Lemon pepper seasoning is a spice blend made with dried lemon zest, black pepper, and salt. Optional add-ins include garlic powder, onion powder, or red chile flakes. Making lemon pepper and other spice blends at home ensures that your ingredients are fresh, making them exponentially more flavourful than store-bought spice mixes.

Lemon peel and black pepper contain essential oils and aromatic compounds that lose their potency over time once exposed to the air. Black peppercorns are especially susceptible to flavour dissipation, so always grind them fresh.