Spring meals are like a breath of fresh air for your kitchen—light, vibrant, and bursting with flavor.
As the days get longer and the flowers bloom, it’s the perfect time to swap out those heavy winter dishes for something that feels as bright as the season.
Think crisp greens, zesty citrus, and meals that make you feel good from the inside out.
If you’re ready to shake up your routine with fresh, seasonal ingredients, keep reading—because these ideas are about to become your new favorites.
Easy Spring Meals
1
Pasta with Pancetta and Peas
Photo Credit: scarlatifamilykitchen.com
Pasta with pancetta and peas is the perfect easy weeknight dinner made in less than 20 minutes!
Thick cut pancetta is cooked till perfectly crispy, mixed with green peas, then tossed with orecchiette pasta and grated parmesan cheese.
2
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Photo Credit: soreyfitness.com
Keep the regular oven off and make this Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe that’s ready in just under 20 minutes.
It’s healthy, delicious, and the perfect mixture of crispy and juicy!
3
Creamy Asparagus Ravioli with Sausage and Peas
Photo Credit: www.sungrownkitchen.com
Creamy Asparagus Ravioli with Sausage and Peas brings out the best in that seasonal spring asparagus!
Deliciously creamy, this simple dinner is fancy looking but ready in just 20 minutes!
4
Baked Chicken Leg Quarters
Photo Credit: recipesfromapantry.com
Baked chicken leg quarters is a simple all-in-one sheet pan dinner that’s simple and easy to make!
This dish looks impressive, but requires minimal prep and few ingredients.
5
Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Photo Credit: www.the-pasta-project.com
This delightful spaghetti al limone with ricotta has a delicious fresh spring taste and intense citrus flavor.
All you need is fresh ricotta and basil, lemons and grated Parmigiano or vegetarian parmesan to make the no-cook sauce.
6
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Burgers
Photo Credit: basicswithbails.com
If you love easy dinners with simple ingredients then look no further than these Chicken Burgers in the air fryer.
With very little prep and cook time, these air fryer ground chicken burgers are a healthy meal that the whole family will enjoy.
7
Pesto Grilled Salmon with Strawberry Cucumber Salsa
Photo Credit: thesuburbansoapbox.com
If you’re craving a lighter fare that checks all the right flavor boxes, then you ‘ll love this easy Grilled Pesto Salmon with Strawberry Cucumber Salsa.
Flaky, flavorful salmon served with fresh and fun strawberry cucumber salsa is the perfect springtime dish!
Pro Tip– Keep It Fresh and Local
Spring meals shine when you use seasonal, locally-sourced produce. Visit farmers’ markets or check the seasonal section of your grocery store for ingredients like asparagus, peas, and rhubarb. Fresh produce not only tastes better but also supports local growers and reduces your carbon footprint.
8
Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls
Photo Credit: nourishedbynic.com
These buffalo chicken rice bowls are so flavorful and fun!
Made with easy buffalo chicken tenders and full of fresh seasonal veggies this is a meal everyone will love!
9
Easy Pineapple Pork Chops
Photo Credit: www.acedarspoon.com
Easy pineapple pork chops combine juicy, tender pork chops with the sweet and sour flavors of pineapple, onion and garlic, and just a touch of honey for added sweetness.
This quick pork skillet is the perfect quick weeknight meal. Plus, cleanup is quick with just one pan.
10
Bruschetta Chicken Bake
Photo Credit: zenandhoney.com
Balsamic vinegar chicken meets fresh bruschetta ingredients and is topped with cheese and more balsamic vinegar for the ultimate weeknight dinner!
Bruschetta Chicken Bake is a simple, flavorful dinner everyone will obsess over!
Pro Tip– Balance Lightness with Flavor
Spring is the time to swap heavy comfort foods for lighter options that still pack a punch. Use citrus, fresh herbs, and vinegars to add brightness to salads, soups, and main dishes. A simple lemon zest or a handful of chopped mint can completely transform your meal.
11
Tuna Melt Stuffed Tomatoes
Photo Credit: 4sonrus.com
Ripe, juicy hollowed out tomatoes are stuffed with hearty tuna salad and topped with spiced Havarti cheese.
Just like the iconic open faced sandwich, these are baked in the oven– roasting the tomatoes and baking their flavor right into the tuna while melting the cheese to form a golden brown crust on top.
12
Chicken Caesar Wrap
Photo Credit: simplyscrumptiouseats.com
These quick and easy Chicken Caesar Wraps are light, healthy and delicious!
They are made in about 10 minutes and are perfect for a springtime lunch or simple dinner.
