine took about 70 minutes.

• When completely dried, mix with the peppercorns and salt in a food processor until well mixed. If making with pre-dried lemon peel, just mix all ingredients in a food processor until blended.

Nutrition Facts

Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning Recipe

Amount Per Serving (1 teaspoon)

Calories 3

% Daily Value*

Fat 0.03g0%

Saturated Fat 0.01g0%

Polyunsaturated Fat 0.01g

Monounsaturated Fat 0.01g

Sodium 764mg33%

Potassium 14mg0%

Carbohydrates 1g0%

Fiber 0.4g2%

Sugar 0.1g0%

Protein 0.1g0%

Vitamin A 6IU0%

Vitamin C 2mg2%

Calcium 6mg1%

Iron 0.1mg1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Store in a tightly sealed jar or airtight container in the cupboard. 

Do you make any of your own seasonings?