Start Cooking For Warmer Days With 29 Fresh Spring Recipes

Some meals just feel too heavy once the sun sticks around past dinner. Lighter picks start sounding better, and that’s where these 29 fresh spring ideas come in. They’re simple, relaxed, and don’t ask much of you—kind of like a hammock but with a fork. If the oven’s been giving side-eye lately, this might be the peace offering it needs.

A close-up of a Cobb salad featuring sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, avocado, boiled eggs, red onion, bacon bits, and blue cheese crumbles on a bed of lettuce.
Cobb Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Leg of Lamb

Two roasted lamb shanks on a plate with rosemary and caramelized onions, with stacked plates in the background.
Leg of Lamb. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Spring is the perfect time for hosting dinner parties. A well-prepared Leg of Lamb can easily become the centerpiece of your table. It’s all about enjoying the longer evenings with a meal that feels special. Gather around the table for a memorable feast that everyone will remember.
Get the Recipe: Leg of Lamb

Shrimp Scampi

Close-up of cooked shrimp seasoned with herbs and black pepper.
Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When the days get longer, it’s time to lighten up the menu. Shrimp Scampi fits the bill perfectly with its simple yet bold flavors. It’s a dish that can be whipped up quickly, making it perfect for those spontaneous spring gatherings. Plus, it’s always a hit with friends and family who are looking for something delicious but not too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Lemon Cupcakes with Raspberry Frosting

Vanilla and lemon cupcakes with swirled pink raspberry buttercream frosting, each topped with a fresh raspberry, arranged closely together.
Lemon Cupcakes with Raspberry Frosting. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Nothing says spring quite like the fresh taste of lemon paired with raspberries. Lemon Cupcakes with Raspberry Frosting are just the right mix of sweet and tangy. These are perfect for picnics, birthday parties, or just a treat to enjoy on a bright, sunny day. They’re a surefire way to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cupcakes with Raspberry Frosting

Italian Pasta with Salami

A vibrant pasta salad with fusilli, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, black olives, and diced salami in a clear bowl.
Italian Pasta with Salami. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For a taste of Italy this spring, try making Italian Pasta with Salami. It’s an easy way to bring some hearty flavors to your table without any fuss. Great for a quick dinner or a leisurely weekend meal, this dish has a way of bringing people together. It’s robust, flavorful, and perfect for any pasta lover.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Vegetable Stir Fry

Vegetable Stir Fry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

With spring’s bounty, a vibrant Vegetable Stir Fry offers a wonderful way to enjoy fresh produce. It’s fast, flavorful, and full of color. Whether you’re looking for a side dish or a light main course, this stir fry has got you covered. It’s a versatile dish that invites creativity each time you make it.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry

Italian Dressing

A jar with Italian dressing with it and a teaspoon resting in it.
Italian Dressing. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Upgrade your salads this spring with homemade Italian Dressing. It’s tangy, fresh, and the perfect companion to any green salad. Making it yourself means you can adjust the flavors to your liking. It’s the little touches like this that make meals extra special.
Get the Recipe: Italian Dressing

Pea and Mint Soup

A bowl of creamy green pea soup garnished with mint leaves, black pepper, and pieces of crusty bread.
Pea and Mint Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

As the weather warms, a bowl of Pea and Mint Soup can be surprisingly refreshing. It’s light, creamy, and has a vibrant color and flavor that screams spring. This soup serves as a wonderful start to any meal, setting the tone for a season full of fresh possibilities.
Get the Recipe: Pea and Mint Soup

Raspberry and White Chocolate Blondies

Close-up of Raspberry and White Chocolate Blondies filled with white chocolate chips and raspberries, topped with fresh raspberries and white chocolate chunks.
Raspberry and White Chocolate Blondies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Indulge in the sweet pairing of raspberries and white chocolate with Raspberry and White Chocolate Blondies. They’re chewy, fruity, and have just the right amount of sweetness. A batch of these is perfect for sharing and can lighten up any springtime gathering. It’s a treat that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry and White Chocolate Blondies

