28 Sensational Spring Dinner Ideas

Jocelyn Delk Adams
·7 min read
6

Gnocchi with Peas and Lemon Cream Sauce

As winter finally, officially came to a close, it's time to welcome some good news: fresh spring produce is here. Spring is one of my favorite seasons for recipes and cuisine alone.

This list of savory and filling recipes not only includes all the best of spring produce—like strawberries, asparagus, spinach and sweet spring peas—but also springtime seafood classics like spot prawns from the West Coast and soft shell crab from the East Coast. All of these go great with these light and refreshing drinks.

Related: 26 Colorful Spring Desserts to Make This Season

What's In Season Now for Spring

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, produce that's harvested in spring consists of:

  • Apples

  • Apricots

  • Asparagus

  • Avocados

  • Bananas

  • Broccoli

  • Cabbage

  • Carrots

  • Celery

  • Collard Greens

  • Garlic

  • Herbs

  • Kale

  • Kiwifruit

  • Lemons

  • Lettuce

  • Limes

  • Mushrooms

  • Onions

  • Peas

  • Pineapples

  • Radishes

  • Rhubarb

  • Spinach

  • Strawberries

  • Swiss Chard

  • Turnips

Best Spring Dinner Recipes & Ideas

There are plenty of easy-to-make dishes like bright salads in this mix, along with slow-cooked lamb roasts and braised beef shins with fresh herb sauce and asparagus. All of these spring menu ideas are perfect to use throughout the season as well. Try soups for the chillier evenings and fresh fish and plates of pasta when we land on the cusp of summer.

Related: The Best Spring Side Dish Recipes

Save and share these recipes with your friends; these are serious keepers!

