These Spring Dinner Ideas Are Like a Breath of Fresh Air (2024)

Bring something new to the table.

By Kara Zauberman
These Spring Dinner Ideas Are Like a Breath of Fresh Air (1)

Every item on this page was chosen by a The Pioneer Woman editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

As the flowers begin to bloom and spring vegetables start to pop up at the farmers' market, you might be looking for ways to hit reset on your family dinner ideas, too! After all, springtime is a chance to start fresh and introduce some lighter, brighter recipes into the kitchen. Luckily, we have tons of inspiration for new spring dinner ideas! We're talking lemony chicken recipes, pasta primavera, and creative recipes for asparagus or peas. Looking to break out the grill for the first time in a long time? There are even some BBQ recipes and cookout-friendly pasta salads on the list ahead.

If you want to keep things easy and breezy, you'll find plenty of quick dinner ideas, 30-minute meals, and spring salads made with the season's finest produce. For instance, there's a pesto pizza with arugula, chicken and asparagus stir fry, and a grilled pork salad with fresh strawberries. Of course, spending more time outdoors is one of the best parts about spring. That's why we've made sure to include a few spring grilling recipes and picnic ideas that will make it easy to enjoy the change of seasons including tuna pasta salad, turkey burgers, and grilled chicken marinade. All that’s left to do is whip up a fresh new spring dessert, and you'll be celebrating sunny days in no time.

1

Chicken Piccata

These Spring Dinner Ideas Are Like a Breath of Fresh Air (3)

This classic lemony chicken dish is both comforting and fresh at the same time. The decadent cream sauce has a pop of citrus flavor that's so good, you'll want to pour it over both the chicken and the pasta!

Get Ree's Chicken Piccata recipe.

2

Bow Tie Pasta Salad

These Spring Dinner Ideas Are Like a Breath of Fresh Air (4)

Not only does this creamy pasta salad have bits of hearty ham and cheese, but it's also packed with crunchy veggies like bell peppers and spring peas. It's great for your next picnic!

Get the Bow Tie Pasta Salad recipe.

3

Air Fryer Hot Dog

These Spring Dinner Ideas Are Like a Breath of Fresh Air (5)

If springtime reminds you of baseball season, these juicy and crisp hot dogs will become your new favorite. They're just like the kind you might find at the ballpark, only better!

Get the Air Fryer Hot Dog recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

4

Ham Tetrazzini

These Spring Dinner Ideas Are Like a Breath of Fresh Air (6)

This creamy baked spaghetti dish is packed with ham, mushrooms, and green peas, but it's the crispy breadcrumb topping that'll have you coming back for more.

Get the Ham Tetrazzini recipe.

5

Lamb Meatballs

These Spring Dinner Ideas Are Like a Breath of Fresh Air (7)

Plan a Mediterranean-inspired dinner with these tasty lamb meatballs. They're leaner and lighter than your typical beef meatballs, and they're delicious served up with tzatziki sauce and pita!

Get the Lamb Meatballs recipe.

SHOP PLATTERS

6

Salmon Rice Bowls

These Spring Dinner Ideas Are Like a Breath of Fresh Air (8)

Healthy, quick, and flavorful—these bowls are a no-brainer on busy weeknights. The sweet-and-spicy sauce and baked salmon comes together in just 25 minutes.

Get Ree's Salmon Rice Bowls recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

7

Pasta with Peas

These Spring Dinner Ideas Are Like a Breath of Fresh Air (9)

Say hello to salty pancetta (aka bacon’s Italian cousin)! It gives this creamy, cheesy pasta dish a ton of flavor. And it just so happens to pair well with the fresh flavor of spring peas.

Get the Pasta with Peas recipe.

8

Candied Carrots

These Spring Dinner Ideas Are Like a Breath of Fresh Air (10)

These sweet and tangy carrots are the perfect side dish for spring! They're elegant enough for a dinner party but easy enough for weeknights, too. You can pair them with chicken, steak, pork, or even lamb.

Get the Candied Carrots recipe.

9

Rack of Lamb

These Spring Dinner Ideas Are Like a Breath of Fresh Air (11)

Rack of lamb might look fancy, but it's surprisingly easy. The key is rubbing the lamb with a flavorful mixture of garlic, rosemary, mustard, and honey. It helps create that beautiful crust!

Get the Rack of Lamb recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

10

Lemon Pasta

This quick pasta is always a hit, but come springtime, it'll be a fresh reminder of the warm, sunny days. For an extra pop of flavor, give each plate a few grinds of black pepper on top.

Get the Lemon Pasta recipe.

SHOP PLATES

11

Chicken and Asparagus Stir Fry

These Spring Dinner Ideas Are Like a Breath of Fresh Air (13)

Hearty chicken and fresh spring veggies come together in one pan for this easy stir fry dish. There's also a homemade sauce that's full of savory soy flavor.

Get Ree's Chicken and Asparagus Stir Fry recipe.

