15 Super Delicious Spring Recipes
As the weather turns warmer, I crave lighter meals. I want dishes with more color and flavor, full of spring vegetables. Here are 15 super delicious spring recipes that I think you will find irresistible.
In the spring, we want meals that are easier and faster to prepare. Spring is calling and we want to spend more time outside.
Spring cooking (and, honestly, these recipes will take you right into summer) requires a lighter touch. Who wants to be slaving over a hot stove when outdoor activities are calling?
As a former cooking instructor, I still love reading cookbooks like a good summer beach novel. Nowadays, I also spend time (outdoors, if possible) scrolling through Pinterest for recipes that are beautiful to look at and sound delicious.
If you need some fresh ideas for your spring meal preparations, look no further than these 15 delightfully delicious spring recipe ideas.
What Herbs Are in Spring Recipes?
The best part about entering a new season is all the fresh, new flavors. Some of the freshest flavors in the world come into season during the spring:
- lemons and limes
- mint
- lavender
- parsley
- fennel
- cilantro
- dill
- and later, basil
What Fruits and Vegetables Are in Spring Recipes?
As spring fruits, vegetables, and flavorings arrive, we incorporate them into our meals.
- arugula
- little gem lettuces
- radishes
- strawberries
- asparagus
- fruits, such as apples, bananas, kiwifruit, sweet cherries, rhubarb, kumquats
- artichokes
- sweet peas
- snap peas
- tropical fruits, such as oranges, mangos, papayas, pineapple
What Proteins are in Spring Recipes?
Since outdoor food preparation is so popular in the spring and summer, I still love a good steak, a juicy hamburger or ribs grilled outdoors. What other proteins are popular in the summer?
- more fresh fish – salmon, halibut, tilapia, trout, swordfish
- lamb chops
- grilled boneless chicken breasts or thighs – rather than roasted chicken or braised bone-in chicken dishes
- shrimp – we eat much more shrimp in the warmer months because it’s so light and cooks quickly
- mussels in a simple wine and garlic sauce
- fresh tuna
What Cooking Methods Change in Spring?
In spring and summer, I make these cooking preparation adjustments:
- no heavy sauces
- smaller portions
- pasta with lemon sauce rather than heavy tomato-based sauces
- grilled or sauteed (fast) cooking methods rather than braising or roasting which heats up the kitchen
- more salads
- less soup
- baby roasted potatoes rather than mashed potatoes
- proteins served in salad rather than a protein with multiple vegetables
What About Desserts in Spring and Summer?
Warmer weather doesn’t mean that we have to give up sweets. It just means we change our ingredients.
- lots of berries in pies and cakes
- replace dense chocolate cakes (brownies, fudge) with spring flavors, such as lemon, lime, mint, coconut
- smaller portions
- light and fluffy fillings loaded with fresh spring flavors like in-season fruits, floral notes (lavender, mint), and tangy cream cheeses
- lighter cakes, such as angel food or sponge cake
- pies made with just one bottom crust
Not surprisingly, you will find lots of salads, lighter pasta dishes, seafood, and lighter desserts in this collection of spring recipes. I also look for spring recipes with bright, beautiful colors.
I guarantee that you will find delicious options for your spring and summer meal preparation.
Many of these dishes are great for entertaining, too. I already found one to take to a girls’ dinner next week. I’ve Pinned them, printed a few, and plan to make every one of them in the coming months.
Have fun visiting each spring recipe. Bon Appétit.
Welcome to 10 or More Fabulous Finds at Bluesky Browsing #84.
Think of Fabulous Finds as a home decor/DIY/Craft/recipe Readers’ Digest.
If you are new to Bluesky at Home, what fabulous finds do I share at Bluesky Browsing?
- ideas to help you in your home decor efforts
- fun holiday decoration ideas
- ideas for better organization and efficiency
- a yummy recipe or cocktail
- fun DIY projects
- the latest trends in home decor
- a quirky new find or two
Yummy Spring Recipes: 15 Dishes to Tempt You
Focusing on finding new projects, resources, tips, new ideas, and inspiration for you is my main task. I’m constantly discovering fabulous finds to inspire us. My goal is to help you find ideas for your home decor, your crafting, your home organization, and anything about home.
