Spring has sprung, and so should your dinner lineup! Say hello to longer days, sunny vibes, and meals that are as fresh and vibrant as the season itself. Think sweet peas, crisp asparagus, tender artichokes, leafy greens and zesty lemons—spring’s all-star ingredients are here to shine!
Whether you’re in the mood for something light and healthy or a dish that’ll wow the whole family, we’ve got over 30 spring dinner recipes to awaken your taste buds. Say goodbye to winter blahs and hello to dishes so fresh, they’ll make your heart (and stomach) sing!
Miso gives Japanese food a deep, savory taste with a hint of sweetness. We blend it with honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger and sesame oil to create a marinade for salmon, the high-protein fish that’s loaded with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. It absorbs the flavors from the marinade and is baked until fork tender. Sauté a medley of spring vegetables such as peas and sliced zucchini to serve alongside the salmon for more nutrition.
Get the Miso Marinated Salmon recipe.
Simple food often makes the most satisfying meals. Like this flavorful dish, which features lean ground sausage and your favorite shape of whole wheat pasta. It’s coated in a sauce with a rich, lemony tang, and flavored with fresh parsley and mint. Sweet peas, a spring favorite, are the finishing touch. If you and your family prefer different vegetables, it’s easy to substitute.
Get the Spring Sausage and Herb Pasta recipe.
You can enjoy this family favorite and stay on track with your weight loss plan! Our recipe includes lots of tender chicken, along with spring vegetables such as carrots, asparagus, leeks and mushrooms. They’re bathed in a broth-based sauce and baked in a homemade crust made from whole wheat flour and cold light butter to create the flaky texture you know and love. With six servings, this healthy dinner will satisfy everyone’s hearty appetite.
Get the Spring Chicken Pot Pie recipe.
Sweet, succulent scallops are high in protein and low in calories and fat. In this light dinner, we flavor them with lime juice, along with cilantro, mint and parsley. They’re paired with a blend of sunny golden beets, fresh cucumbers, zesty red onions and chunks of juicy mango. Serve it all on top of couscous, a pearl-size pasta.
Get the Spring Citrus Scallops recipe.
In this easy yet elegant dinner, crispy pistachio nuts add crunch to each bite of the tender fish. We like it with sauteed asparagus, a real taste of spring. Complete the meal with a serving of high-fiber brown rice. If you can, make extra of all three components and get a head start on meal prep for the next week.
Get the Pistachio Crusted Salmon recipe.
Here’s another delicious way to enjoy the powerful nutritional boost of salmon this spring. In this dish, the seafood is baked alongside asparagus tips. After cutting the salmon into bite-sized pieces, you toss the fish and vegetable with whole wheat pasta. It’s all flavored with lemon juice and zest, olive oil, basil and minced garlic. Grated parmesan cheese is the finishing touch. You can enjoy this meal warm or bring it chilled to an outdoor party.
Get the Healthy Lemon Salmon Pasta recipe.
If you’re craving pizza with a fresh, spring twist, this recipe is for you! Start with a whole wheat flatbread or naan as the base. Spread a creamy ricotta and green pea sauce, brightened with basil and oregano, over the crust. Top it with vibrant spring ingredients like sweet whole green peas, plus juicy sliced tomatoes, red onion and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Bake for 15 minutes to achieve a crisp base and gooey, flavorful toppings. For an extra touch of protein, add grilled chicken or prosciutto before baking. It’s a light and colorful way to enjoy pizza this season!
Get the Green Pea Ricotta Pizza recipe.
“Primavera” means “springtime” in Italian, and this pasta primavera recipe is the perfect way to enjoy the fresh flavors of the season. Packed with colorful vegetables like cherry tomatoes, red onion, zucchini, and yellow squash, this dish is both healthy and delicious. You can also customize it with any veggies your family loves. The vegetables are sautéed until tender, seasoned with Italian herbs, and mixed with whole wheat penne pasta and sweet green peas. A finishing touch of fresh basil, parmesan cheese, and a zesty lemon olive oil dressing takes the flavor to the next level. Easy to make and bursting with vibrant ingredients, this pasta primavera is a must-try for any weeknight dinner or family meal!
Get the Penne Pasta Primavera recipe.
The creamy taste of ricotta cheese and the sunny flavor of lemons are an almost magical combination. They turn a simple plate of whole wheat pasta into a special meal like this one. Spinach and basil add flavor, color and vital nutrients. Give it a bit of zip with garlic and black pepper, and finish with grated parmesan cheese. Your satisfying dinner is ready in the time it takes to cook a box of spaghetti.
Get the Lemon Ricotta Pasta recipe.
Celebrate spring with a fresh, vibrant meal that’s simple to prepare and bursting with seasonal flavors. The star is a juicy roasted chicken, paired with colorful spring carrots and baby potatoes. Toss everything together with fragrant herbs, garlic, and a squeeze of fresh lemon to bring out those bright, zesty notes of the season. As it roasts, your kitchen will fill with the light, uplifting scents of spring, making everyone eager for dinnertime.
