Food and Recipes Dinner 65 Spring Dinner Ideas The Whole Family Will Love By Lisa Cericola Lisa Cericola Lisa Cericola has been on staff at Southern Living since 2015. As Deputy Editor, Lisa manages the food and travel departments and edits those sections of each issue, as well as digital content. Previously, she was the features editor at Food Network Magazine and has more than 15 years of experience writing, editing, and managing photo shoots for print and digital lifestyle brands. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on February 13, 2024 Close Photo: Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Lindsey Lower; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer When spring is finally fully in bloom, we can't help but crave an entirely new weeknight dinner menu. It's time to trade in those warm, hearty stews for cool, fresh salads and to swap our comforting winter casseroles for easy spring skillet and sheet pan recipes. Because with the warm weather comes plenty of spring parties and outdoor adventures, which means there's no time to be stuck in the kitchen. One-dish wonders, sheet pan suppers, and quick skillet dinners—packed with fresh produce and flavorful ingredients—are the name of the game. We've rounded up our best spring dinner ideas that'll make sure you will never be short on inspiration. From casual supper recipes like our Slow-Cooker Pork Tacos and Ranch Turkey Burgers to done-up dinner recipes like our Grilled Steak with Blistered Beans and Peppers, these easy spring meals are guaranteed to make a splash. (And we even included freshened-up takes on classic comfort food, like our Zucchini Lasagna and Spring Shrimp-and-Orzo Salad with Lemon Dressing.) Get ready to take on spring with these best-ever spring dinner recipes. 01 of 65 Pasta Shells with Spring Vegetables Alison Miksch; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham Pasta shells aren't just meant to be doused in cheese. They can also serve as an excellent base for a host of vibrant spring vegetables. GET THE RECIPE 02 of 65 Sheet Pan Veggie Supreme Pizza Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster Pizza night just got a whole lot tastier. This sheet pan recipe is topped with all sorts of fresh and delicious produce, like tomato, zucchini, corn, and onion. GET THE RECIPE 03 of 65 Steak Taco Salad Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley Bring your salad game to the next level with this steak taco salad. Use up your spring farmers' market haul with the help of this ingredient-packed recipe. GET THE RECIPE 04 of 65 Chicken Fricassee with Spring Vegetables Greg DuPree On a cool spring evening, this combination of tender chicken thighs, fresh spring vegetables, and a velvety pan sauce hits the spot. 05 of 65 Spring Shrimp-and-Orzo Salad with Lemon Dressing Photo: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer You won't find a pasta salad more fresh and bright than this shrimp-orzo creation. GET THE RECIPE 06 of 65 French Onion Pasta Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox If you have a harvest of fresh onions this spring, turn them into an easy pasta dinner. GET THE RECIPE 07 of 65 Ham and Noodle Casserole Jen Causey Made with egg noodles, chopped ham, and a mix of springy vegetables, this casserole is as family-friendly as it gets. GET THE RECIPE 08 of 65 Blackened Fish Tacos Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley This classic fish taco dish recipe gets even better with blackened fish and all the fixin's. GET THE RECIPE 09 of 65 Best-Ever Crab Cakes with Green Tomato Slaw Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox We don't call them "best-ever" for no reason. You won't find a crab cake more heavenly. GET THE RECIPE 10 of 65 Sweet-and-Spicy Sheet Pan Chicken with Cauliflower and Carrots Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox Is there anything easier than a 30-minute sheet pan supper? We think not. GET THE RECIPE 11 of 65 Fresh Salmon Cakes with Buttermilk Dressing Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford; Food Styling: Torie Cox These crispy salmon cakes are just what the doctor ordered, especially when Maryland crab season is still around the corner. GET THE RECIPE 12 of 65 Zucchini Lasagna Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Tina Stamos This zucchini lasagna makes your classic recipe feel freshened-up for spring and summer. GET THE RECIPE 13 of 65 Oven-Fried Chicken Salad with Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox Because this chicken salad is so delicious you'll actually want to eat a salad for dinner. GET THE RECIPE 14 of 65 Country Captain Chicken Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox This Lowcountry classic is flavored with various spices like curry powder, paprika, and nutmeg. Simply serve over rice for a tasty meal. GET THE RECIPE 15 of 65 Tomato Carbonara Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox Make traditional carbonaras feel spring-ready by letting colorful cherry tomatoes do the work. GET THE RECIPE 16 of 65 Orange-Rosemary Roast Chicken Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis Fragrant and flavorful, this roast chicken is so much more than your everyday dinnertime fare. GET THE RECIPE 17 of 65 Creamy Vegetable Pot Pie Johnny Autry; Food and Prop Styling: Charlotte L. Autry Full of buttery, herby flavor, this Creamy Vegetable Pot Pie recipe is begging to make an appearance on your table. GET THE RECIPE 18 of 65 Burrito Bowls Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall You can't go wrong with a burrito