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Home » Recipe Collections

31 Spring Meals That Feel Light Without Leaving You Hungry

Published: Mar 26, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Spring meals should be light but still keep you full, and these recipes do just that. Fresh ingredients, bright flavors, and balanced textures make every dish great for the season without feeling too heavy. Whether you're in the mood for something quick and simple or a meal that feels a little more special, these choices bring plenty of flavor without leaving you hungry.

Greek Avgolemono Chicken Soup. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Niçoise Salad

An image of vegan nicoise salad served on a big bowl.
Niçoise Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A plant-based Niçoise salad with chickpeas, olives, and champagne vinaigrette brings bold flavors to the table. Light yet substantial, this dish adds variety to any collection of spring meals without weighing you down.
Get the Recipe: Niçoise Salad

Spicy Soba Noodles

An overhead image of spicy soba noodles in a bowl.
Spicy Soba Noodles. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Spicy soba noodles mix nutty buckwheat noodles, crisp vegetables, and bold sauce in a meal ready fast. This dish brings flavor and heat while keeping things light enough for spring.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Soba Noodles

Pasta e Piselli

An image of Pasta e Piselli served in a bowl.
Pasta e Piselli. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Pasta e Piselli pairs pasta, peas, and pecorino cheese in a straightforward, traditional dish. Quick to prepare, it’s a perfect choice for those looking for fresh flavors without heavy meals.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Piselli

Easy One Pot Cabbage Soup

An overhead image of two cabbage soups in a white serving bowl.
Easy One Pot Cabbage Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

One-pot cabbage soup combines simple ingredients into a nourishing, plant-based dish that’s easy to prepare. Perfect for spring, it’s filling without feeling too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Easy One Pot Cabbage Soup

Spinach Shakshuka (with Tomatillos)

Overhead view of the skillet with spinach shakshuka.
Spinach Shakshuka (with Tomatillos). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Spinach shakshuka uses hearty greens and poached eggs for a nutrient-packed meal. This dish works well for breakfast or dinner, fitting neatly into lighter spring options.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Shakshuka (with Tomatillos)

One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Straight view of cooked one-pot lemon ricotta pasta garnished with rocket and fresh basil leaves placed in a white plate with a fork on the side.
One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Lemon ricotta pasta comes together in one pot in 15 minutes, combining citrus brightness with creamy cheese. This balanced meal fits right into any spring comfort food lineup.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Spring Pasta with Peas and Oyster Mushrooms

Top view of bowl of spring pasta with peas and oyster mushrooms with garnishes on the side.
Spring Pasta with Peas and Oyster Mushrooms. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Spring pasta featuring pea shoot pesto and roasted oyster mushrooms brings fresh, layered flavors. Light and balanced, it’s an effortless addition to spring comfort foods.
Get the Recipe: Spring Pasta with Peas and Oyster Mushrooms

Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus

Sheet Pan Salmon Asparagus on a parchment paper lined sheet pan.
Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Sheet pan salmon with asparagus is ready in under 25 minutes, pairing fresh flavors with minimal prep. A balanced, practical choice for spring dinners.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus

Garlic Kale Salad with Lemon

An overhead image of two bowls of lemon garlic kale salad.
Garlic Kale Salad with Lemon. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A garlicky kale salad with pecorino cheese and toasted pepitas, tossed in a green garlic confit dressing. This vibrant dish pairs freshness with crunch, perfect for spring meals that feel balanced.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Kale Salad with Lemon

Greek Avgolemono Chicken Soup

Greek Avgolemono Chicken Soup. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Greek lemon chicken soup uses a rich egg-based broth for a velvety texture. Slow-cooked and balanced, it’s a comforting way to use spring ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Greek Avgolemono Chicken Soup

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

An overhead image of sun dried tomato pasta in a rectangular dish.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A creamy one-pot pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, ricotta, and parmesan, ready in 30 minutes. This dish keeps things fresh and balanced, making it a great spring dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Trenette al Pesto

An overhead image of trenette al pesto in a round serving plate.
Trenette al Pesto. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Trenette al Pesto combines basil pesto, potatoes, and green beans in a hearty pasta. Bright with fresh herbs, it brings the right balance for a springtime meal.
Get the Recipe: Trenette al Pesto

Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

A white plate with vegan stuffed portobello mushrooms garnished with cherry tomatoes and parsley.
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Stuffed portobello mushrooms filled with savory vegetables create a hearty, plant-based dish. Oven-baked, they fit easily into lighter spring meal plans.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Greek Chickpea Soup

An image of greek chickpea soup in a bowl with utensils beside it.
Greek Chickpea Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Greek chickpea soup comes together in 45 minutes with plenty of protein and bright flavors. It’s a comforting bowl without feeling too heavy, perfect for spring.
Get the Recipe: Greek Chickpea Soup

Easy, Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

A close up view of a cooked asparagus casserole in a baking dish.
Easy, Cheesy Asparagus Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Cheesy asparagus casserole with a crunchy breadcrumb topping highlights a seasonal vegetable. Baked until golden, it balances texture and flavor, fitting well into spring comfort foods.
Get the Recipe: Easy, Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