12

Ham Casserole

These Spring Dinner Ideas Are Like a Breath of Fresh Air (14)

This comforting casserole is a great way to use up extra ham from your Sunday feast. You can also use half pound of any ham from the deli counter to pair with the rice, peas, and cheese.

Get the Ham Casserole recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

13

Enchiladas Verdes

These Spring Dinner Ideas Are Like a Breath of Fresh Air (15)

If spring were a color, it would have be green—just like your freshly cut grass! So, why not celebrate the season (and the hue) by making this easy recipe for enchiladas.

Get the Enchiladas Verdes recipe.

14

Sautéed Sugar Snap Peas

These Spring Dinner Ideas Are Like a Breath of Fresh Air (16)

When sugar snap peas are in season, they're delightfully sweet and crisp. This recipe showcases the veggie by simply sautéing them with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

Get the Sautéed Sugar Snap Peas recipe.

15

Lamb Burgers

These Spring Dinner Ideas Are Like a Breath of Fresh Air (17)

Spiced lamb patties are a fun way to switch up your burger night. They're lean and flavorful, and piled high with a Greek-inspired feta sauce.

Get the Lamb Burgers recipe.

SHOP GRILL TOOLS

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

16

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

These Spring Dinner Ideas Are Like a Breath of Fresh Air (18)

Ranch seasoning mix might just be our favorite ingredient! It'll transform this chicken pasta casserole into a zesty sensation!

Get the Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole recipe.

17

Upside-Down Puff Pastry Radish Tarts

These Spring Dinner Ideas Are Like a Breath of Fresh Air (19)

Spring radishes look so pretty on these puff pastry tarts. It would make a perfect accompaniment to your favorite spring soup or serve it up as a tasty appetizer.

Get the Upside-Down Puff Pastry Radish Tarts recipe.

18

Honey Mustard Chicken

These Spring Dinner Ideas Are Like a Breath of Fresh Air (20)

We can't get enough of the sweet and tangy combination of honey and mustard. It's perfect for marinating chicken thighs that can either be cooked in the oven or on the grill.

Get the Honey Mustard Chicken recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

19

Chile-Lime Steak Salad

These Spring Dinner Ideas Are Like a Breath of Fresh Air (21)

The best way to get Ladd Drummond to eat a salad is to add a juicy steak right on top! Here, the spicy-sweet dressing brings the whole thing together.

Get Ree's Chile-Lime Steak Salad recipe.

20

Shrimp Pesto Pasta

These Spring Dinner Ideas Are Like a Breath of Fresh Air (22)

If you're growing basil in your garden this spring, then you'll definitely want to use it to make a batch of fresh pesto! Add some seasonal asparagus and juicy shrimp for a quick and tasty pasta recipe.

Get Ree's Shrimp Pesto Pasta recipe.

SHOP PASTA BOWLS

These Spring Dinner Ideas Are Like a Breath of Fresh Air (2024)

FAQs

What food is popular in spring? ›

Find more in-season foods all year round!
  • Kale. ...
  • Asparagus. ...
  • Strawberries. ...
  • Mushrooms. ...
  • Ramps & Scallions. ...
  • Parsnips, Turnips, Rutabaga. ...
  • Beets. ...
  • Cauliflower and Broccoli.
Mar 11, 2024

What sounds good for dinner this evening? ›

40 Easy Dinner Ideas to Make Tonight
  • Chicken Pot Pie Pasta. ...
  • 30 Minute General Tso's Chicken. ...
  • Instant Pot Spaghetti. ...
  • Honey Sesame Chicken. ...
  • Chicken Chow Mein. ...
  • Chicken Katsu. ...
  • Air Fryer Chimichangas. ...
  • Baked Firecracker Chicken.
Sep 19, 2022

What to cook if I'm lazy? ›

These lazy dinner recipes are anything but boring.
  1. 1Cheeseburger nachos. ...
  2. 2Crispy Japanese sushi salmon patties. ...
  3. 310-minute vegetarian pad Thai. ...
  4. 4Chicken Lorraine. ...
  5. 5Creamy Italian salmon tray bake. ...
  6. 6Creamy French onion chicken pasta bake. ...
  7. 7The ultimate cheat's gozleme. ...
  8. 8Honey soy chicken with noodles.

What is the easiest food to make in the world? ›

17 Of The Easiest Recipes Of All Time (Seriously)
  • Spicy Maple Glazed Salmon. ...
  • 15-Minute Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry. ...
  • Enchilada Sweet Potatoes. ...
  • One-Pot Chicken and Rice with Artichokes. ...
  • Wild Rice and Leftover Turkey Soup. ...
  • Sticky Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp. ...
  • 10-Minute Margherita Naan Pizza. ...
  • 0 comments.
Jan 2, 2019

What do Americans eat in spring? ›

Spring
  • Artichokes.
  • Asparagus.
  • Carrots.
  • Chives.
  • Fava beans.
  • Green onions.
  • Leeks.
  • Lettuce.

