Spring is here again, and that means warmer weather and new recipes for the year. I love this time of year because we get to shrug off the winter blues and take advantage of new seasonal produce and fresh herbs. Perhaps the best part of the new season (at least, in my opinion) are healthy spring dinners–ones that are filled with simple ingredients and accompanied by a crisp spring salad.
I don’t know about you, but spring to me is all about renewal, a chance to make better food decisions (and decisions in general), and a time to recharge our batteries for the year ahead. And the way we nourish ourselves for the season is a big part of that. That’s why we’ve put together this amazing list of Steamy’s best spring dinner ideas. Break out your fresh veggies and early spring fruits! It’s time to eat fresh to feel fresh.
Why You Should Take Advantage of Seasonal Ingredients
What’s so important about opting for spring veggies and fruits during this time of the year? Let’s talk about it.
- It Doesn’t Get Fresher Than This: There is nothing fresher than spring produce. Fruits and veggies harvested at their peak are ridiculously flavorful and PACKED with nutrients. This is the season to enjoy produce the way it was intended. Why wouldn’t you want to take advantage of that?
- More Flavorful Meals: Fresher ingredients equals more flavorful dishes. When you’re using lemon zest from just-picked spring lemons to enhance a salsa or a pasta salad, or super fresh basil in that homemade tomato sauce, you know your meals are also at their flavor peak.
- It’s Eco-Friendly: Using seasonal ingredients (especially from your local area) means your food hasn’t traveled a great distance to reach your plate, which reduces your carbon footprint. Likewise, it’s always great to support your local farmers markets and contribute to your local community’s economy.
What are Some Must-Try Spring Produce Options?
Here are some of the biggest stars of the spring season:
- Asparagus: You can grill asparagus or even roast it. OR, if you want to get really creative, throw it in a one-pan dinner with some skin-on chicken thighs and a squeeze of lemon for an easy spring meal that will definitely shine!
- Strawberries: Looking to add a burst of spring to your dishes? Toss sweet, juicy strawberries into a fresh salad with some goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Peas: Fresh peas can be added to so many things, like pasta primavera with a creamy sauce and a little lemon juice, or to a risotto for a healthy dinner!
- Artichokes: Artichoke hearts can make almost any dinner party menu shine, especially when they’re paired with a good olive oil, some crusty bread, and a sprinkle of salty feta cheese.
And now, without further ado, let’s get into some of…
Steamy’s Best Spring Dinners
Thai Steak Salad
The best spring dinners start with great spring salads! Except this Thai Steak Salad is so hearty, it could be its own stand-alone dinner. Perfectly seared, thinly sliced steak tops are the star of this dish! Add in fresh ingredients like crunchy cabbage, fresh bean sprouts and fragrant basil and mint herbs, and have the ultimate easy and healthy dinner ready in 20 minutes!
Baby Artichokes with Garlic and Tomatoes
Ready for a great spring dinner side? Celebrate a spring favorite with this baby artichokes dish, complete with fresh garlic and tomatoes. Artichokes are the epitome of spring vegetables, and this one features fresh lemon for a beautiful compliment of flavors. You’re gonna love it!
Pork Chops with Apricot Brandy Sauce
Apricots are a great spring fruit that goes with so many things. So it’s no wonder it goes with pork too! Soak apricots in brandy for a welcome change to your usual unsauced pork chops. It’s so good, you might mistake it for dessert!
Fish with Citrus Caper Sauce
Ready for a springy fish dish? This Fish with Citrus Caper Sauce recipe is a great way to enjoy spring from the seaside. With just a few flavorful ingredients that happen to be seasonal, like lemon, orange, and capers, some white wine, and your choice of fish fillet, you’ll have an easy dinner that’s also quite healthy!
Ribeye Cap Steak – A One-Pan Dinner for Two!
This decadent meal for 2 only takes 40 minutes to make, and only uses one pan. It’s easy to cook AND easy to clean up! And it features some spring favorites like baby carrots and chives. As far as one-pan dinners go, this one is sure to become a regular go-to whenever you’re cooking for 2!
Skirt Steak Tacos Recipe
These Skirt Steak Tacos only take 20 minutes from start to finish! If you’re not the biggest fan of drowning your tacos in heavy salsas, this recipe allows you keep it light and fresh, spring-style, with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, crumbled Mexican cheese and a slice or two of avocado. Top it off with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and you’re ready to go!
Pork Tenderloin with Warm Grilled Tomato Salsa
Another spring salsa favorite, this Pork Tenderloin recipe features grilled tomato salsa that isn’t limited to just this dish. It’s so good, you can use it on grilled chicken, pan-fried tofu, pan-fried pork chops, in a salad, over fish… you name it!
Pan-Fried Lemon Ricotta Gnocchi
Spring is a great time for lemon dishes of all kinds, and this Pan-Fried Lemon Ricotta Gnocchi is no exception. This Italian-inspired masterpiece is slightly crisp on the outside and warm and soft on the inside. A true spring comfort dish!
FAQs
Why should I work with seasonal ingredients when I cook in spring?
Opting for seasonal ingredients means your fruits and vegetables are at peak flavor and nutrients. Also, it’s eco-friendly because these ingredients travel shorter distances to reach your plate, which means less carbon emissions. As well, it supports local farmers and, when you buy local, your own community.
What are some spring ingredients to look out for?
Some of the best spring ingredients include asparagus, strawberries, peas, artichokes, green beans, spring radishes, sugar snap peas, and fresh spinach. These also happen to be the best ingredients to create healthy, vibrant meals.
Why is spring produce considered so healthy?
Many spring favorites are naturally low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Adding a variety of them to your diet can boost your intake of nutrients. For some easy ways to get fresh spring produce in, focus on fresh salads, steamed green vegetables with a little olive oil, and light soups packed with spring produce for healthy lunches and dinners.
What’s the best way to store spring veggies to keep them fresh?
Most spring vegetables do well in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Asparagus should be kept upright in a glass of water and covered with a plastic bag. Berries last longest when they’re stored in a single layer in a paper towel-lined container. Only wash your produce right before you use it to prevent premature spoilage.
Any tips for cooking with spring ingredients?
For special occasions, try dishes like salmon with a side salad of tender asparagus and peas, or a risotto with artichoke hearts. And, of course, don’t forget to include a spring dessert with strawberries for a sweet end to your meal!
Ready to Make Some Springtime Dinners?
And there you have it! We hope you enjoyed this list of Steamy’s best dinners for the spring season. Which one is your favorite? Which ones are you going to try cooking? Do you have your own spring dinner recipes? We love when you share with us, so tell us all about it!
From my kitchen to yours, have a lovely spring season!
The post Fresh & Easy Dinner Ideas for the Spring Season appeared first on Steamy Kitchen Recipes Giveaways.
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