13
Lemony Flank Steak with Pomegranate Molasses
Photo Credit: omgyummy.com
So simple, but the flavor combination is sublime. Also fabulous with lamb chops!
The sauce is created while the meat rests — amazingly easy. Plus, it’s basically a 3-ingredient dish.
14
Avocado Chicken Salad
Photo Credit: www.ihearteating.com
This quick avocado chicken salad recipe takes just 15 minutes to make if you use leftover (or rotisserie) shredded chicken.
Topped with homemade cilantro lime dressing, it has all the fresh spring flavors.
15
Corned Beef with Cabbage
Photo Credit: www.chewoutloud.com
Slow Cooker Corned Beef with Cabbage is a great all-in-one meal. It’s easy, tasty, and amazingly fork-tender. It’s perfect for gatherings.
Pro Tip– Prep Ahead for Easy Meals
Spring is busy, so prepping ingredients ahead can save you tons of time. Chop veggies, wash greens, or marinate proteins in advance so you can throw together a quick meal after work. This way, you’ll have no excuse to skip a fresh, vibrant spring dinner.
16
Lamb Kabobs
Photo Credit: www.spendwithpennies.com
Fresh cubes of lamb are lightly marinated in savory herbs and seasonings and then grilled with colorful veggies to tender perfection!
They’re healthy, packed with flavor, and best of all, an easy spring meal that everyone loves.
17
BLT Quinoa Bowls
Photo Credit: wheatbythewayside.com
Crispy bacon, spicy arugula, and juicy tomatoes are placed atop a bed of quinoa and drizzled with a tangy yogurt dressing.
Make this for the perfect meal prep lunch or satisfyingly easy dinner!
18
Chicken Stacked Enchiladas
Photo Credit: www.modernhoney.com
Quick and easy Stacked Chicken Enchiladas are made with very few ingredients.
Corn tortillas, rotisserie chicken, roasted salsa verde, Mexican cheese, and topped with your favorite toppings such as avocado, jalapeños, sour cream, queso fresco, and fresh cilantro.
19
Easy Blackened Chicken Tacos
Photo Credit: blessthismeal.com
Boldly seasoned blackened chicken, seasoned to perfection, nestled in warm tortillas and topped with fresh toppings, these Blackened Chicken Tacos have an explosion of flavors in each bite.
20
Quick Flatbread Pizza Margherita
Photo Credit: happykitchen.rocks
This delicious Margherita flatbread pizza recipe is going to be your new favorite flatbread pizza.
It’s delicious and easy to assemble using store bought naan bread, making for a tasty light lunch or dinner meal when you don’t really feel like cooking.
21
Easy Shrimp Fajitas
Photo Credit: www.apinchofhealthy.com
If you need a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, then look no further than this shrimp fajitas recipe!
With juicy shrimp and a flavorful fajita filling, this dish is sure to become a favorite on your regular rotation.
Pro Tip– Play with Textures
Great spring meals are all about layering textures—think crunchy radishes paired with creamy goat cheese or tender asparagus with crispy roasted chickpeas. Mixing textures keeps your dishes interesting and satisfying. Don’t be afraid to experiment with toppings like toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
22
Lime Chicken Pasta Salad
Photo Credit: stylishcravings.com
Since this lime pasta salad recipe takes less than 30 minutes to make, it’s the perfect lunch or dinner on busy days.
With the chicken, pasta, and romaine all served together, it’s easy to eat on the patio or deck.
23
Tomato Pie
Photo Credit: 4sonrus.com
With thick slices of juicy tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, & bright red onion, this savory tomato pie is piled high in a buttery pie shell & topped with a cheesy spread.
Perfect for brunch or dinner, this tomato pie recipe is a simple Southern delicacy that delivers big flavor.
24
Mexican Zucchini Skillet
Photo Credit: www.acedarspoon.com
This easy Mexican Zucchini is made in one skillet and is sure to be a family favorite.
You will love your favorite taco ingredients mixed with light zucchini noodles creating a low-carb, filling meal.
25
Instant Pot Lemon Chicken
Photo Credit: www.savorysweetspoon.com
Packed with flavor, Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe will be on your table in under 30 minutes.
The chicken is drizzled with a zesty and bright sauce which makes it irresistible! Serve with rice, pasta, potatoes, or veggies on the side.
26
Easy Chicken Stir Fry
Photo Credit: cookingwithmouna.com
With simple and quick steps, you can whip up a healthy and satisfying Stir Fry dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
The tenderness of the chicken, the aroma of fresh garlic, and the crunch of bell peppers all come together quicker and tastier than takeout.
