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51 Easy, Breezy Spring Dinner Ideas That You’ll Want to Make All Season

Embrace all the veggies with these fresh spring dinners.

By and Taylor Worden
herby salmon burger with a glass of water
Mike Garten

Try out these colorful spring dinner ideas for a welcome change to those heavy dinners of the past season. Packed with in-season ingredients and spring-inspired flavors, these dinners will have you feeling refreshed and ready for warmer weather in no time. From light options that make the perfect side dishes for ham to filling, vegetable-forward options that double as healthy recipes, spring veggies allow us all to cook some easy, delicious dinners perfect for sunnier skies.

Don’t worry about too much prep work or cooking time either. In addition to being tasty and reviving after the cold winter months, many of these recipes are quick, easy and perfect to meal prep the night before. Leave those simmering stews for colder days and bring out those fresh prepared ingredients. Whether you're looking for an elaborate centerpiece to your Easter dinner, a light but flavor-packed salad, or simply want an easy but satisfying meal to reward yourself after a long day, these spring dinners will leave you and your loved ones — if you choose to share — satisfied.

Oh, and one more thing — don’t forget about spring desserts! Top off your meal by ending the night with a bright and fruity dessert. We guarantee you won’t be able to resist joining in the spirit of the season.

1

Pasta Primavera

pasta primavera on a blue plate
Mike Garten

Loaded with asparagus, snap peas, carrots and a generous dollop of crème fraîche, this is the perfect veggie-heavy pasta to embrace the new season.

Get the recipe for Pasta Primavera »

RELATED: 30 Healthy Pasta Recipes That Will Keep You Full All Night

2

Spring Panzanella

spring panzanella salad in a white bowl
Mike Garten

Fresh dill, peas and crunchy cucumber make this ultra-green salad a healthy spring treat.

Get the recipe for Spring Panzanella »

RELATED: 37 Delicious Healthy Salads That Are Fresh and Filling

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3

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

a bowl of greek lemon chicken soup
Mike Garten

Bursting with bright lemon flavor, this light and healthy soup boasts a creamy, velvety texture without using any cream.

Get the recipe for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup »

4

Roast Lamb

roast lamb with tomatoes served on a white plate
Mike Garten

Paired with juicy roasted tomatoes, this herb-flavored lamb is a perfect spring dinner.

Get the recipe for Roast Lamb »

RELATED: 61 Creative Easter Dinner Ideas That Will Become Instant Classics

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5

Egg Salad Sandwiches

egg salad served on a piece of toasted bread
Sandy Carmo

Loaded with a creamy combo of Greek yogurt and hard boiled eggs, this egg salad recipe stands out with fresh lemon, onion, capers, and dill.

Get the recipe for Egg Salad Sandwiches »

6

Honey Glazed Salmon

honey glazed salmon with cucumbers on a dark round plate
Mike Garten

Pair this sweet and sour salmon with crunchy cucumber for a satisfying contrast.

Get the recipe for Honey Glazed Salmon »

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7

Grilled Leek, Zucchini and Ricotta Pizza

grilled leek, zucchini, and ricotta pizza on a piece of parchment paper
Danielle Occhiogrosso Daly

Embrace spring produce with this easy, veggie-ful pizza.

Get the recipe for Grilled Leek, Zucchini, and Ricotta Pizza »

8

Salmon Niçoise Salad

salmon nicoise salad in a glass container
mike garten

Prepare these ingredients the night before for a packable, healthy lunch. Perfect for meal prep!

Get the recipe for Salmon Niçoise Salad »

RELATED: 30+ Easy Salmon Recipes to Make for Dinner Tonight

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9

Shrimp Ceviche

shrimp ceviche with plantain chips
Mike Garten

Eat on its own or dig in with some crispy plantain chips to make this classic dish into a filling meal.

Get the recipe for Shrimp Ceviche »

10

Grilled Spatchcock Chicken

grilled spatchcock chicken with grilled lemons on a white plate
Mike Garten

Rubbed down with garlic, parsley, lemon juice and mayo, this chicken is juicy and flavorful down to the last bite.

Get the recipe for Grilled Spatchcock Chicken »

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11

Everything Bagel Crusted Salmon

everything bagel crusted salmon on a blue plate
Mike Garten

Salmon seasoned with sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion and salt makes a stunning centerpiece that's fit for a holiday feast like Passover.

Get the recipe for Everything Bagel Crusted Salmon »

RELATED: 68 Passover Recipes That Will Be the Hit of This Year's Seder

12

White Wine Mussels

white wine mussels topped with fresh green herbs on a plate
Mike Garten

Once you learn how to cook mussels (it's easy, promise!), you'll impress everyone at the table. Don't forget crusty bread for soaking up all those delicious juices!

Get the recipe for White Wine Mussels »

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13

Roasted Cod and Potatoes with Chorizo Vinaigrette

roasted cod and potatoes with chorizo vinaigrette on a sheet pan
Danielle Occhiogrosso Daly

A dressing of spicy chorizo, savory shallot and sherry vinegar brings a ton of fun flavor to simple cod and potatoes.

Get the recipe for Roasted Cod and Potatoes with Chorizo Vinaigrette »

14

Scallion Pancakes

scallion pancakes on a round wooden cutting board
Mike Garten

Our version of this savory Chinese snack uses dumpling wrappers so that you don't have to make your own dough. They'll still turn out just as crispy and flaky as the kind you get at restaurants!

Get the recipe for Scallion Pancakes »

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15

Chicken and Asparagus Salad with Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette

chicken and asparagus salad with meyer lemon vinaigrette on a plate
Danielle Occhiogrosso Daly

Packed with shaved asparagus, juicy chicken breast, pecorino cheese, and roasted almonds, this salad is hearty enough for dinner.

Get the recipe for Chicken and Asparagus Salad »

16

Salmon Burger

salmon burger with herby yogurt sauce against a blue background
Mike Garten

Think beyond beef — fresh salmon mixed with lemon, dill and parsley creates a burger that is every bit as juicy and delicious. The herby yogurt sauce takes it over the top!

Get the recipe for Salmon Burger »

RELATED: 33 Unique, Homemade Burger Recipes to Cook on Repeat

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17

Ricotta Gnocchi with Toasted Garlic and Walnuts

ricotta gnocchi with toasted garlic and walnuts in a blue bowl
Mike Garten

Gnocchi made with ricotta, flour, Parm, spinach and basil are lighter than the potato kind — and delightfully springy!

Get the recipe for Ricotta Gnocchi With Toasted Garlic and Walnuts »

18

Roasted Garlicky Shrimp

roasted garlicky shrimp in a white baking dish
Danielle Daly

To complete the meal, stuff the shrimp into pitas with baby spinach, spoon over rice or couscous, or serve with salad greens for a light dinner.

Get the recipe for Roasted Garlicky Shrimp »

RELATED: 28 Healthy and Delicious Ways to Eat All the Shrimp

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19

Japanese Chicken Scallion Yakitori

japanese chicken scallion yakitori on a skewer
Mike Garten

It's finally time to dust-off that grill, and these spring-perfect skewers are a great place to start!

Get the recipe for Japanese Chicken Scallion Yakitori »

RELATED: 70 Insanely Delicious Grilling Recipes to Try ASAP

20

Skillet Pesto Chicken and Beans

pesto chicken and beans in a stainless steal pan
Danielle Occhiogrosso Daly

Use store-bought pesto (or our favorite homemade pesto recipe!) to brighten up this protein-packed dinner.

Get the recipe for Skillet Pesto Chicken and Beans »

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