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Home » Recipe Collections

If You’re Over Winter Cooking, These 37 Fresh Recipes Feel Like a Reset

Published: Mar 18, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Fresh recipes are exactly what you need when you're sick of heavy winter meals and ready for something lighter. These are great for shaking things up in the kitchen and getting excited to cook again. Think bright flavors, crisp ingredients, and meals that feel like a break from the same old routine. If you're craving something fresh and easy, this is the reset you’ve been looking for.

Mediterranean Black Bean Salad in a white bowl being drizzled with cilantro lime dressing.

Mediterranean Black Bean Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Penne Pomodoro

An close up photo of cooked penne pomodoro in a pot.
Penne Pomodoro. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Penne Pomodoro is quick, budget-friendly, and full of fresh tomato flavor. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's a great way to keep meals easy and light.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pomodoro

Raw Carrot Salad

An overhead image of raw carrot salad on a plate.
Raw Carrot Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This raw carrot salad is crisp, fresh, and takes just 10 minutes to make. A simple side dish that keeps things light when you're over heavy meals.
Get the Recipe: Raw Carrot Salad

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.

This garlic kale salad has pecorino, toasted pepitas, and a green garlic confit dressing. A bold, fresh option when you want something different.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Kale Salad with Lemon

Leek and Mushroom Pasta

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

Leek and mushroom pasta is creamy, light, and packed with fresh herbs and cheese. A one-pot meal that’s ready in 40 minutes for an easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Mushroom Pasta

Heirloom Caprese Salad

An overhead photo of caprese salad served in a white bowl.
Heirloom Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

With just six ingredients, this Caprese salad keeps things simple and fresh. A great way to use ripe tomatoes when you want something easy.
Get the Recipe: Heirloom Caprese Salad

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.

Pea shoot pesto and roasted oyster mushrooms bring fresh spring flavors to this pasta. A light, plant-based meal that comes together in 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Spring Pasta with Peas and Oyster Mushrooms

Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad

Top view of brussels sprouts caesar salad in a bowl.
Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

This vegan Caesar salad swaps lettuce for shaved Brussels sprouts. Finished with toasted chickpeas, it's a fresh and easy choice for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad

Microwave Asparagus

An overhead image of microwave asparagus in a serving plate with slices of lemon on the side.
Microwave Asparagus. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Steaming asparagus in the microwave takes only five minutes. A quick, healthy side that fits right into any meal when you want something simple.
Get the Recipe: Microwave Asparagus

Mediterranean Black Bean Salad

Mediterranean Black Bean Salad in a white bowl being drizzled with cilantro lime dressing.
Mediterranean Black Bean Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Black bean salad with cilantro lime dressing is a 10-minute option for lunch or a side. Packed with fresh ingredients, it’s great when you're over winter meals.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Black Bean Salad

Crispy Brussels Sprouts Latkes

Healthy Brussels sprouts and potato latkes.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts Latkes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These crispy latkes mix grated potatoes and shaved Brussels sprouts. Served with avocado-lemon crema, they make a great brunch dish.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Brussels Sprouts Latkes

Vegan Caesar Salad

Vegan caesar salad in a bowl drizzled with caesar salad dressing.
Vegan Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This vegan Caesar salad has crisp lettuce, creamy dressing, and crunchy toppings. A fast and fresh option for a side or light lunch.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Caesar Salad

Simple Chopped Salad

An overhead image of vegan chopped salad in a bowl with a serving spoon in the middle.
Simple Chopped Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This vegan chopped salad comes together fast with crisp vegetables. A fresh and easy choice when you need something light.
Get the Recipe: Simple Chopped Salad

Broccoli Pesto Pasta

An overhead image of broccoli pesto pasta served in a plate.
Broccoli Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Broccoli pesto pasta with toasted lemon zest and cherry tomatoes makes a bright, 30-minute meal. Whipped ricotta ties it all together for an easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Pesto Pasta

Stir Fry Green Beans with Coconut

A top-down view of stir-fried green beans with coconut on a white plate, accompanied by a white napkin and fork.
Stir Fry Green Beans with Coconut. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Stir-fried green beans with coconut and Indian spices make for a bold, flavorful dish. A quick and healthy side to pair with rice or flatbread.
Get the Recipe: Stir Fry Green Beans with Coconut

Italian Chopped Salad

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

Italian chopped salad is packed with fresh vegetables and tossed in a light champagne vinaigrette. A quick, healthy option for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chopped Salad

Gomen Wat (Spicy Ethiopian Greens)

An overhead view of gomen wat in a white bowl.
Gomen Wat (Spicy Ethiopian Greens). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Gomen Wat is a traditional Ethiopian collard green dish that brings bold flavor to any meal. A fresh and nutritious side when you want something different.
Get the Recipe: Gomen Wat (Spicy Ethiopian Greens)

Veggie Taco Salad

An overhead image of veggie taco salad in a bowl with a fork.
Veggie Taco Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegetarian taco salad has all the classic taco flavors without the meat. A quick, balanced option when you need an easy weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Taco Salad

Baked Samosas

Top view image of healthy samosas on a black plate with additional samosas on a cooling rack.
Baked Samosas. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These baked or air-fried samosas use just six pantry ingredients for a lighter take on a classic. A great way to add variety without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Baked Samosas

Vegan Niçoise Salad

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

This vegan Niçoise salad has chickpeas, crisp vegetables, and briny olives. Tossed in a light vinaigrette, it’s a fresh and filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Niçoise Salad

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.