<p>Sweet Tea & Thyme</p><p>The salad that changed a salad hater's mind! Delicious and classic with juicy strawberries, creamy feta cheese and crunchy candied nuts with a bright lemon poppyseed dressing!</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.sweetteaandthyme.com/strawberry-spinach-salad-melting-pot/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Strawberry Spinach Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Strawberry Spinach Salad</strong></a></p>
<p>Grandbaby Cakes</p><p>A simple yet flavorful grilled fish recipe made with just a few ingredients including a honey bourbon marinade. It is perfect for work days or weekend entertaining!</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://grandbaby-cakes.com/grilled-catfish-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Pineapple Honey Bourbon Grilled Catfish;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Pineapple Honey Bourbon Grilled Catfish</strong></a></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/60-star-asparagus-recipes-recipe-191939420.html" data-ylk="slk:60 Best Asparagus Recipes with Different Ways to Cook It;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">60 Best Asparagus Recipes with Different Ways to Cook It</a></strong></p>
<p>Butter be Ready</p><p>This one-pan creamy spinach artichoke chicken is insanely good to the last bite. Extra juicy, succulent and flavorful chicken pan-seared and combined with a deliciously tasty spinach artichoke sauce. Makes a perfect meal for weeknights and more!</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.butterbeready.com/creamy-spinach-artichoke-chicken/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken</strong></a></p>
<p>Sabrina Currie</p><p>In-season spring spot prawns are nutritious and delicious. This light tomato fennel broth is perfection with some crusty bread and crisp white wine!</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://sabrinacurrie.com/recipe/wild-west-coast-prawns-in-tomato-fennel-broth-and-grilled/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Grilled West Coast Spot Prawns in Tomato Fennel Broth;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Grilled West Coast Spot Prawns in Tomato Fennel Broth</strong></a></p>
<p>The Hungry Hutch</p><p>This recipe combines store-bought gnocchi and peas in a cheesy, lemony cream sauce that is sure to comfort your stomach and your soul.</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.thehungryhutch.com/gnocchi-peas-lemon-cream-sauce-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Gnocchi with Peas and Lemon Cream Sauce;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Gnocchi with Peas and Lemon Cream Sauce</strong></a></p>
<p>Keen for Keto</p><p>Keto-friendly pizza with the best low-carb pizza crust and topped with tomato-free balsamic pizza sauce and prosciutto, goat cheese and arugula!</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://keenforketo.com/keto-goat-cheese-pizza-with-prosciutto-and-arugula/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Keto Goat Cheese Pizza with Prosciutto and Arugula;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Keto Goat Cheese Pizza with Prosciutto and Arugula</strong></a></p>
<p>Good Food Baddie</p><p>This easy sheet pan salmon with roasted asparagus, herb-crusted potatoes and luscious avocado crema is perfect for a quick, healthy, filling meal that everyone will enjoy!</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://goodfoodbaddie.com/easy-sheet-pan-salmon-dish/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Easy Sheet Pan Salmon Dish;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Easy Sheet Pan Salmon Dish</strong></a></p>
<p>Grandbaby Cakes</p><p>This lemon chicken piccata recipe pairs a sensationally thin bread-crumb-crusted chicken with classic lemon wine sauce that is highly addictive! </p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://grandbaby-cakes.com/breaded-chicken-piccata/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Lemon Chicken Piccata;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Lemon Chicken Piccata </strong></a></p>
<p>Jessica in the Kitchen</p><p>These mango habanero cauliflower Wings will blow your tastebuds away! Coated in a sweet mango habanero sauce, they are unbelievably delicious.</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://jessicainthekitchen.com/mango-habanero-cauliflower-wings/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Mango Habanero Cauliflower Wings;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Mango Habanero Cauliflower Wings</strong></a></p>
<p>The Schizo Chef</p><p>Fanesca is traditionally made during Lent to utilize many spring vegetables. With rice, beans and vegetables, it is a hearty filling soup that can serve as a meal on its own!</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.theschizochef.com/fanesca-ecuadorian-spring-soup/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Fanesca Spring Soup;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Fanesca Spring Soup</strong></a></p>
<p>A Little and A Lot</p><p>Bright green spinach pasta is topped with simple garlic and lemon marinated baked cod and covered in Agrodolce, a colorful, sweet and sour Italian condiment that turns a simple meal of pasta and fish into a gourmet feast.</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://alittleandalot.com/spinach-pasta-baked-cod-agrodolce/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Spinach Pasta with Baked Cod and Agrodolce;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Spinach Pasta with Baked Cod and Agrodolce</strong></a></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/845209/felicialim/21-savory-spring-pea-recipes-youll-absolutely-love/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:21 Savory Spring Pea Recipes You'll Absolutely Love;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">21 Savory Spring Pea Recipes You'll Absolutely Love</a></strong></p>
<p>Recipes from a Pantry</p><p>Love serving traditional roast lamb shoulder but don’t have seven hours to prepare it? Then you are in luck because this recipe for Instant Pot lamb is ready in just 90 minutes! And folks, this is seriously delectable fall-apart meat that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds).</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://recipesfromapantry.com/instant-pot-lamb-shoulder/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Instant Pot Lamb Shoulder;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Instant Pot Lamb Shoulder</strong></a></p>
<p>Pass Me Some Tasty</p><p>Tender, juicy, herb-crusted pork tenderloin is served over creamy polenta with roasted garlicky cherry tomatoes. This simple, minimal no-fuss dinner is sure to impress any night of the week and for any special occasion.</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.passmesometasty.com/herb-crusted-pork-tenderloin-with-creamy-polenta/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Creamy Polenta;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Creamy Polenta</strong></a></p>
<p>Billy Parisi</p><p>Fresh vegetables are in full swing in the chopped salad that is served with sliced lemon chicken and a soy vinaigrette.</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.billyparisi.com/lemon-chicken-summer-chopped-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Lemon Chicken Chopped Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Lemon Chicken Chopped Salad</strong></a></p>
