Ditch the Heavy Winter Foods - 35 Light Spring Dinners to Try

Light spring dinners are a great way to shake off the heavy meals of winter and bring fresh, bright flavors to your plate. These recipes are easy, full of fresh ingredients, and perfect for nights when you want something lighter but still packed with flavor. No complicated techniques, no long hours in the kitchen—just simple, great food that makes the most of the season. Whether you're cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, these meals keep things fresh, easy, and downright delicious.

An overview of a bowl of Dandelion Greens and Beans Skillet. — Dandelion Greens and Beans Skillet. Photo Credit: Running to the Kitchen

Mushroom Stroganoff

Creamy mushroom stroganoff comes together in 30 minutes, making it a quick choice for busy nights. Serve it with rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a no-fuss meal that keeps things easy.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Stroganoff

Sesame Tofu

Crispy sesame tofu is paired with caramelized vegetables and a rich, nutty sauce. This easy meal comes together quickly, making it a great choice for a light dinner that doesn’t require much effort.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Tofu

Microwave Asparagus

Steamed asparagus in the microwave takes only five minutes and requires little preparation. It’s an easy way to add a nutritious side to your meal without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Microwave Asparagus

Sheet Pan Bibimbap

Sheet pan bibimbap brings together roasted vegetables and crispy tofu in one pan for easy cleanup. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a simple option when you want something flavorful with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Bibimbap

Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese

This version of Panera’s broccoli cheddar mac and cheese is ready in just 20 minutes. Rich and comforting, it’s a quick meal when you need something easy without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Close-up image of sliced homemade Margherita pizza. — Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Broccoli cheddar soup is filled with vegetables and cheese, making for a hearty yet simple meal. Ready in 35 minutes, it’s an easy way to add something warm to your dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Grilled Steak with Herbed Scallion Topping

Grilled steak with herbed scallion topping is simple to prepare and packed with flavor. A great option for summer grilling when you want something easy with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak with Herbed Scallion Topping

Spring Pasta with Peas and Oyster Mushrooms

Vegan spring pasta with pea shoot pesto and roasted oyster mushrooms comes together in 30 minutes. A fresh and easy meal that keeps things light while still bringing plenty of texture.
Get the Recipe: Spring Pasta with Peas and Oyster Mushrooms

Dandelion Greens and Beans Skillet

Sautéed dandelion greens with cannellini and kidney beans make for a fresh, light meal ready in under 30 minutes. A simple way to enjoy greens without much prep.
Get the Recipe: Dandelion Greens and Beans Skillet

Pesto Flatbread

An image of slices of flatbread on a serving plate. — Pesto Flatbread. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Pesto flatbread with fresh ricotta, cherry tomatoes, and pesto on a crispy naan base. Ready in 20 minutes, making it an easy choice for a light but flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Flatbread

Shrimp Tostadas with Spicy Avocado Crema

Shrimp tostadas with a crunchy red cabbage slaw and a spiced avocado crema. A quick and simple seafood dish that brings plenty of texture to the table.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tostadas with Spicy Avocado Crema

Veggie Quesadilla

Crispy veggie quesadillas filled with roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and melted cheese. Served with a creamy cilantro-lime sauce, this meal is easy to put together while keeping things fresh.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Quesadilla

Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Beef and broccoli stir fry served with white rice on a white plate. — Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Shaved beef stir-fry features tender beef slices coated in a bold sauce and cooks in minutes. A quick option when you need something flavorful without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Carrot Casserole

Carrot casserole with a creamy cheese sauce and a crispy breadcrumb topping comes together quickly. A practical side dish that adds a little comfort to your meal with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Casserole

Best Cobb Salad

A fresh take on Cobb Salad, combining crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and tangy vinaigrette. A well-balanced meal that’s great for prepping ahead of time.
Get the Recipe: Best Cobb Salad

Roasted Pear Salad

Roasted pear salad combines crunchy textures and bright flavors, finished with a lemon vinaigrette. This simple dish comes together in just 25 minutes for an effortless addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Pear Salad