Get the Roasted Chicken with Rainbow Carrots and Potatoes recipe.
Leeks, with their mild, slightly garlicky flavor, are a true springtime star. At their peak this season, they bring a fresh, sweet touch when sautéed to perfection. We pair them with vibrant shaved Brussels sprouts and nutrient-packed kale for a celebration of spring greens. Toss in tender fettuccine to bring everything together, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of asiago cheese for a bright, zesty flourish. Spring has never tasted so good!
Get the Lemon Leek Pasta recipe.
The chefs at Nutrisystem have done the hard and time-consuming part of preparing this spring dinner. They’ve stuffed a tender chicken breast with savory artichokes, spinach and creamy cheeses to create our popular Artichoke and Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast dinner. Serve it on top of whole wheat pasta that’s been tossed with more spinach and artichokes, and plenty of cream cheese for a smooth texture. You get a balanced and filling meal in minutes!
Get the Artichoke and Spinach Chicken Pasta recipe.
We’ve given this spring tradition a fresh twist by turning it into a hearty and healthy soup. The low-sodium broth is brimming with shredded lean corned beef brisket that’s seasoned with savory herbs and spices. Each spoonful also comes with carrots, celery, leeks, potatoes and crunchy cabbage, so you get plenty of nutrients and a variety of flavors and textures. Double or triple the recipe and freeze the extras to use as another healthy meal.
Get the Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup recipe.
This seasonal favorite fits right into your healthy eating plan. Lamb loin chops are tender, tasty and high in protein. Sear them in a skillet to seal in their juices, then pop them in the oven. A simple homemade mint sauce delivers a vibrant, refreshing flavor that perfectly complements lamb chops. On the side, we like sauteed spinach and creamy mashed sweet potatoes. This is one of our favorite spring dinner recipes that’s perfect for Easter, but you don’t need to wait for a special occasion to enjoy it.
Get the Garlic and Mint Lamb Chops recipe.
The mild taste of salmon gets a flavor kick from lemon juice in this light but nourishing meal. You grill, bake or broil the fish until tender, then add it in chunks to whole wheat orzo. Toss it with your favorite seasonal spring vegetables, such as peas and mushrooms. Perk up all the flavors with fresh lemon juice and zest and serve warm or chilled.
Get the Lemon Salmon and Orzo recipe.
Gnocchi are paired with fresh shrimp, vibrant spinach and sweet spring peas, making this the ultimate seasonal dinner idea. Everything is coated in a light, zesty sauce made with garlic, cream cheese, parmesan and a splash of lemon juice. Perfect for impressing guests or treating your family to a refreshing, spring-inspired meal that’s anything but ordinary.
Get the Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Gnocchi recipe.
A healthy dinner can be easy and satisfying with this simple recipe. A plump chicken breast is seared then simmered in a skillet along with high-fiber brown rice. Add veggies such as yellow squash, asparagus tips or green beans to round out the meal. Lemon juice and zest combine with the natural juices of the other ingredients to create a tangy sauce.
Get the One-Pan Skillet Lemon Chicken recipe.
Give ordinary pasta a whole new taste and a bump of healthy nutrients with a creamy avocado sauce. To make it, combine chunks of avocado in a blender with fresh basil leaves, garlic, olive oil and lemon juice, then whip until it’s smooth and creamy. Prepare your choice of whole wheat pasta and mix it with fresh or sauteed spring and summer vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, asparagus and yellow squash. Pour the sauce over it all and finish with a sprinkling of parmesan cheese.
Get the Creamy Avocado Pasta recipe.
Quinoa is the foundation of this light but filling salad that includes your pick of spring vegetables. Try asparagus, artichokes, radishes, spinach and arugula. Crunchy walnuts provide contrast to the fluffy cooked quinoa, while crumbled feta cheese brings creaminess and a hint of saltiness to each bite. The easy basil vinaigrette puts a fresh-tasting finish on this spring salad.
Get the Spring Quinoa Salad recipe.
Skip the heavy macaroni salad and embrace this fresh, spring-inspired side dish instead. Use any shape of whole wheat noodles you like—elbows, rotini or penne—and toss in vibrant asparagus tips, sweet green peas and peppery watercress. A zesty lemon and olive oil dressing adds a bright, sunny touch, perfect for celebrating the flavors of the season.
Get the Simple Spring Green Pasta Salad recipe.
With just a few simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes, you can make a satisfying dinner for you and your family. Cook the whole wheat orzo in vegetable broth, then stir in spinach leaves, artichoke hearts, cream cheese and parmesan. After it all heats through and the spinach softens, season the dish with garlic powder and black pepper. Feel free to add protein such as grilled chicken or shrimp to make an even more filling spring dinner.
Get the Spinach and Artichoke Orzo Pasta recipe.