<p>Sweet Tea & Thyme</p><p>Salmon en papillote sounds super fancy but don't fret! It’s a fast and easy recipe, perfect for a springtime dinner. Not only is the salmon baked with a lemon dill compound butter, but it’s served with fresh, herbaceous gremolata all under 30 minutes. </p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.sweetteaandthyme.com/salmon-en-papillote-lemon-gremolata/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Salmon en Papillote with Lemon Dill Compound Butter and Gremolata;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Salmon en Papillote with Lemon Dill Compound Butter and Gremolata</strong></a></p>
<p>Neighborfood Blog</p><p>This Green Pea Soup with fresh basil and smoky sweet candied bacon is the ultimate spring appetizer. Bright and creamy, it’s a great reason to give peas a chance.</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://neighborfoodblog.com/2017/04/green-pea-soup-with-candied-bacon.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Green Pea Soup with Candied Bacon;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Green Pea Soup with Candied Bacon</strong></a></p>
<p>Rhubarbarians</p><p>Amazing avocado grapefruit salad with strawberry, manchego and mint! This vegetarian spring salad recipe is perfect as a light main dish.</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.rhubarbarians.com/avocado-grapefruit-salad-strawberry/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Simple Avocado Grapefruit Salad with Strawberries and Mint;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Simple Avocado Grapefruit Salad with Strawberries and Mint</strong></a></p>
<p>Grandbaby Cakes</p><p>This lemon roast chicken dinner starts with fresh chicken that is highly seasoned and sprinkled with a citrus flavor that’s roasted in delicious juices, onions and potatoes making this the easiest weeknight dinner!</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://grandbaby-cakes.com/lemon-roasted-chicken/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Lemon Roast Chicken Dinner;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Lemon Roast Chicken Dinner</strong></a></p>
<p>Binky's Culinary Carnival</p><p>This lamb loin is a super easy, special dish for any occasion! You can grill it in the warmer months, or roast it in the oven any time of the year!</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.binkysculinarycarnival.com/lamb-loin-grilled-or-roasted-to-perfection/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Lamb Loin Roast;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Lamb Loin Roast</strong></a></p>
<p>Proportional Plate</p><p>These duck and leek soba noodles with peas and bone broth are perfect for those cool rainy spring days. They’re nourishing and comforting, and use some of the first produce of the season.</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.proportionalplate.com/duck-leek-soba-noodles-with-peas-bone-broth/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Duck Soba with Leeks and Peas in Bone Broth;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Duck Soba with Leeks and Peas in Bone Broth</strong></a></p>
<p>Nourish and Fete</p><p>A bright dish of lemon asparagus pasta perked up with shrimp and crunchy pistachios. Ready in less than 30 minutes, this meal is perfect for adding some variety to busy weeknight comfort food!</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.nourish-and-fete.com/lemon-asparagus-pasta/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Lemon Asparagus Shrimp Pasta;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Lemon Asparagus Shrimp Pasta</strong></a></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/1325505/parade/shrimp-recipes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:100+ Best Shrimp Recipes For Easy Dinner Ideas;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">100+ Best Shrimp Recipes For Easy Dinner Ideas</a></strong></p>
<p>Carolyn's Cooking</p><p>I always look forward to soft-shell crab season! This pasta is one of my favorite ways to take advantage of this special seafood treat!</p><p><strong>Get the </strong><strong>Recipe: </strong><a href="http://www.carolynscooking.com/squid-ink-pasta-soft-shell-crab-tomatoes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Squid Ink Pasta with Soft Shell Crab;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Squid Ink Pasta with Soft Shell Crab</strong></a></p>
<p>Cinnamon and Coriander</p><p>This lamb sirloin with Argentinian chimichurri sauce makes for a perfect keto and paleo spring dinner or lunch! Adding oven-roasted garlic to the chimichurri sauce takes this Argentinian classic to the next level.</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://cinnamonandcoriander.com/en/lammlende-zartrosa-mit-chimichurri-sauce-ein-oster-rezept/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Lamb Sirloin with Chimichurri Sauce;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Lamb Sirloin with Chimichurri Sauce</strong></a></p>
<p>Grandbaby Cakes</p><p>A beautiful and perfectly seasonal spring recipe that is great for entertaining!</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://grandbaby-cakes.com/hot-strawberry-spinach-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Hot Strawberry Spring Salad with Bacon;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Hot Strawberry Spring Salad with Bacon</strong></a></p>
<p>Kim's Cravings</p><p>This parmesan-crusted cod recipe is one of the easiest fish meals to prepare for a quick, tasty weeknight dinner. You’ll have a super healthy meal ready to serve in less than 30 minutes, so grab the recipe and enjoy!</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.kimscravings.com/parmesan-crusted-cod/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Parmesan-Crusted Cod;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Parmesan-Crusted Cod</strong></a></p>
<p>Wanderlust and Wellness</p><p>A sweet and tangy Brussels sprouts salad that’s full of citrus flavors. It’s the perfect side dish or salad for spring and summer meals!</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://wanderlustandwellness.org/tangy-brussel-sprout-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Tangy Spring Brussel Sprout Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Tangy Spring Brussel Sprout Salad</strong></a></p>
<p>Nutriciously</p><p>An easy creamy vegan pesto pasta that's low in fat and completely oil-free! By using white bean pesto and vegetables along with whole grain pasta, this dish is very high in fiber and nutrients. An easy and comforting dinner that's perfect for meal prep and can also be eaten cold!</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://nutriciously.com/vegan-pesto-pasta/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Creamy Vegan Pesto Pasta;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Creamy Vegan Pesto Pasta</strong></a></p>
<p>Krumpli</p><p>This recipe comes from the old-school world of cooking! It is simply braised beef shin in a good quality beef stock until a knife is no longer required, then it is served on some spring asparagus and peas!</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.krumpli.co.uk/braised-beef-shin" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Braised Beef Shin with Asparagus and Peas;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Braised Beef Shin with Asparagus and Peas</strong></a></p>

Up next: How to Make Brussels Sprouts That Taste Like They Came From a Fancy Restaurant