Vegan Veggie Wrap

Colorful vegan sandwich wraps are packed with fresh ingredients. A quick and nutritious meal for busy nights or on-the-go dinners.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Veggie Wrap

Mango Avocado Salad

An overhead image of avocado salad in a serving bowl. — Mango Avocado Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Mango avocado salad with a simple lemony vinaigrette is great for warm-weather meals. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s an easy way to add something fresh to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Mango Avocado Salad

Rainbow Bowl

A vibrant rainbow bowl drizzled with golden tahini dressing. Packed with colorful vegetables, this nourishing meal keeps things fresh and balanced.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Bowl

Green Beans and Potatoes

An image of green beans in a serving bowl with a spoon resting on it. — Green Beans and Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Green beans and potatoes cook in just 25 minutes, making for a simple and cost-effective side. A great addition to round out your meal without extra hassle.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans and Potatoes

Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Honey Lemon Pepper Thighs with parsley on a white plate. — Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Honey lemon pepper chicken thighs balance sweet honey, tangy lemon, and bold pepper. This quick recipe keeps things effortless while bringing plenty of flavor to the table.
Get the Recipe: Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Naan Pizza

Three naan pizza variations—Margherita, Veggie, and Mediterranean—create a quick meal in just 30 minutes. A lighter approach to pizza that’s easy to make and customize.
Get the Recipe: Naan Pizza

Antipasto Salad

Antipasto salad with roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, and Genoa salami, tossed in a tangy dressing. A simple dish that comes together quickly and works well for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Ethiopian Cabbage

Ethiopian cabbage stew (Atakilt Wat) is made with pantry staples and fragrant spices. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy one-pot dish that keeps dinner simple and budget-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Ethiopian Cabbage

Lemon Herb Chicken Patties

Lemon herb chicken patties combine fresh herbs, lemon, and parmesan for a simple yet flavorful meal. A quick dinner option when you want something light without spending too much time cooking.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Herb Chicken Patties

Vegan Fajitas

An image of a vegan fajita on a plate. — Vegan Fajitas. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan fajitas wraps with sautéed peppers, onions, and mushrooms bring plenty of flavor with minimal effort. Finished with dairy-free yogurt, they make for a fresh, light meal.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Fajitas

Pizza Salad

Healthy Pizza Salad captures familiar flavors in a fresh, lighter way. Packed with vegetables, it’s a fun way to keep things light while still enjoying a classic favorite.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Raw Carrot Salad

Raw carrot salad brings a crisp texture and bright, tangy flavor. A quick 10-minute side that works well with a variety of meals.
Get the Recipe: Raw Carrot Salad

Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies with Purple Artichokes

A simple sheet pan meal featuring sausage, vegetables, and seasonal purple artichokes. A hassle-free way to put together a balanced meal with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies with Purple Artichokes

Mushroom Masala

Mushroom masala features tender mushrooms in a rich tomato-coconut sauce and is ready in 30 minutes. Serve it with rice or naan for a no-fuss dinner that comes together fast.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Masala

Halloumi Salad

Fried halloumi salad with arugula, cabbage, and mushrooms brings bold flavors to the table. The crispy cheese pairs well with different meals, making it a flexible and easy side.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Salad

Potato And Sausage Chowder

Potato and sausage chowder is a one-pot meal with rich, savory flavors. A convenient dinner choice when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Potato And Sausage Chowder

Easy Egg Rolls

An image of vegan egg rolls arranged on a serving dish with sweet chili sauce on the side. — Easy Egg Rolls. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan egg rolls are crispy on the outside and filled with flavorful ingredients. Ready in 20 minutes, they’re a simple and affordable option when you need a quick appetizer or snack.
Get the Recipe: Easy Egg Rolls

Roasted Brussels Sprout Pomegranate Pancetta Feta Casserole

Roasted Brussels sprouts with pancetta, feta, and pomegranate create a flavorful side dish. This easy recipe adds variety to the table without requiring much effort.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprout Pomegranate Pancetta Feta Casserole

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 light, buttery, and ready in under 30 minutes. Made with simple ingredients, it’s an effortless option for a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta (Pasta al Limone)