Pasta Primavera

A colorful Pasta Primavera salad with cherry tomatoes, asparagus, peas, and spinach in a blue bowl.
Pasta Primavera. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Welcome spring with a bowl of colorful Pasta Primavera. This dish is all about celebrating the season’s freshest vegetables. It’s healthy, fulfilling, and brings a splash of color to your dining table. A meal like this proves that eating your veggies can be a joyful experience.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera

Fruity Pebbles Donuts

Three donuts with pink frosting and colorful Fruity Pebbles cereal pieces on top, stacked on a white plate.
Fruity Pebbles Donuts. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Add a pop of color to your spring mornings with Fruity Pebbles Donuts. They’re fun to make and even more fun to eat. These donuts are perfect for kids and adults alike, making breakfast or brunch extra special. It’s a whimsical way to start the day on a bright note.
Get the Recipe: Fruity Pebbles Donuts

Hot Honey Chicken Salad

A honey hot chicken salad with succulent fried chicken pieces, cherry tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles, cucumber slices, and mixed greens, all topped with a creamy dressing.
Hot Honey Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Spice up your spring with Hot Honey Chicken Salad. It’s a little bit spicy, a little bit sweet, and totally delicious. This salad is perfect for those looking for something different. It’s a refreshing twist on traditional salads, ideal for outdoor dining or a fulfilling lunch at home.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Lemon Bars

Close-up of a lemon bar with a crumbly, light yellow top layer and a thicker, moist filling resting on a shortbread crust.
Lemon Bars. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Brighten up your dessert table with Lemon Bars. Their tangy goodness captures the essence of spring in every bite. Perfect for an afternoon treat or a light dessert after a meal, they’re a classic favorite that never disappoints. Plus, they add a sunny pop of color that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Bars

Tuscan Pasta

A close-up of a plate of Creamy Tuscan Pasta topped with a rich white sauce, grated cheese, and garnished with chopped parsley.
Tuscan Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bring a bit of Tuscany to your table this spring with Tuscan Pasta. This dish is hearty yet feels right for the warmer weather. With flavors that meld together perfectly, it’s a great way to make a weeknight meal feel like a special occasion. Everyone will be asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Pasta

Strawberry Pancakes

A stack of pancakes topped with sliced strawberries, surrounded by more strawberries on a plate.
Strawberry Pancakes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Start your day with the sweet flavor of spring by whipping up a batch of Strawberry Pancakes. They’re fluffy, bursting with fresh strawberries, and perfect for lazy weekend mornings. It’s a simple pleasure that makes breakfast feel like a celebration of the new season.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Pancakes

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

A bowl of white rice topped with glazed chicken and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bring some excitement to your kitchen with a homemade version of Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken. It’s a fun way to recreate a favorite takeout meal at home. Perfect for a casual dinner, it’s a dish that the whole family will enjoy. Plus, it’s easier to make than you might think.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Carrot Cake

Close-up of sliced carrot cake loaf with visible nuts and raisins on a parchment paper, topped with a light icing drizzle.
Carrot Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Nothing beats a classic Carrot Cake for a springtime dessert. It’s moist, rich, and full of flavor, topped with a creamy frosting that makes every bite heavenly. Whether it’s for a birthday or just because, carrot cake is a crowd-pleaser that’s bound to impress.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake

Easy Thai Peanut Curry Recipe (Better Than Take-Out!)

A bowl of vegetable curry with leafy greens, chunks of squash, diced tomatoes, peanuts, and cilantro, served with a spoon.
Easy Thai Peanut Curry Recipe (Better Than Take-Out!). Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Skip the take-out and make a mouthwatering Thai Peanut Curry at home. It’s surprisingly simple and tastes better than what you’d get from a restaurant. This dish is a great way to experiment with flavors and bring some excitement to your dinner table. It’s rich, creamy, and utterly fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Easy Thai Peanut Curry Recipe (Better Than Take-Out!)

