19 spring dinners that won’t leave you needing a nap after
As the weather changes, dinner naturally follows along. Meals get lighter, flavors get fresher, and everything feels a bit less weighed down. These 19 spring dinners are cooking that feels a bit more relaxed.
Fennel, Lentil, and Salmon Salad
This super fresh salmon salad is loaded with crunchy veggies and hearty lentils, so it actually eats like a full meal. It’s colorful, filling, and way more exciting than your usual salad. Get the recipe: Fennel, Lentil, and Salmon Salad
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Salmon
This creamy salmon feels restaurant-level but is easy enough to pull off at home. It simmers in a garlicky cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, capers, spinach, and parmesan for a rich, comforting dish. Get the recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Salmon
Goat Cheese Frittata
This healthy goat cheese frittata is perfect for brunch or even dinner, with creamy texture and rich flavor in every bite. It’s also great for meal prep since the leftovers reheat beautifully. Get the recipe: Goat Cheese Frittata
Chicken Rice Salad with Fresh Basil
This cold rice salad is perfect for using all of that spring and summer basil. This fresh and delicious recipe has tons of flavors and textures. Tailor-made for light meals or meal-prepping lunches. Get the recipe: Chicken Rice Salad
Smoky BBQ Chicken Pasta
Nothing says spring and summer like BBQ, and this creamy BBQ chicken pasta combines those smoky, tangy, and savory notes. Tender chicken, a rich BBQ-infused sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together for an indulgent dish. Get the recipe: Creamy BBQ Chicken Pasta
Asparagus and Mushroom Pasta
This asparagus and mushroom pasta is light, fresh, and comes together fast without much effort. It uses just a handful of ingredients but still tastes like peak spring. Get the recipe: Asparagus and Mushroom Pasta
Zucchini Pizza Bites
Banish the gluten-laden delivery pizza forever. Zucchini makes a healthier crust alternative, and then it’s all about the toppings, baby! Cheese, salami, fresh basil, and the rest. Get the recipe: Zucchini Pizza Bites
Caesar Salad Pizza
Caesar salad pizza is one of those unexpected combinations that just works. Crisp, fresh flavors meet a warm, cheesy base for something that feels a little different but totally makes sense. Get the recipe: Caesar Salad Pizza
Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake
This creamy chicken pasta tosses fresh spinach and tomatoes in a rich, comforting sauce and bakes it to perfection. Using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream keeps it lighter without skimping on flavor. Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake
Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich)
This bánh mì is loaded with tender pork, crunchy veggies, mayo, and fresh herbs on a crusty baguette. It looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make at home and works just as well for a quick lunch as it does for dinner. Get the recipe: Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich)
Spaghetti with Creamy Goat Cheese
Spaghetti meets its match with this creamy goat cheese sauce that’s rich, smooth, and slightly tangy. Tossed with fresh herbs and a touch of garlic, it’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s ready in no time. Get the recipe: Spaghetti with Creamy Goat Cheese Sauce
One Pot Lemon Butter Shrimp Orzo
This one pot lemon butter shrimp orzo is fresh, flavorful, and packed with protein. It comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup and tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant. Get the recipe: One Pot Lemon Butter Shrimp Orzo
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
This salad has got it all. Creamy dressing, crunchy almonds, sweet apples, and tender chicken. Add in a punch of color and flavor with a sprinkle of green onions, and you’re on your way to a belly-rubbing good time. Get the recipe: Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
Baked Tomato Basil Chicken
This baked tomato basil chicken feels a little fancy but couldn’t be easier, with a creamy white wine and parmesan sauce. No frying, no mess, this is just a solid, go-to recipe that delivers every time. Get the recipe: Baked Tomato Basil Chicken
Chicken Soup with Zucchini Noodles
Craving the comfort of classic chicken soup but with a lighter spin? This chicken soup with zucchini noodles is light, cozy, and perfect for weeknight dinners. Get the recipe: Chicken Soup with Zucchini Noodles
Sweet Pea Risotto
This sweet pea risotto is simple, fresh, and just a little fancy. Fresh or frozen peas make it easy to get that naturally sweet, early-summer flavor every time. Get the recipe: Sweet Pea Risotto
Homestyle Burgers
These homestyle burgers keep it simple but deliver where it counts. Made with good-quality beef, a few solid seasonings, and one unexpected ingredient for extra juiciness, they cook up perfectly browned. Get the recipe: Homestyle Burgers
Healthy Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta
This shrimp and asparagus pasta is bright, lemony, and comes together fast without a ton of effort. It uses just a handful of ingredients and is ready in about 20 minutes. Get the recipe: Healthy Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta
Spaghetti al Limone (Creamy Lemon Pasta)
Spaghetti al limone hits that same creamy, comforting note as mac and cheese, but with a bright lemon twist. With just five ingredients, it comes together easily and can be enjoyed as is or bulked up with veggies or protein for something more filling. Get the recipe: Spaghetti al Limone