Spring is here, and I don’t know about you, but I start craving fresher and lighter meals. Fruit, salads, and barbequed meat all sound so much more appetizing. Cold pizza, cold pasta salads, and picnic lunches are what I’m here for. Can you relate?
As the weather changes, so do our meals. But in an effort to eat seasonally, sometimes we lack inspiration. We know what we don’t want to eat, and yet we don’t know quite how to shift our meal planning to fit the time of year.
Today, I want to share with you 20 Spring Meal Ideas to get your wheels turning. These aren’t groundbreaking ideas, and yet I hope they are inspiring and helpful.
So get a pen and paper, and let’s begin!
20 Spring Meal Ideas
1. Hamburgers
What is more of a summer meal than a hamburger, especially one from the grill? Add a toasted bun, veggies, cheese, and sauce and you’ve got a delicious dinner!
You could choose to buy burgers or make the patties yourself, but either way, hamburgers are a fun, warm-weather option.
The Very Best Burgers Recipe – SO flavorful!
2. Taco Salad
We love taco salad in this house! Perhaps it’s just an excuse to eat tortilla chips. Taco salad is a wonderful way to eat a lot of veggies. It’s a cheap, filling meal that everyone can customize to their liking. It’s also terrific if you’re dealing with allergies, as you can easily swap or leave out components as needed.
3. Pasta Salad
When the weather is too hot for spaghetti or lasagna, you can eat pasta cold! There are countless varieties and add-ins for pasta salad. If you have noodles, protein, sauce, and veggies, you can call it a pasta salad.
Copycat Ruby Tuesday Ham and Pea Pasta Salad – The Travel Palate
Greek Sausage Pasta Salad – Thankful Little Mama
4. Fried Rice (with fresh herbs)
Fried Rice is a tasty supper option that can be garnished with fresh herbs like chives or dill. It is delicious when served warm, but it can also be enjoyed cold too!
This Chicken Fried Rice recipe boasts fresh garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, packing in the flavor.
Chicken Fried Rice – Thankful Little Mama
5. Kabobs
In addition to hamburgers, kabobs are another great one to do on the grill! Slide some sausage or other meat, peppers, and onions on a stick, and barbeque them to perfection.
6. Burritos
Burritos are a fun meal that can be taken on the go and can be eaten hot or cold. Fill a tortilla with meat, rice, veggies, and of course cheese, and you’ve got one scrumptious meal all in one!
The Best chicken burrito recipe
7. Loaded French Fries
French fries are tasty, but what if they could be a whole meal? Simply load some meat, veggies, and cheese on top, and put them in the oven. What you’ll get is a delicious, cheesy meal that feels similar to nachos.
8. BLT’s
Bacon, lettuce, and tomato on a bun with sauce and cheese is what you call a fun dinner. You could even add an egg on there for extra protein and make it a BELT.
How To Make The Best BLT Sandwich! – The Food Charlatan
9. Granola Parfaits
Simple and yummy, granola parfaits are anther great dinner option. Combine granola, yogurt, milk, and your choice of fruit. Easy, healthy, and no cooking required.
Fresh Peach Granola and Yogurt Parfait
10. Greek Bowls
Fresh, healthy, and tasty, Greek bowls are wonderfully satiating. Cucumbers and tomatoes, chicken, flavorful rice, cheese, and a creamy garlic sauce make up this winner of a dish.
Greek Chicken Bowls – Thankful Little Mama
11. Pulled pork on a bun
Think slow-cooked, pork tenderloin in a rich barbeque sauce. Mouth-watering, right? Throw this on a warm, toasty bun, and add some coleslaw or sauerkraut.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe – Then and Now Recipes
12. Smokies and Potato Salad
Potato salad is a classic warm-weather, side dish. Make it a full meal by pairing it with barbequed smokies.
Best Classic Potato Salad – Creamy, Comforting, and Made With Love – recipesin
13. Thai Chicken Wraps
Shredded cabbage, carrots, chicken, and a homemade peanut sauce in a wrap…have I got you hooked yet? On the nights that you don’t want something warm, this meal is both cold, refreshing, and filling.
14. Breakfast for dinner
Who doesn’t love breakfast for dinner? From pancakes and waffles to eggs and bacon to breakfast burritos and breakfast tacos, there are countless versions of this meal. Add some fresh fruit and a decaf coffee for maximum enjoyment.
Best Fluffy Pancakes Recipe on the Internet (+Video)
15. Seafood Pasta
Light but also filling, seafood pasta is full of vitamins and delight. Check out this one below!
30-Minute Seared Salmon with Lemon Orzo | Cocina Republic
16. Fish Tacos
While we’re on the topic of fish, why not serve fish tacos tonight? Light and lovely, this meal sounds lovely.
Irresistible Baja Fish Tacos with Zesty Chipotle Crema – Liza Recipe
17. Stuffed Peppers
Another way to get more veggies into your meals is by cooking stuffed peppers. This meal is fun and nutritious, and peppers give it a terrific added flavor.
Classic Stuffed Peppers – Easy & Hearty Family Dinner
18. Sourdough Skillet Bake
If you are a sourdough girl, this is a great meal option! Simply cook any fillings in your skillet and top it with a simple sourdough batter. Bake, and enjoy!
Sourdough Skillet – Healthy One Pot Meal – Farmhouse on Boone
19. Hot Dogs
Easy and something everyone will enjoy, hot dogs are a great way to enjoy an activity and a meal. Roast some wieners around the fire, and enjoy them together in God’s creation!
25 Regional Hot Dog Styles across the USA
20. Pizza
Buy pizza or make your own. Hot or cold, pizza is delectable, and you could make it more spring-like by topping it with veggies and fresh herbs.
12 Perfect Pizza Recipes – Design Dazzle
I hope this list was helpful to you and sparked some ideas of your own! Happy cooking!
FAQ About Spring Cooking
1. How do I cook LESS in the warmer months?
Opt for barbequed meats, fires, or simply “no-cook” meals. Things like salads and sandwiches are great options if you don’t want to use your stove.
2. How can I meal prep spring dinners?
Some things taste better after sitting a few days in the refrigerator. Things like pasta salad or potato salad have enhanced flavor over time. Other meals like burritos, pancakes, or pizza can be frozen for future use!
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