So long, stew season! After months of hardy winter veg and low-and-slow winter cooking, we’re ready for the fresh and fast-cooking tastes of spring. Asparagus, peas and other spring favorites are finally showing up at the farmer’s market, ready to help you add fresh spring flavor to your dinners.
Read on for 9 of the best spring dinner recipe ideas, from fresh first courses to veggie-packed mains to bright, refreshing desserts.
Lemon Herb Asparagus
Spring officially starts when asparagus hits the farmers market — and this is the tastiest way to use up your spring haul. It couldn’t be easier: Just top tender-crisp asparagus with homemade butter, lemon juice and herb sauce for a tasty 10-minute side. The brightness of the lemon juice plays perfectly off savory rosemary, basil and marjoram for a well-rounded flavor profile.
Basil Garlic Green Beans
Sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most delicious. Case in point: these garlic and basil green beans. Butter, garlic, basil, salt and pepper are all you need to infuse your green beans with complex savory flavor. And, since this recipe relies on staple seasonings, it can fit seamlessly into any meal.
Couscous Salad
There’s nothing like a salad with a pop of color to kick off your spring dinner — and this couscous salad recipe is sure to please. It takes all the flavors you love, including juicy tomatoes and savory red onion, and ties it together with a fresh, herb-forward dressing. This recipe stores well, too, so make a double batch and serve the leftovers for lunch.
Spring Pea Soup
Not ready to let go of soup season? This lightened-up soup is perfect for warmer day s, made with frozen green peas in place of traditional split peas, and McCormick flavors like garlic powder, onion powder, and celery seed. Like traditional split pea soup, it tastes delicious with ham — so add some diced ham, or even crispy bacon, to the top for a luxe starter.
Layered Spring Vegetable Casserole
Hello, spring veggies! This casserole is just what you need to make the most of your farmer’s market haul. It’s loaded with all your favorite spring flavors — asparagus, mushrooms, carrots and peas — then uses bacon and parmesan to amp up the flavor. It’s light but intensely savory, and works as a vegetarian main or as a side dish.
Rice with Asparagus, Mushrooms and Toasted Sesame Seeds
If you’re craving a spring dinner that’s also a bit cozy, give this savory risotto a try. It’s loaded with texture: meaty mushrooms, delicate asparagus, crunchy toasted sesame seeds and creamy rice.
Sauteed Chicken with Lemon and Basil
Chicken breast is a family favorite all year round, but the combination of lemon and basil give this dish a decidedly spring-inspired twist. It goes heavy on the basil in both the chicken coating and as a garnish for the dish, so each bite is bursting with zesty, herbaceous flavor. Asparagus and cherry tomatoes add gorgeous color and turn this into a complete meal.
Creamy Linguine with Shrimp and Asparagus
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or want an elevated weeknight dinner, this spring pasta recipe is sure to please. Vibrant green asparagus and plump shrimp add texture throughout, while the homemade cream sauce tastes decadent without being too heavy. It’s also quick and easy: You can have dinner on the table in just 30 minutes, and can use the same pan throughout to save time on cleaning.
Lemon Cheesecake Bars
The perfect spring dinner calls for a light-but-luxurious dessert — and these lemon cheesecake bars are calling your name. A few drops of McCormick Pure Lemon Extract gives each bar just the right amount of lemon flavor, while ground ginger gives the graham cracker crust just an unexpected hint of warmth. Serve these topped with fresh berries, or alongside Carrot Cake Bars for a DIY dessert tray.
