Spring is here, and that means it’s time to refresh your dinner rotation with bright, seasonal flavors! As the days get longer and the weather warms up, our cravings shift from hearty stews to lighter, fresher meals.
Did you know? 75% of home cooks prefer lighter meals in spring compared to winter comfort foods. That’s why we’ve curated a mix of quick, healthy, and family-friendly dishes—all bursting with fresh herbs, crisp veggies, and lean proteins.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight fix, a show-stopping dinner party dish, or a veggie-packed meal, these 11 spring dinner recipes will bring sunshine to your table. Let’s dive in!
Why Spring Recipes Are a Must-Try
Before we get to the recipes, let’s talk about why cooking with seasonal ingredients is a game-changer:
✅ Better Flavor – Spring produce like asparagus, peas, and strawberries are at their peak, meaning more vibrant taste.
✅ More Nutritious – Fresher ingredients retain more vitamins and antioxidants.
✅ Budget-Friendly – Seasonal produce is often cheaper and more abundant.
✅ Lighter Cooking – Swap heavy sauces for bright citrus, fresh herbs, and light grilling.
Now, let’s get cooking!
11 Delicious Spring Dinner Recipes
1. Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins | Servings: 4
A quick 20-minute meal that’s packed with zesty lemon, garlicky butter, and tender shrimp. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients:
- Large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- Fresh asparagus spears
- Butter, garlic, lemon juice, parsley
Pro Tip: Serve over quinoa or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
2. Spring Pea & Mint Risotto
Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins | Servings: 4
Creamy, comforting, and bursting with fresh spring flavors, this risotto is a crowd-pleaser.
Key Ingredients:
- Arborio rice
- Fresh or frozen peas
- Fresh mint, Parmesan cheese, vegetable broth
Make It Fancy: Top with crispy prosciutto or toasted pine nuts for extra crunch.
3. Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Spinach Salad
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins | Servings: 4
Sweet strawberries, tangy balsamic glaze, and juicy grilled chicken make this salad a springtime staple.
Key Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Fresh strawberries, baby spinach
- Balsamic glaze, goat cheese (optional)
Meal Prep Tip: Grill extra chicken for easy lunches throughout the week.
4. One-Pan Herb-Roasted Salmon & Potatoes
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Servings: 4
Minimal cleanup, maximal flavor! This sheet-pan dinner is loaded with omega-3s and fresh herbs.
Key Ingredients:
- Salmon fillets
- Baby potatoes, lemon, dill, garlic
Serving Suggestion: Pair with a simple arugula salad for a complete meal.
5. Creamy Pesto Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Servings: 4
A 25-minute vegetarian delight with a rich cashew pesto sauce (dairy-free option included).
Key Ingredients:
- Pasta of choice
- Basil, cashews, nutritional yeast (for vegan pesto)
- Sun-dried tomatoes
Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken or white beans for extra heartiness.
6. Honey Glazed Carrot & Chickpea Grain Bowl
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove
- 4 cups baby greens
Instructions:
- Cook quinoa according to package directions.
- Toss carrots and chickpeas with honey, olive oil and cumin. Roast at 400°F for 20 minutes.
- Blend tahini, lemon juice, garlic and 1/4 cup water for dressing.
- Assemble bowls with quinoa, greens, roasted veggies and drizzle with dressing.
Make Ahead: Roast veggies and cook quinoa up to 3 days in advance.
7. Garlic Butter Lamb Chops with Spring Vegetables
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 8 lamb chops
- 1 lb spring vegetables (radishes, carrots, zucchini)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season lamb chops with salt, pepper and rosemary.
- Heat 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chops 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Remove and set aside.
- In same skillet, add vegetables and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add remaining butter and garlic, cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Serve lamb with vegetables and pan sauce.
Wine Pairing: A bold Cabernet Sauvignon complements the rich lamb.
8. Crispy Halloumi & Watermelon Salad
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 5 mins | Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 8 oz halloumi cheese, sliced
- 3 cups cubed watermelon
- 2 cups arugula
- 1/4 cup mint leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook halloumi 2 minutes per side until golden.
- Combine watermelon, arugula and mint in a bowl.
- Whisk remaining oil, lime juice, honey, salt and pepper for dressing.
- Top salad with halloumi and drizzle with dressing.
Serving Tip: Add toasted pistachios for extra crunch.
9. Mushroom & Leek Frittata
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 8 eggs
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 leek, sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté leeks and mushrooms in olive oil until soft.
- Whisk eggs with milk, salt and pepper.
- Pour eggs over vegetables in oven-safe skillet. Sprinkle with feta.
- Cook on stovetop for 2 minutes, then transfer to oven for 15 minutes until set.
Make It Vegan: Use chickpea flour instead of eggs and vegan cheese.
10. Thai-Inspired Coconut Curry with Spring Veggies
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 can coconut milk
- 2 cups mixed spring vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, snap peas)
- 1 tbsp red curry paste
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 lime (juice)
- 1/4 cup basil leaves
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions:
- Sauté curry paste in a pot for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in vegetables and cook for 8-10 minutes until tender.
- Season with fish sauce, sugar and lime juice.
- Garnish with basil and serve over rice.
Spice Level: Add sliced chili peppers for extra heat.
11. Grilled Steak & Asparagus with Chimichurri
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb flank steak
- 1 bunch asparagus
- 1 cup parsley
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Blend parsley, garlic, olive oil, vinegar and pepper flakes for chimichurri.
- Season steak with salt and pepper. Grill to desired doneness (4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare). Let rest.
- Toss asparagus with oil, salt and pepper. Grill for 5 minutes.
- Slice steak against the grain and serve with asparagus and chimichurri.
Leftover Idea: Use steak and chimichurri in sandwiches the next day.
Conclusion
Spring dinners should be fresh, easy, and full of flavor—and these 11 recipes deliver exactly that! Whether you’re cooking for one or hosting a family meal, there’s something here for every palate.
Which recipe will you try first? Tag us on Instagram with your creations! 🌿
