It's actually ok, it definitely needs 3 things ..IMO

1. Better lighting
2. Use ungrated and unsqweezed lemons.
3. Remove the debris and crumbs..they distract the eyes too much.

I realise you were going for the just done look, thus the finished product surrounded by the used ingredients.. I get that. But people eat and assess food with their eyes..its just human nature, so although the rustic fruit of my labour look is laudible..it tricks the eye that it looks like leftovers.

I have mixed feelings about this picture... but it did attract and hold my attention, so in that respect, I think it's great, or... I suppose it has zest.
I've read some on the other comments and I don't disagree, with them, but art (photography) is very subjective. To me, it has a feel of something between contrived and spontaneous.
If you like it, that's all that really matters.
...and now I'm hungry.

Where is the oyster

I like your photo very much. The crowded lemons falling out of the picture plane and the knife jutting into it, the over head view...reminded me of a form of expressionism, perhaps mimicking the piquancy of your mignonette.

That's a lovely photo. Lots to keep the interest and spur the imagination. Just looking at freshly squeezed lemons does something.

I hate cooking...but that pic is surely catchy and original...and refreshing! So I vote, a yes on the pic and ofcourse I love people ‘that cook!’

As someone with lifelong interest in photography, I recommend making the image less busy. If you look at the way food is presented on a plate in gourmet restaurants, simplicity prevails. The separate elements you have chosen work well in a yellow palate but need to be arranged better. Don't have the lemons falling off board for example.

Cool pic! The dish sounds delicious. Why aren't you in the cooking group? Seems like you would have a lot to contribute.