27
Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
Photo Credit: biteswithbri.com
This quick & easy Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes is the perfect light spring dinner.
It is full of fresh blistered tomatoes, basil, parmesan cheese, and garlic. Best of all, it comes together in only about 15 minutes.
Pro Tip– Make Herbs Your Best Friend
Fresh herbs are the secret weapon of spring cooking. Use parsley, dill, chives, or basil generously in everything from salads to pasta dishes. If you have leftover herbs, chop them up and freeze them in olive oil for an easy flavor boost later on.
28
Thai Yellow Curry with Chicken
Photo Credit: www.simplysuwanee.com
Authentic Thai Yellow Curry with Chicken is mild with a savory and creamy sauce of coconut cream, yellow potatoes, and chicken.
This recipe is super simple, using only a few ingredients with minimal steps.
29
Prosciutto and Pea Shoot Pizza
Photo Credit: www.lifeasastrawberry.com
Easy homemade Prosciutto and Pea Shoot Pizza is packed with bright, spring flavor.
Start with a quick pea pesto base, add fresh mozzarella and prosciutto, and top it off with a handful of fresh pea shoots or pea tendrils!
30
Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad
Photo Credit: thelittlestcrumb.com
This strawberry goat cheese salad is the perfect spring and summer salad!
Made with fresh strawberries, goat cheese, spinach, walnuts & pine nuts, then drizzled with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette with a hint of cinnamon.
31
Roasted Lemon Salmon & Asparagus Sheet Pan
Photo Credit: kalynskitchen.com
Roasted Lemon Salmon and Asparagus Sheet Pan Meal is delicious and incredibly simple to make.
Simply toss everything on a baking sheet and let your oven do all the work!
32
Air Fryer Apricot Glazed Chicken Thighs
Photo Credit: ditchingcarbs.com
With only 7 main ingredients, these Glazed Chicken Thighs are so easy to make!
Whipped up in the air fryer, the thighs come out with a crispy exterior and a tender, juicy, chicken inside.
33
Gnocchi with Basil Brown Butter
Photo Credit: www.rachaelhartleynutrition.com
This gnocchi recipe is so simple yet so satisfying! Fluffy gnocchi in a skillet with farmers market veggies and a quick brown butter sauce.
34
Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers
Photo Credit: becentsational.com
Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers are a delicious combination of ground beef, bell peppers, and mozzarella cheese.
Truly a mouthwatering dish that’s also nutritious!
35
Halloumi Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Photo Credit: nibbleanddine.com
This grilled halloumi sandwich is a satisfying weeknight dinner, ready in only about 15 minutes!
Halloumi cheese slices and onions are grilled (or pan-fried) and layered with tomatoes, lettuce, and a quick garlicky mayo.
Final Thoughts
Spring meals are all about embracing the season’s natural abundance while keeping things simple yet satisfying. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a casual brunch with friends, there’s something special about using fresh, seasonal ingredients that speak to the vibrancy of spring.
Here are some actionable tips to help you make the most of this delightful season in your kitchen:
- Shop Seasonal Produce: Hit up your local farmers’ market or grocery store and stock up on springtime staples like asparagus, peas, radishes, and strawberries. These ingredients not only taste better when they’re in season but also bring a pop of color to your plate.
- Lighten Up Your Recipes: Swap out heavier ingredients for fresher alternatives. For example, replace creamy sauces with lemon vinaigrettes or use yogurt-based dressings for a lighter touch.
- Experiment with Herbs: Fresh herbs like mint, basil, dill, and parsley thrive in spring. Add them generously to salads, soups, or even desserts for an aromatic boost.
- Grill It Up: Take advantage of sunny days by firing up the grill. Grilled vegetables or lean proteins like chicken or fish pair beautifully with spring-inspired sides.
- Try One-Pan Wonders: Keep cleanup minimal with sheet pan dinners featuring spring vegetables and a protein of your choice. Toss everything in olive oil and seasoning, roast it in the oven, and you’ve got a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious.
- Embrace Lighter Desserts: Spring is ideal for fruity desserts. Think strawberry shortcakes, lemon bars, or even a simple fruit salad drizzled with honey and mint.
- Don’t Forget Drinks: Refreshing beverages can elevate any meal. Try making homemade lemonade with fresh herbs or fruity iced teas to complement your dishes.
The beauty of spring meals lies in their versatility and simplicity. You don’t need fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients—just a willingness to let the season inspire you. So go ahead, dive into those fresh flavors and let your kitchen bloom alongside the season. Happy cooking!