This lemon ricotta pasta is ready in 15 minutes and keeps things easy. A simple way to add fresh flavor to your meal without much effort.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Vegan 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.
Vegan Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Roasted vegan stuffed peppers are packed with quinoa, lentils, and vegetables. A wholesome meal that makes eating well easy.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Stuffed Peppers

Kale Salad With Cranberries

A horizontal image of kale salad with cranberries.
Kale Salad With Cranberries. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Kale salad with cranberries, lemon, and nuts comes together in five minutes. A fresh and simple side that works with any meal.
Get the Recipe: Kale Salad With Cranberries

Lemon Butter Pasta (Pasta al Limone)

An image of lemon butter pasta in a bowl.
Lemon Butter Pasta (Pasta al Limone). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Lemon butter pasta is bright, buttery, and done in under 30 minutes. A simple way to add fresh flavors to your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta (Pasta al Limone)

Panzanella Salad

An overhead image of panzanella salad served on a white plate with dressing on top of it.
Panzanella Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This quick panzanella salad takes just 10 minutes with fresh vegetables and crusty bread. A good way to bring bright flavors to your meals.
Get the Recipe: Panzanella Salad

Ayurvedic Indian Kitchari

An overhead view of kitchari in a pot above a wooden board.
Ayurvedic Indian Kitchari. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Kitchari is a simple, one-pot rice and lentil dish that comes together in 45 minutes. A balanced meal that works well when you want something nutritious.
Get the Recipe: Ayurvedic Indian Kitchari

3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

An image of broccoli cheese casserole served on a table with a spoon on the right side.
3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Broccoli cheese casserole needs just three ingredients and 30 minutes to make. A simple, healthy option for busy days when you need something quick.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Vegan Drumsticks

An image of vegan drumsticks on a plate garnished with fresh green herbs and a lemon wedge.
Vegan Drumsticks. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These vegan drumsticks are a crunchy, plant-based take on a familiar favorite. A good way to switch things up while keeping meals balanced.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Drumsticks

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 is a cozy, balanced meal that works in any season. With just 45 minutes of cooking, it’s an easy go-to for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Greek Chickpea Soup

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

A plate full of roasted cabbage steaks.
Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

Roasted cabbage steaks are simple to make and ready in 35 minutes. A healthy side dish that fits right in with spring meals.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan

A serving of Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan in a plate.
Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Maple Dijon chicken sheet pan dinner combines sweet and tangy flavors with roasted vegetables. A quick, balanced meal that makes dinner simple.
Get the Recipe: Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan

Lemon Greek Potatoes

Close-up image of lemon greek potatoes in a dish.
Lemon Greek Potatoes. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Lemon Greek potatoes bake until crisp with olive oil, oregano, and garlic. A simple side dish that keeps flavors fresh without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Greek Potatoes

Spring Gyros with Apricot Salsa

Spring Gyros with Apricot Salsa. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Gyros get a fresh update with apricot salsa, yogurt sauce, and pea sprouts. A light but flavorful option for spring gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Spring Gyros with Apricot Salsa

Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze

burrata salad with balsamic glaze including spring mix, basil leaves, halved cherry tomatoes, drizzled with balsamic glaze and olive oil.
Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Burrata salad with balsamic glaze, fresh basil, and cherry tomatoes keeps things simple. A great way to highlight fresh ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Radicchio Endive Chicken Salad

Radicchio Endive Chicken Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Radicchio endive chicken salad with honey mustard dressing is crisp and fresh. A good choice for warmer weather when salads start making a comeback.
Get the Recipe: Radicchio Endive Chicken Salad

Egg and Cucumber Sandwiches

An egg and cucumber sandwich with pepper jack cheese, spring mix, and dill sauce is shown on a white plate over a rustic wooden cutting board.
Egg and Cucumber Sandwiches. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Egg and cucumber sandwiches have crisp cucumbers, hard-boiled eggs, and creamy dill sauce. A fresh, simple choice for lunches or picnics.
Get the Recipe: Egg and Cucumber Sandwiches

Salmon and Fresh Vegetables with a Creamy White Wine Sauce

Salmon and Fresh Vegetables with a Creamy White Wine Sauce. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Salmon and fresh vegetables come together in a light white wine sauce. A great springtime meal that’s quick and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Salmon and Fresh Vegetables with a Creamy White Wine Sauce

Vegan Pasta Primavera

Vegan Pasta Primavera. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Pasta primavera is packed with colorful, seasonal vegetables. A fresh and easy way to bring spring flavors to your table.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pasta Primavera

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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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