Morel Mushroom Pasta

A bowl of cavatappi pasta with morel mushrooms, garnished with grated cheese and fresh herbs.
Morel Mushroom Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re lucky enough to find them, Morel Mushroom Pasta is a magnificent way to welcome spring. This dish is earthy, rich, and full of flavor, making it a luxurious meal without being overly complicated. It’s an exceptional choice for a cozy dinner that’s still light enough for the warmer days.
Get the Recipe: Morel Mushroom Pasta

Lemon Pie

A slice of lemon pie sits on a plate next to a pie with a slice removed.
Lemon Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For a dessert that’s as bright as a sunny day, try making Lemon Pie. It’s the perfect combination of tart and sweet, with a smooth, creamy filling that’s irresistible. A slice of this pie is like a slice of spring itself, ideal for any occasion that calls for a special treat.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pie

Caprese Pesto Tarts

Fresh cherry tomatoes and herbs served in crispy puff pastry cups on a wooden surface.
Caprese Pesto Tarts. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Caprese Pesto Tarts are a fantastic appetizer or light meal for any spring day. They combine classic flavors in an innovative way that’s both visually appealing and delicious. These tarts are great for picnics, parties, or just a quiet meal on the patio. They’re bound to become a new favorite.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pesto Tarts

Macaroni Salad

A spoon lifting a serving of creamy macaroni salad with diced red onion and fresh herbs, with pepper sprinkled on top.
Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

As we move into warmer weather, Macaroni Salad becomes a staple for potlucks and picnics. It’s creamy, comforting, and can be customized in so many ways. Whether it’s a side dish or a main, this salad has a way of bringing people together. It’s a classic that never goes out of style.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

Cilantro Lime Rice

Chipotle rice in a bowl with sliced lime and spoons.
Cilantro Lime Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Lighten up your meals with Cilantro Lime Rice. It’s tangy, fresh, and pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Perfect for adding a bit of flair to your dinner, it’s a simple side that punches above its weight in flavor. This rice can easily turn an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice

Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey & Lime Dressing

Fruit salad in a blue bowl with a spoon.
Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey & Lime Dressing. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Embrace the bounty of spring fruits with a Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey & Lime Dressing. It’s refreshing, naturally sweet, and dressed lightly to enhance, not overpower, the fruit’s flavors. This salad is perfect for brunch, dessert, or any time you need a sweet, healthy treat. It captures the essence of the season in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey & Lime Dressing

Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

A bowl of Thai jasmine rice and chili peppers.
Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Make your meals more memorable with Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice. Its delicate flavor and perfect texture complement just about any dish. This rice adds an elegant touch to your dinner and is as enjoyable to prepare as it is to eat. It’s a staple that’s versatile and always comforting.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

Best Lemon Pasta

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Best Lemon Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For those who love citrus flavors, Best Lemon Pasta is a must-try this spring. It’s light, refreshing, and incredibly easy to make. Ideal for a quick meal yet elegant enough for entertaining, it’s a versatile dish that’s sure to please. Every bite brings a zing that’s simply wonderful.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

Roasted Beetroot and Feta Salad

Roasted beetroot and feta salad in a bowl, with a light pink cloth around it.
Roasted Beetroot and Feta Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Roasted Beetroot and Feta Salad is vibrant, full of texture, and delicious. It’s a beautiful way to add some color to your table, with flavors that are both earthy and fresh. Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish, this salad is a wonderful way to enjoy the season’s produce.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beetroot and Feta Salad

Egg Bites

Egg Bites on a board with a little parsley on top.
Egg Bites. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For a quick and nutritious start to your day, Egg Bites are the answer. They’re portable, customizable, and perfect for busy mornings. Whether you’re heading to work or enjoying a leisurely day, these bites are a great way to fulfill your morning protein needs. Plus, they’re just really tasty.
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites

Vegetable Fritters

Vegetable fritters in a stack.
Vegetable Fritters. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Vegetable Fritters are a fantastic way to make veggies exciting. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they’re a hit with both adults and children. Serve them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. They’re a fun and delicious way to celebrate spring’s fresh produce.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fritters

Cobb Salad

A close-up of a Cobb salad featuring sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, avocado, boiled eggs, red onion, bacon bits, and blue cheese crumbles on a bed of lettuce.
Cobb Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Welcome the warmer days with a classic Cobb Salad. It’s packed with flavors and textures, making every forkful a delight. Whether it’s for a hearty lunch or a light dinner, this salad is fulfilling and full of seasonal goodness. It’s a versatile dish that you can customize to suit your taste.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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