bowl packed with spring produce and seasonal ingredients. GET THE RECIPE 19 of 65 One-Pan Chicken with Lemon, Olives, and Artichokes Recipe Greg DuPree You simply can't go wrong with a chicken-based dinner, especially when it's enlivened by the vibrant colors and flavors of lemons, olives, and artichokes. GET THE RECIPE 20 of 65 Sweet-and-Spicy Sheet Pan Chicken with Cauliflower and Carrots Recipe Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox Break out the sheet pan for a super-easy spring dinner. Carrots and cauliflower add heartiness to this flavor-packed chicken recipe. GET THE RECIPE 21 of 65 Penne with Green Beans and Tomatoes HECTOR MANUEL SANCHEZ Take your store of fresh green beans and turn them into a fresh and bursting pasta dish with penne and tomatoes. GET THE RECIPE 22 of 65 Shrimp Boil Pasta Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Kay. E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox We combined two spring-summer staples—pasta salad and shrimp boil—into an incredibly satisfying recipe. GET THE RECIPE 23 of 65 Creamy Rice with Scallops Photo: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford; Food Styling: Torie Cox You're going to want seconds of this creamy rice, trust us. Pair the dish with these seared scallops, and then mix it up next time with another protein. GET THE RECIPE 24 of 65 Barbecue Jackfruit Sandwiches Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster One taste of this, and you won't miss the pork version. Barbecue jackfruit sandwiches with dressed cabbage and plenty of sauciness are next-level good. GET THE RECIPE 25 of 65 Skillet-Toasted Gnocchi with Peas Victor Protasio Toasted in a skillet for a little outer crisp, these pillowy gnocchi bites will win you over instantly. GET THE RECIPE 26 of 65 Slow-Cooker Pork Tacos with Fresh Tomato Salsa Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall You'll wonder why taco night isn't every night once you've tasted this slow-cooker pork. GET THE RECIPE 27 of 65 Baked Ziti with Summer Vegetables Alison Miksch Give cheesy baked pasta a farmers' market-inspired makeover with yellow squash, zucchini, and grape tomatoes. GET THE RECIPE 28 of 65 Chicken Caprese Pasta Linda Pugliese; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox This recipe only takes 20 minutes, which means it's perfect for busy spring nights. Dress up simple pasta and shredded chicken with blistered tomatoes, pesto sauce, and torn chunks of mozzarella. GET THE RECIPE 29 of 65 Healthy Turkey Lasagna Southern Living This leaner take on classic beef lasagna is the weeknight casserole you'll be making all spring. GET THE RECIPE 30 of 65 Easy Catfish Tacos with Slaw Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos Give Taco Tuesday a Southern spin. Crispy catfish might be our new favorite tortilla topper. GET THE RECIPE 31 of 65 BBQ Rub Roasted Chickens with Potatoes and Carrots Greg DuPree If you need to feed a crowd, look no further than this recipe for spice-rubbed roast chicken, which bakes alongside fresh spring carrots. GET THE RECIPE 32 of 65 Cheesy Beef-and-Spinach Ravioli Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox This cheesy skillet supper will be a new family favorite—and it comes together in just 35 minutes. GET THE RECIPE 33 of 65 BBQ Pork Loaded Baked Potatoes Greg DuPree Your family will love this fun way to eat barbecue—and you'll love how easy and filling the recipe is. GET THE RECIPE 34 of 65 Fusilli Pasta with Spinach, Tomato, and Bacon Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos What if we told that this easy pasta only takes 20 minutes of active time? It's a game-changer, to say the least. GET THE RECIPE 35 of 65 Shrimp-Okra-and-Sausage Kebabs Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Tina Stamos These kebabs pack a flavorful punch. The tasty skewers are sprinkled with a Cajun seasoning blend and brushed with a mixture of lemon juice, hot sauce, and melted butter. GET THE RECIPE 36 of 65 Black Bean Burgers with Comeback Sauce Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke Step outside of the box for burger night. These burgers made from slow-cooked black beans are worth a try this season. Try our homemade Comeback Sauce Recipe, and you'll want to slather it on everything. GET THE RECIPE 37 of 65 Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Southern Living This hearty, family-friendly casserole is perfect to make ahead the weekend before a busy week. GET THE RECIPE 38 of 65 Molasses-Soy Glazed Salmon and Vegetables Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food styling: Karen Rankin Quick, flavorful, and healthy, this salmon supper deserves a spot on your weeknight menu. GET THE RECIPE 39 of 65 Pork and Bok Choy Stir-Fry Hector Manuel Sanchez Satisfy any takeout cravings with this stir-fry. An aromatic sauce made with orange juice, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce is the star of the show. GET THE RECIPE 40 of 65 Quick and Easy Spaghetti Bolognese Greg DuPree Consider this recipe a genius makeover of a quality jarred pasta sauce and box of pasta. It's oh-so simple. GET THE RECIPE 41 of 65 Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake Hector Manuel Sanchez This cheesy, creamy casserole is what pasta dreams are made of. