10+ Spring Recipes to Brighten Up Your Table

Spring is a wonderful time to refresh your meals with light and vibrant flavors.

During this season, you can explore a variety of recipes that showcase fresh ingredients and seasonal produce. This makes your meals feel more lively and enjoyable.

As the weather warms up, it’s the perfect opportunity to try new dishes that fit the lighter, brighter mood of spring.

Whether you’re planning a picnic, a family dinner, or just a casual lunch, there are countless delicious options waiting for you to discover.

1) Classic Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Classic carrot cake is a favorite during spring. It brings together the warmth of spices and the sweetness of grated carrots.

You can add crushed pineapple and raisins for extra flavor and moisture.

Cream cheese frosting adds a rich and tangy touch that pairs well with the cake’s sweetness. You can make this dessert as a layered cake or in cupcake form.

Your friends and family will love enjoying this delicious treat at gatherings or as a fun dessert at home.

Ingredients

• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 cup raisins
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 4 eggs
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar together.
4. Stir in oil, carrots, pineapple, and raisins.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients.
6. Pour into a greased cake pan.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
8. Let cool before frosting with cream cheese frosting.

2) Pesto Pasta with Spring Vegetables

Pesto pasta with spring vegetables is a bright and tasty dish. It’s perfect for celebrating the fresh flavors of the season.

You can use a mix of your favorite vegetables like asparagus, peas, and cherry tomatoes.

Start by roasting the vegetables until they are tender and lightly browned. Then, cook your pasta until al dente and toss it with homemade or store-bought pesto.

Add the roasted vegetables to the pasta and mix everything well. You can top it off with some grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta of your choice
• 1 cup asparagus, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• ½ cup pesto
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 15-20 minutes until tender.
4. Cook pasta according to package directions.
5. Drain pasta and mix with pesto and roasted vegetables.
6. Serve warm, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.

3) Strawberry Arugula Salad

This Strawberry Arugula Salad is fresh and vibrant, making it perfect for spring. The combination of peppery arugula and sweet strawberries creates a delightful flavor.

You can add nuts and cheese for extra texture. Try mixing in goat cheese and toasted pecans to enhance the taste. A tangy balsamic vinaigrette brings everything together nicely.

This salad is quick to make and great for lunch or a light dinner. It’s sure to impress your family and friends!

Ingredients

• 4 cups arugula
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and dry the arugula and strawberries.
2. Slice the strawberries and set them aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine arugula, strawberries, and pecans.
4. Add goat cheese.
5. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently to combine.

4) White Chicken Enchiladas

White chicken enchiladas are a tasty and comforting dish perfect for spring. You can make them with shredded chicken, cheese, and a creamy sauce. Using flour tortillas makes them soft and easy to roll up.

You can customize this recipe by adding green chiles for a bit of heat or using different cheeses for added flavor. This meal is great for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

To make them extra special, serve with a side of fresh salsa or guacamole.

Ingredients

• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup shredded cheese (like Monterey Jack)
• 8 flour tortillas
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix chicken, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, green chiles, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture and roll them up.
4. Place rolled tortillas in a greased baking dish.
5. Sprinkle cheese on top.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

5) Creamy Pasta Primavera

Creamy Pasta Primavera is a delightful dish perfect for spring. It features fresh vegetables and a rich, creamy sauce that elevates the pasta experience. You can use a mix of your favorite veggies like broccoli, carrots, and zucchini.

To make this dish, start by cooking whole-wheat pasta. While it cooks, sauté the vegetables in a skillet. Once they are tender, add a creamy sauce made with parmesan and lemon for flavor. Combine everything and heat through.

You can serve this dish warm, topped with extra cheese or herbs if you like!

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole-wheat pasta noodles
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup sliced zucchini
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add broccoli, carrots, and zucchini. Sauté until tender.
4. Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, and zest.
5. Mix in cooked pasta and parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Heat through and serve warm.

6) Spring Vegetable Fettuccine Alfredo

Spring Vegetable Fettuccine Alfredo is a delightful pasta dish. It combines creamy Alfredo sauce with fresh spring vegetables, making it perfect for a light meal.

You can use vegetables like asparagus and peas for a vibrant touch. The lemon zest adds brightness, balancing the creaminess of the sauce.

This dish is easy to prepare and is sure to impress your family or friends. You can serve it as a main course or a side dish.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces fettuccine
• 2 cups shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1 bunch thin asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add mushrooms and asparagus. Sauté for about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in peas and cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Pour in heavy cream and stir until combined.
6. Mix in Parmesan cheese and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Add cooked fettuccine to the skillet and mix well. Serve warm.

7) Sheet Pan London Broil with Asparagus

Sheet pan meals are great for spring. They are simple, quick, and perfect for gatherings. This recipe brings together juicy London broil and fresh asparagus.

For this dish, you start by marinating the steak. Then, you place it on a preheated sheet pan. You can broil it at 500°F (260°C) until it’s nicely charred.

While the steak is cooking, you can quickly prepare the asparagus. Just add it to the pan for the last few minutes to roast and get tender. This dish is flavorful and beautifully presented.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs London broil
• 1 bunch asparagus
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Optional: garlic and herbs for seasoning

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the London broil for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C).
3. Place the steak on a sheet pan and broil for about 6-8 minutes per side.
4. Add asparagus to the pan during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
5. Let the steak rest before slicing and serve with asparagus.

8) Coconut Tofu with Snap Peas

Coconut tofu with snap peas is a refreshing dish that’s perfect for spring. It combines crispy tofu with the crunch of fresh snap peas. The coconut adds a delightful flavor that brightens the meal.

To make this dish, start with some extra-firm tofu. You’ll want to press it to remove excess moisture. This helps it crisp up when cooked.

Pair the tofu with sugar snap peas for sweetness and texture. You can stir-fry them in coconut milk for a creamy sauce. Lime juice adds a zesty finish.

This dish is not only tasty but also vegan. Serve it over rice for a complete meal that you can enjoy any day.

Ingredients

• 14 oz extra-firm tofu
• 12 oz sugar snap peas
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tbsp oil for cooking

Cooking Instructions

1. Press the tofu for 15 minutes to remove moisture.
2. Cut the tofu into cubes.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
4. Add the tofu and fry until golden brown.
5. Stir in sugar snap peas and cook for 3 minutes.
6. Pour in coconut milk and soy sauce; simmer for 5 minutes.
7. Add lime juice and serve over rice.

9) Veggie Stir-Fry with Ginger Soy Sauce

This veggie stir-fry is quick, colorful, and full of flavor. Using fresh vegetables and a tasty ginger soy sauce makes it a perfect spring dish. You can easily customize it with whatever veggies you have on hand.

In a pan, you can stir-fry bell peppers, snap peas, and broccoli until they are tender yet crisp. The ginger-soy sauce brings everything together, adding a savory touch.

Serve this dish over rice or noodles for a complete meal. It’s healthy, satisfying, and packed with goodness.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas)
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
• Optional: red pepper flakes for spice

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat sesame oil in a frying pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Add ginger and stir for 30 seconds.
3. Add mixed vegetables and cook for about 5 minutes.
4. Pour in soy sauce and rice vinegar. Stir until mixed well.
5. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

10) Chicken Piccata with Capers

Chicken Piccata is a delicious and bright dish perfect for spring. It features tender chicken breasts cooked in a zesty lemon sauce with capers. This dish is quick to prepare, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner.

To make it, you’ll sauté the chicken until golden. Then, add garlic, lemon juice, and capers to create a flavorful sauce. Serve it over pasta or with a side of vegetables for a fresh meal.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons capers
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge chicken in flour, shaking off excess.
3. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
4. Cook chicken until golden, about 4 minutes per side.
5. Remove chicken and add garlic to the skillet.
6. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping the pan.
7. Stir in capers and return chicken to the skillet.
8. Cook for another 3 minutes until heated through.
9. Garnish with parsley and serve.