Asparagus Omelette Soufflé

Asparagus Omelette Soufflé. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This omelette soufflé is airy, made with fresh asparagus and green onions. A great breakfast or brunch choice that keeps spring meals light yet filling.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Omelette Soufflé

Stuffed Peppers

A photo showing vegan stuffed peppers arranged on a white plate, set atop a brown cloth, with a fork and knife placed beside.
Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Roasted stuffed peppers filled with quinoa, lentils, and vegetables make a hearty plant-based option. The oven-roasted flavors add warmth without weighing down a spring meal.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers

Spinach Avocado Salad

An overhead image of spinach avocado salad in a wooden bowl with lemon in the background.
Spinach Avocado Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Spinach and avocado salad with cherry tomatoes, radishes, cotija cheese, and lemon vinaigrette. Crisp and refreshing, this dish contrasts nicely with heartier spring meals.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Avocado Salad

Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl

Overhead shot of shrimp skewers and veggie skewers next to a bowl of dressed grains.
Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Grilled shrimp grain bowl with herbs, quinoa, and citrus vinaigrette combines protein with fresh ingredients. It’s a balanced option that keeps spring meals light but filling.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl

Italian Chopped Salad

Italian chopped salad in a bowl next to dressing.
Italian Chopped Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Italian chopped salad packed with vegetables and tossed in champagne vinaigrette. Crisp and fresh, this dish works well for a lighter yet filling spring meal.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chopped Salad

Leek and Mushroom Pasta

An overhead image of cooked leek mushroom pasta in a pan.
Leek and Mushroom Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Light and creamy pasta with leeks, mushrooms, herbs, ricotta, and parmesan, all made in one pot. This meal feels fresh and balanced, perfect for spring weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Mushroom Pasta

Apple Cider Grilled Chicken Skewers with Gouda Cheese Sauce

Apple Cider Grilled Chicken Skewers with Gouda Cheese Sauce. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Apple cider grilled chicken skewers pair the sweetness of cider with chicken, balanced by a Gouda cheese sauce. A quick, flavorful choice for spring grilling.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Grilled Chicken Skewers with Gouda Cheese Sauce

Zucchini & Asparagus Frittata

A close-up of a vegetable frittata slice on a plate.
Zucchini & Asparagus Frittata. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This stovetop vegetable frittata features spring vegetables and protein, making it a convenient choice for breakfast or brunch. It’s a simple, nourishing way to keep meals fresh yet filling.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini & Asparagus Frittata

Thai Curried Butternut Squash Soup

Top view of butternut squash soup with a spoon in it.
Thai Curried Butternut Squash Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Thai curried butternut squash soup is creamy with a bit of heat from the curry. This light but flavorful option is a great way to keep spring comfort meals balanced.
Get the Recipe: Thai Curried Butternut Squash Soup

Palak Sambar (Lentil and Spinach Stew)

Palak Sambar (Lentil and Spinach Stew). Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Palak sambar is a South Indian lentil stew with spinach, tamarind, and warming spices. It’s a comforting, flavorful meal that keeps things light enough for spring.
Get the Recipe: Palak Sambar (Lentil and Spinach Stew)

Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

Close up of beet salad on a white platter with two forks on the right side.
Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Roasted beet salad with goat cheese, arugula, pistachios, and citrus vinaigrette brings color and freshness. It’s a light yet filling choice, perfect for spring dining.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

Jamaican Rasta Pasta

An overhead image of cooked rasta pasta on a serving bowl.
Jamaican Rasta Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This vegan rasta pasta, mildly spiced and made with fresh ingredients, comes together in 30 minutes. Its creamy sauce keeps things balanced, making it a flavorful option for lighter spring comfort meals.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Rasta Pasta

Cashew Carrot Ginger Soup

Cashew Carrot Ginger Soup. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Cashew carrot ginger soup blends cashews and carrots into a smooth dish with a hint of spice. Perfect for spring, it’s light but substantial enough for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Carrot Ginger Soup

Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus on foil-lined baking sheet with lemon slice.
Grilled Asparagus. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Grilled asparagus uses just five ingredients and cooks quickly, making it a practical seasonal side. Its simple preparation keeps flavors fresh and works well with lighter spring meals.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

Zucchini Noodles with Creamy Roasted Tomato Basil Sauce

Zucchini Noodles with Creamy Roasted Tomato Basil Sauce. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Zucchini noodles topped with creamy roasted tomato basil sauce highlight fresh flavors. This dish brings comfort while keeping meals light and seasonal.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Noodles with Creamy Roasted Tomato Basil Sauce

Air Fryer Artichoke

A white plate with two grilled artichoke halves and a small stone bowl of dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Artichoke. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Air-fried artichokes with crispy edges and tender centers highlight a classic spring vegetable. Ready quickly, they make a nourishing addition to light seasonal meals.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Artichoke

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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