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some green vegetables in the form of tender kale. GET THE RECIPE 42 of 65 Slow-Cooker Corn Chowder Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall Full of bacon, potatoes, and onions, this chowder is a crowd-pleaser. All you need is a chunk of crusty bread to complete this spring meal. GET THE RECIPE 43 of 65 Sheet Pan Flank Steak, Greens, and Yukon Gold Fries Greg DuPree This sheet pan doesn't need all the bells and whistles—just steak, potatoes, and sauteed greens. GET THE RECIPE 44 of 65 Fried Pork Chops with Peas and Potatoes Greg DuPree This recipe offers a lighter take on Southern fried pork chops—but doesn't sacrifice any of the flavor. GET THE RECIPE 45 of 65 Eggplant Rollups Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele This lower-carb alternative to lasagna is ready to be your new spring and summer staple. GET THE RECIPE 46 of 65 Slow-Cooker Pot Roast Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Mary-Claire Britton This slow-cooker pot roast is as classic and comforting as you could ever want. GET THE RECIPE 47 of 65 White Cheese Calzones with Marinara Sauce Linda Pugliese; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox This recipe will win over your crowd on any night—get ready for requests to keep rolling in. GET THE RECIPE 48 of 65 Gnocchi Gratin with Ham and Peas Linda Pugliese; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox This gnocchi-based spin on a traditional gratin is totally unique, plus it's studded with ham and peas for a great flavor combination. GET THE RECIPE 49 of 65 Turkey Grilled Cheese with Arugula and Caramelized Onion Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Lindsey Lower; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer It's like wrapping your favorite flavors into a perfectly crisped sandwich. Rich and creamy Gruyere and peppery arugula make a tasty combo. GET THE RECIPE 50 of 65 Pork Chops with Dijon-Buttermilk Sauce Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christina Daley Give budget-friendly pork chops a boost of extra flavor with a delectable dijon-buttermilk sauce. GET THE RECIPE 51 of 65 Radish, Avocado, and Citrus Salad Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch; Food Styling: Torie Cox Radishes are typically in season in April and May, and they are showcased beautifully in this vibrant and flavor-packed recipe. GET THE RECIPE 52 of 65 Honey-Mustard Baked Salmon with Vegetables Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos Baked salmon is one of the easiest weeknight meals you could make, and when you pair it with in-season vegetables, it becomes practically gourmet. GET THE RECIPE 53 of 65 Broccoli, Grape, and Pasta Salad Robby Lozano; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall When all the kids want is pasta but you know they need some fruits and vegetables too, turn to a pasta salad that incorporates all of the above. GET THE RECIPE 54 of 65 Classic Southern BLT Monica Farber/Southern Living There's nothing like a juicy BLT at dinnertime (or anytime, if we're perfectly honest). This one has crisp lettuce and savory bacon. GET THE RECIPE 55 of 65 Ham-and-Bean Soup HECTOR MANUEL SANCHEZ; PROP STYLING: HEATHER CHADDUCK HILLEGAS; FOOD STYLING: TORIE COX Who says soups are just for cold weather? This one takes the spring-favorite combination of ham and beans and spins it into an easy and filling soup. GET THE RECIPE 56 of 65 Spring Mix Salad with Herbed Goat Cheese Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall Don't let your spring mix go bad at the back of the refrigerator. Turn it into a delicious side or main dish salad using slices of herby goat cheese. GET THE RECIPE 57 of 65 Lemon-Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli VICTOR PROTASIO; PROP STYLING: AUDREY DAVIS; FOOD STYLING: TINA BELL STAMOS Quick-cooking shrimp works beautifully with a lemon-garlic flavor profile. Add some bright green broccoli for a complete meal. GET THE RECIPE 58 of 65 Chicken Enchiladas Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley Quick and easy chicken enchiladas are perfect for those days when you'd like something delicious and filling but don't have a ton of time to spend on dinner. GET THE RECIPE 59 of 65 Honey-Soy-Glazed Salmon With Veggies And Oranges Alison Miksch Spice up your salmon dinner with the addition of a perfectly balanced honey-soy glaze. GET THE RECIPE 60 of 65 Chopped Kale Salad with Toasted Breadcrumbs Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis You can't go wrong with a kale salad, and this one hits all the right notes, including tender greens and some crunch from toasted breadcrumbs. GET THE RECIPE 61 of 65 Sheet Pan Greek Chicken with Roast Potatoes Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Tina Stamos Sheet pan chicken is a winning dinner. This one incorporates potatoes and tomatoes for a filling warm-weather meal. GET THE RECIPE 62 of 65 Broccoli Pesto Pasta Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist Christine Keely A bit of herby pesto elevates even the simplest pasta recipe. This one also features broccoli for a main-dish-worthy presentation. GET THE RECIPE 63 of 65 Baked Caprese Chicken with Green Beans and Corn Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner Your sheet pan can do it all, including baking these veggie-laden caprese hicken GET THE RECIPE 64 of 65 Pasta with Burst Tomatoes and Mascarpone Hector Sanchez Burst tomatoes scream warm-weather harvest to us, and they're perfectly showcased in this simple pasta with mascarpone. GET THE RECIPE 65 of 65 Mexican Street Corn Pizza Johnny Autry; Prop and Food Styling: Charlotte L. Autry Mexican street corn is always a hit, but have you ever tried it on pizza? It's one combination you won't soon forget. GET THE RECIPE Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit