As the weather warms up and nature begins to bloom, it’s the perfect time to embrace Spring Dinner Recipes. This season brings an abundance of fresh, vibrant ingredients that are perfect for crafting light, flavorful meals. Think crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, and proteins that feel fresh and satisfying without being heavy. Spring-inspired dinners focus on using seasonal vegetables like asparagus, peas, and baby carrots, as well as herbs such as basil, mint, and dill, which add bright, aromatic touches to any dish. Lighter proteins like chicken, seafood, and plant-based options also shine during this time, offering both health and taste in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or enjoying a peaceful dinner at home, these spring recipes are the perfect way to celebrate the season’s bounty.
Spring Dinner Recipes
1. Spring Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
This Spring Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is a light and refreshing dish, perfect for a spring dinner. It combines tender mixed greens with the crispness of radishes and a zesty lemon vinaigrette dressing, offering a balance of freshness and tanginess. This simple yet flavorful salad brings out the best of spring’s vibrant produce, making it a delightful side or even a light main dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and baby kale)
- 1/2 cup sliced radishes
- 1/2 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup toasted sunflower seeds or walnuts (optional)
For the Lemon Vinaigrette:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, radishes, cucumber, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- If desired, top with crumbled feta cheese and toasted seeds or nuts.
- Serve immediately for a light, crisp spring dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
This salad is a low-calorie, nutrient-rich option, full of vitamins and healthy fats. The lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing zing without overwhelming the natural flavors of the vegetables. Perfect for a springtime meal!
2. Berry & Goat Cheese Salad
The Berry & Goat Cheese Salad is a delightful, colorful dish that combines sweet, juicy berries with creamy goat cheese, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The addition of candied pecans adds a touch of sweetness and crunch, making this salad both refreshing and indulgent. It’s an excellent way to highlight the fresh, seasonal berries available in the spring, offering a light yet satisfying option for dinner or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, and baby kale)
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup candied pecans (or walnuts)
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, strawberries, and blueberries.
- Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese and candied pecans on top of the salad.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Optionally, drizzle a little balsamic glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Serve immediately for a refreshing, fruity salad.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
This Berry & Goat Cheese Salad is a nutrient-packed dish, rich in antioxidants from the berries and healthy fats from the nuts and goat cheese. It’s a great way to enjoy the season’s bounty in a light, flavorful salad.
3. Lemon and Herb Pasta with Asparagus
The Lemon and Herb Pasta with Asparagus is a bright and zesty dish that celebrates the fresh flavors of spring. Tender asparagus pairs beautifully with a lemony pasta, infused with fresh herbs like basil and parsley. This dish is light yet satisfying, making it an ideal choice for a spring dinner. The fresh herbs and lemon zest bring a refreshing vibrancy, while the asparagus adds a crisp, earthy touch.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (such as spaghetti or fettuccine)
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the asparagus to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, until tender-crisp.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with the asparagus.
- Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, fresh basil, and parsley. Add the reserved pasta cooking water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese (if desired) and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 220mg
This Lemon and Herb Pasta with Asparagus is a light, flavorful dish full of vitamins and antioxidants. The fresh herbs and lemon offer a refreshing punch, while the asparagus provides a nutritious boost. Perfect for a quick spring dinner that feels both wholesome and indulgent.
4. Spring Pesto Pasta
The Spring Pesto Pasta is a vibrant and fresh take on traditional pesto, featuring a blend of basil, spinach, garlic, and nuts, creating a rich, herbaceous sauce that pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta. This dish is a celebration of spring’s best herbs and greens, offering a healthy, flavorful meal that’s quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (such as penne or spaghetti)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp water (optional, to thin pesto if needed)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside.
- In a food processor or blender, combine the basil, spinach, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until finely chopped.
- With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil and lemon juice until a smooth pesto forms. If the pesto is too thick, add a tablespoon of pasta cooking water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the pesto, adding more water or olive oil if needed.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
This Spring Pesto Pasta is a wholesome, nutrient-dense dish, packed with fresh herbs and leafy greens. The pesto provides healthy fats from the olive oil and nuts, while the pasta delivers a satisfying base. It’s the perfect balance of flavor and nutrition for a spring-inspired dinner!
I’m Priscilla Swahn, a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutritional sciences. With over a decade of experience in holistic nutrition, I specialize in creating delicious keto recipes to help you enjoy a healthy lifestyle. On iKetoMom, you’ll find a variety of recipes for every meal—hearty breakfasts, satisfying lunches, mouthwatering dinners, indulgent desserts, and refreshing drinks. My recipes make keto living easy and enjoyable for the whole family. Featured in EatingWell and MindBodyGreen, I also collaborate with health centers and corporate companies to share my expertise. Join me and discover the joy of keto cooking!