On those spring evenings when there’s still a bit of chill in the air, make a batch of this beef stew. The rich, savory broth is brimming with chunks of beef along with tender potatoes, green peas, parsnips, potatoes and carrots. Thanks to the Instant Pot, you don’t have to spend all day in the kitchen. And it’s easy to double up the recipe, so you can make extra and keep it in your freezer for another meal.
Get the Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe.
Beets are bountiful in spring and they’re as nutritious as they are colorful. Their natural sweetness and vivid hue make this orzo dish so tempting. Creamy goat cheese and sliced almonds give you complementary tastes and textures in every forkful. The leftovers make a healthy lunch the next day.
Get the Spring Beet Orzo Risotto recipe.
Pasta is such a versatile ingredient that it fits into many different spring meals. In this dinner, we pair bowtie noodles with tender shrimp and asparagus that are sauteed with olive oil, garlic and lemon. Parmesan cheese, black pepper and basil bring in even more layers of flavor that turn this simple dish into a meal to remember.
Get the Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Asparagus recipe.
We gave the traditional Spanish rice dish a healthy makeover that adds powerful nutrition and keeps the rich, savory flavor that has made it so popular. Use high-fiber brown rice instead of standard white rice. Season it with saffron, which has a sweet, floral fragrance and taste. Add onions, garlic, tomatoes and paprika for more flavor. Spring vegetables, such as asparagus, artichoke hearts and peas, give the meal a bright color and a medley of tastes and textures.
Get the Veggie Paella recipe.
Bright, fresh and incredibly creamy, this Lemon Burrata Pasta is the perfect blend of zesty flavors and indulgent textures. With spiralized squash, parmesan and a burst of fresh basil, it’s a quick, gourmet dish that’s perfect for warm weather dinners.
Get the Lemon Burrata Pasta recipe.
This delicious and healthy chicken dish combines bold flavors with simple, wholesome ingredients. The lemon and caper sauce adds a zesty, tangy kick, perfectly balanced by the creaminess of Greek yogurt. Paired with whole wheat pasta, it’s a nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare and ideal for busy weeknights. Garnish with parsley and lemon slices for a fresh, vibrant finish!
Get the Healthy Lemon Chicken Piccata recipe.
This Chicken Orzo Salad is like a breath of fresh spring air in a bowl! Bursting with bright veggies, fresh basil and zesty lemon vinaigrette, it’s the perfect dish for picnics, patio lunches or any sunny day. Easy to make and full of flavor, it’s your new go-to springtime favorite!
Get the Lemon Chicken Orzo Salad recipe.
Crispy air-fried haddock is light, fresh and perfect for spring! With zesty lemon pepper seasoning, a sprinkle of chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, it brings bright, vibrant flavors to your plate, celebrating the season’s renewal.
Get the Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Haddock recipe.
Grill season is here! Zesty shrimp skewers are bursting with fresh, citrusy flavors that are perfect for spring. With juicy shrimp, vibrant lemons and a buttery herb glaze, it’s a light and delicious dish that’s easy to make and feels like sunshine on a plate. Pair it with everyone’s favorite seasonal side dish, roasted asparagus!
Get the Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers recipe.
This bright and fresh asparagus salad is the perfect way to welcome spring! With crisp veggies, creamy mozzarella and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, it’s a light and flavorful dish that’s ready in minutes. Perfect for sunny picnics or as a vibrant side for any meal!
Get the Asparagus Caprese Salad recipe.
This light and flavorful shrimp lasagna roll-up recipe is packed with fresh flavors from spinach, shrimp and Italian herbs. It’s a delicious way to welcome the season. Easy to make and loaded with cheesy goodness, these rolls are a fresh twist on a classic comfort dish.
Get the Shrimp and Spinach Lasagna Rolls recipe.
Who doesn’t love a homemade pierogi? This recipe packs a healthy twist with whole wheat dough and a creamy spinach filling. The best part? You can freeze these little pockets of goodness for a quick, delicious meal anytime. Roll, fill, fry and enjoy golden, crispy perfection in every bite. Perfect for a cozy night in!
Get the Creamed Spinach Pierogies recipe.
Looking for quick and delicious spring dinner recipes? This baked spinach and ricotta gnocchi recipe is the perfect mix of comfort food and wholesome ingredients. With tender whole wheat gnocchi, creamy ricotta and the rich flavors of sundried tomatoes and Parmesan, it’s a meal that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a dish the whole family will love!
Get the Creamy Spinach Gnocchi recipe.
These tender roasted carrots with creamy honey-infused ricotta are the perfect side dish to brighten up your spring dinner plate. Pair them with grilled chicken or seared salmon for a balanced, flavorful meal that feels like a celebration of the season. Simple, delicious and sure to impress!
Get the Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Honey Glaze recipe.
Bring on the spring vibes! Pair these fresh and flavorful spring dinner recipes with a refreshing spring mocktail or cocktail. Craving something sweet? Indulge in these easy and healthy spring desserts that taste like sunshine! Too busy to cook? Keep it simple with these Nutrisystem foods bursting with spring flavors.