Spring Salad
How can you go wrong with a salad of roasted asparagus, artichokes, avocado, cucumber, radishes, fresh herbs tossed in a simple lemon vinaigrette? This perfect healthy salad from Maria of Two Peas and Their Pod goes great with any spring meal
Little Gem Salad
Sweet Shark and I discovered Little Gem lettuce several years ago on vacation in Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona. We love the delicate flavor and texture of the lettuce. Tossed with radishes, pepitas (pumpkin seeds), avocado, sunflower sprouts, and lots of fresh herbs in a creamy, homemade ranch dill dressing, It’s a winner from Sylvia of Feasting at Home
Double Pea, Prosciutto and Burrata Platter
You had me at Burrata. Next week I have a girls’ dinner and I’ve volunteered to bring an appetizer. This will be my contribution to our meal. This pretty dish from Pure Wow is full of spring flavor. This is an easy dish to prepare and I love using peas in a different way.
Light and Tasty Fresh Ceviche
Sweet Shark and I love ceviche and order it often from our favorite Tex-Mex restaurant. It can be a combination of seafood or just shrimp. Either way, it’s healthy and delicious and you won’t have to turn on the stovetop or oven. I picked this easy version from The Kitchn. I love to serve ceviche in a chilled martini glass for a pretty presentation.
Cauliflower Steak with Lemon and Peas
Cauliflower steak has become a popular vegetarian option. We are not vegetarians, but we love the meaty crunch of roasted cauliflower. Served on a lemon and pea pureé, it’s perfect for a light meal or as a side dish. It’s from Elaine of Eating by Elaine.
BLT Avocado Sandwich for Spring
I usually don’t think of sandwiches in spring, but this light version of the classic BLT from Taste of Home hits the spot. Serve half a sandwich with a small portion of one of the featured salads and you have a lovely lunch or dinner.
Prettiest Spring Tortellini
This spring tortellini dish from Julie and Julie’s Album looks like a painting with the bright colors of red, orange, and green. This one-skillet dish will have you out of the kitchen in no time.
Asparagus and White Bean Soup
I know that most soups are too heavy for spring and summer, but this version of a spring soup sounds too delicious to pass up. But Claire Louise of The Vegan Larder has created a healthy soup with lots of spring flavors. Serve this for lunch or a light dinner.
Chicken Caprese with Balsamic Drizzle
I swooned when I saw this dish from Foodie Crush. The combination of skillet-seared boneless chicken breasts, mozzarella, and tomatoes makes a complete meal. Great for a family or friends meal.
Spring Pesto Pasta with Asparagus
Sam and Dan of A Head of Thyme use pesto to give this easy pasta dish a blast of spring flavor. Did you know that pesto can be made with other greens or herbs besides basil? Use spring parsley or cilantro for a fresh, bright flavor. The pesto acts as the sauce for a lighter dish.
Salmon with Lemon Basil Ricotta and Asparagus
We are salmon lovers and this rendition from Kevin of Closet Cooking is so pretty, it shouts spring. I love it’s practically a one-dish meal. The flavorings sound delicious. This is an impressive dish for company.
Seared Tuna Salad with Spring Veggies
We love seared tuna (almost still swimming). Here Kristy of Linger a Little combines this beautifully prepared tuna with spring vegetables for a light meal that will satisfy but not fill you up.
Vegan Lemon Butter Pasta with Peas and Leeks
Yes, another spring pasta dish that I couldn’t resist. Megan of Short Girl Tall Order uses spring peas and charred leaks for a scrumptious spring pasta recipe. Lots of lemons add spring flavor to the other ingredients.
Strawberry Lemon Blondies
Sue from The View from Great Island shares a luscious-looking dessert with one of spring’s iconic fruits – strawberries. Add in lemon flavor and you have a lighter version of the traditional blondie.
Lemon Curd Cheesecake
I can’t forget a lemon dessert. This pretty lemon curd cheesecake from Sarah of Broma Bakery will have guests smacking their lips even before they taste the luscious smoothness of the lemon filling. The piping looks like little daisies.
Which of these 15 super delicious spring recipes was your favorite? A salad or appetizer? a pasta dish or seafood or chicken? Or was it one of the pretty desserts?
I would love to hear which ones were your favorites.
I’d love to know what subjects you are most curious about. Let me know in the comments and I’ll search browse for them. Be sure to PIN to keep these spring recipes handy.
I’ll be browsing away between writing posts, listening to podcasts, reading, doing various blogging tasks, playing tennis, and walking Nola.
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What an amazing collection of healthy and light recipes, Carol! I’m so delighted to be sharing your post this week at Tuesday Turn About! Especially because you were a former hostess! I’m featuring all the hostesses of the party at the 200th party celebration!
What a fantastic collection of quick and easy meals you have put together. Much appreciated. I love to cook (food blogger) and appreciate this list.
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