10 Delicious Spring Meals for Dinner: Enjoy the Flavors of Spring with These Delicious Recipes

Are you looking for fresh and flavorful dinner options to enjoy this spring? Look no further than these 10 delicious spring meals for dinner. From savory pasta dishes to light and refreshing salads, these recipes are perfect for enjoying the best flavors of the season.

10 Delicious Spring Meals for Dinner

Spring is a time of renewal and growth, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious dinner? As the weather starts to warm up, it's the perfect opportunity to explore new flavors and ingredients. Whether you're looking for a hearty pasta dish or a light and refreshing salad, these 10 delicious spring meals for dinner have got you covered.

So, grab your apron and get ready to cook up a storm with these mouth-watering recipes.

1. Spring Vegetable Risotto

Risotto is a classic Italian dish that's perfect for any time of year. This spring version is bursting with fresh vegetables, including asparagus, peas, and artichokes. The creamy rice and Parmesan cheese make it a filling and satisfying meal that's sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 cup asparagus, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable broth over medium-high heat.
2. In another large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the Arborio rice and stir to coat in the oil. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Add the white wine and stir until the liquid is absorbed.
5. Begin adding the vegetable broth, one ladleful at a time, stirring constantly and waiting for the liquid to be absorbed before adding more.
6. After about 10 minutes, add the asparagus, peas, and artichoke hearts to the rice mixture.
7. Continue adding broth and stirring until the rice is cooked and the mixture is creamy, about 20-25 minutes.
8. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!

2. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

Grilled chicken is a staple for any spring dinner. This lemon herb version is bursting with flavor and is perfect for a family dinner or a weekend barbecue with friends.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
5. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
6. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess marinade.
7. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
8. Serve hot with your favorite sides and enjoy!

3. Spring Quinoa Salad

This light and refreshing salad is packed with protein and fresh spring flavors. It's perfect for a quick lunch or a side dish for dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, cooked
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup cucumber, chopped
• 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, mint, and feta cheese.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
4. Serve chilled and enjoy!

4. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

This savory pasta dish is bursting with fresh lemon and garlic flavors. It's perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a fancy dinner party.

Ingredients

• 1 pound linguine pasta
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the linguine pasta according to the package instructions.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the shrimp and garlic to the skillet and cook until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the white wine, chicken broth, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked.
6. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce.
7. Toss to coat the pasta in the sauce.
8. Top with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy!

5. Spring Vegetable Stir Fry

Stir fry is a quick and easy meal that's perfect for a busy weeknight. This spring version is packed with fresh vegetables and is sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup sugar snap peas
• 1 cup asparagus, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over high heat.
2. Add the onion and bell peppers to the skillet and stir fry for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly softened.
3. Add the sugar snap peas, asparagus, and garlic to the skillet and stir fry for another 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, ginger, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the sauce over the vegetables in the skillet and stir to coat evenly.
6. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
7. Serve hot over rice or noodles and enjoy!

6. Spring Minestrone Soup

This hearty and healthy soup is packed with fresh spring vegetables and protein-rich beans. It's perfect for a cozy night in or a light lunch.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly softened.
3. Add the carrots, celery, zucchini, and green beans to the pot and sauté for another 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cannellini beans, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot.
5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 20-25 minutes.
6. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese (optional) and enjoy!

7. Lemon Herb Roasted Salmon

This flavorful salmon dish is perfect for a spring dinner party or a cozy night in. The lemon and herbs complement the rich flavor of the salmon perfectly.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet and brush the marinade over the top of each fillet.
4. Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
5. Serve hot with your favorite sides and enjoy!

8. Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers

These vegetarian burgers are packed with flavor and protein, making them a delicious and healthy option for a spring dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 large Portobello mushrooms
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 hamburger buns
• Lettuce, tomato, and red onion for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the marinade over the Portobello mushrooms, making sure to coat them evenly.
4. Grill the Portobello mushrooms for 4-5 minutes per side, or until tender and lightly charred.
5. Serve the Portobello mushrooms on hamburger buns with lettuce, tomato, and red onion, and enjoy!

9. Spring Vegetable Risotto

This creamy and flavorful risotto is packed with fresh spring vegetables and savory Parmesan cheese. It's a perfect way to celebrate the season.

Ingredients

• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 cup asparagus, chopped
• 1 cup fresh peas
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a medium pot, heat the vegetable broth over low heat.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly softened.
4. Add the Arborio rice to the pot and stir to coat in the oil.
5. Add the white wine to the pot and stir until it has been absorbed by the rice.
6. Begin adding the vegetable broth to the pot, one ladleful at a time, stirring constantly and allowing each ladleful to be absorbed before adding the next.
7. Once the risotto is creamy and the rice is tender but still slightly firm to the bite, stir in the asparagus, peas, and mushrooms.
8. Continue cooking the risotto for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
9. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
10. Serve hot and enjoy!

10. Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

This juicy and flavorful grilled chicken is perfect for a spring dinner party or a weeknight meal. The lemon and herbs add a bright, fresh flavor that pairs perfectly with seasonal vegetables.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, chopped herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them.
3. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
5. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess marinade.
6. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
7. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving with your favorite seasonal vegetables.

Enjoy this delicious and healthy lemon herb grilled chicken, and celebrate the flavors of spring!

Spring is the perfect time to celebrate fresh, seasonal ingredients and delicious, healthy meals. These 10 recipes are a great place to start, whether you're cooking for a crowd or just for yourself

So why not try one of these recipes tonight and taste the flavors of spring? With a little creativity and a lot of fresh ingredients, you're sure to find a new favorite meal that you'll look forward to all season long.

FAQs

What are some common spring vegetables to include in meals?

Some common spring vegetables include asparagus, peas, artichokes, radishes, and fava beans.

Can I make these meals ahead of time?

Many of these meals can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer until you're ready to cook them.

Are these meals healthy?

These meals are designed to be both delicious and healthy, with fresh, seasonal ingredients and plenty of protein, fiber, and nutrients.

Can I substitute ingredients in these recipes?

Absolutely! These recipes are just a starting point, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to make them your own.

Do I need any special equipment to make these meals?

Most of these meals can be made with basic kitchen equipment, but a few may require a grill or a slow cooker.

Are these meals budget-friendly?

These meals can be made on a variety of budgets, with plenty of affordable ingredients and substitutions available.