What are the best seasonal foods? ›

List of Peak Seasons for Fruits and Veggie
  • Winter Season. · Chestnuts. · Grapefruit. · Lemons. · Oranges. · Tangerines. · Kale. ...
  • Spring Season. · Apricots. · Avocado. · Mango. · Pineapple. · Rhubarb. ...
  • Summer Season. · Blackberries. · Blueberries. · Nectarines. · Peaches. · Plums. ...
  • Fall Season. · Apples. · Cranberries. · Figs. · Grapes. · Pears.

What sounds good for dinner on a Sunday? ›

55 Easy Sunday Dinner Ideas The Whole Family Will Love
  • 02 of 55. Fried Pork Chops With Peas And Potatoes. Greg DuPree. ...
  • 05 of 55. Garlicky Roasted Spatchco*ck Chicken. Alison Miksch. ...
  • 08 of 55. Buffalo Ranch Chicken-Broccoli Casserole. ...
  • 11 of 55. Beef Stroganoff. ...
  • 14 of 55. Creamy Kale And Pasta Bake. ...
  • 17 of 55. Mama's Fried Chicken.
Nov 17, 2023

What sounds good for supper dinner? ›

30 Easy Dinner Ideas For When You're Not Sure What To Make
  • Fajita Parchment-Baked Chicken. tasty.co. ...
  • The Best Ever Slow Cooker Pot Roast. tasty.co. ...
  • Veggie Garlic Noodles. tasty.co. ...
  • Chicken & Biscuit Bake. tasty.co. ...
  • Taco Soup. tasty.co. ...
  • One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. ...
  • Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry. ...
  • Oven-Baked French Bread Pizzas.
Apr 19, 2023

What to make for dinner when you're tired? ›

  • Absolutely, coming home tired from work calls for quick and easy recipes. Here are some simple and delicious ideas:
  • One-Pan Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken:
  • Sheet Pan Fajitas:
  • Quick Shrimp Stir-Fry:
  • Caprese Salad with Rotisserie Chicken:
  • Avocado and Chickpea Salad:
  • Pasta Aglio e Olio:
  • Egg Fried Rice:
Mar 17, 2023

What to make for dinner when uninspired? ›

Dinner ideas for the uninspired
  • Cheesy Taco Sticks. Melinda Marx. ...
  • Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. Melinda Marx. ...
  • Smothered Chicken. Melinda Marx. ...
  • Slow Cooker Parmesan Chicken & Rice. Melinda Marx. ...
  • Best-Ever Beef Tips & Gravy (Easy) Melinda Marx. ...
  • Easy Cheeseburger Dinner Casserole. Melinda Marx.

What to cook when homeless? ›

Easy meals for homeless
  • Frozen breakfast sandwiches to last 3 weeks! Frozen breakfast sandwiches to last 3 weeks! ...
  • Tiffany Sotelo. ...
  • One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta - Mother Thyme. ...
  • White Sauce Penne Pasta. ...
  • Easy Chili Mac. ...
  • Easy Dinner Idea: Oven Baked Meatball Sandwiches Recipe. ...
  • Baked Cheddar Ranch Potatoes, Cheesy Red Potatoes.

What is the single most eaten food in the world? ›

Rice is often considered the most consumed staple food globally. It serves as a dietary staple for a large portion of the world's population and is a major source of calories and nutrition for billions of people.

What are the 3 most eaten foods in the world? ›

There are more than 50,000 edible plants in the world, but just 15 of them provide 90 percent of the world's food energy intake. Rice, corn (maize), and wheat make up two-thirds of this.

What is the most loved food on earth? ›

Pizza has rightfully earned its place as the world's most beloved food. This Italian creation has become a staple in numerous countries, with endless variations to suit every taste bud. Whether you prefer thin crust or deep dish, classic Margherita, or loaded pepperoni, pizza has something for everyone.

What is the traditional food during Spring Festival? ›

Chun Juan (Spring Rolls)

Spring rolls (chun juan) take their name from the holiday for which they're traditionally prepared: the Spring Festival (chunjie), also known as Chinese New Year. The crisp golden rolls are meant to symbolize bars of gold and bring wealth and prosperity in the year to come.

What meats to eat in spring? ›

What Are The Best Meats For Spring?
  • Beef. Beef is a great source of protein and other important nutrients that are vital for your health. ...
  • Pork. Pork is a versatile meat that can be cooked into a variety of dishes. ...
  • Chicken. ...
  • Lamb.
Feb 27, 2023

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Barbera Armstrong

Last Updated:

Views: 5728

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (59 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Barbera Armstrong

Birthday: 1992-09-12

Address: Suite 993 99852 Daugherty Causeway, Ritchiehaven, VT 49630

Phone: +5026838435397

Job: National Engineer

Hobby: Listening to music, Board games, Photography, Ice skating, LARPing, Kite flying, Rugby

Introduction: My name is Barbera Armstrong, I am a lovely, delightful, cooperative, funny, enchanting, vivacious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.