While it isn’t quite spring yet, it doesn’t feel like we really had a winter here in Denver. I think I shoveled snow once? Otherwise it has been in the 60s pretty much every week. Very weird. But, for dinners, I’m already in early spring dinner mode and thought I’d bring back some of my favorites.
These recipes all are relatively fast to make (with one exception) and use a mix of grill, spring veggies, and lighter fare. They all make their way onto my menu plan frequently this time of year!
Find something. Cook something!
Grilled Chicken with Cantaloupe Salsa
Bright and fresh and just spicy enough! This Grilled Chicken with Cantaloupe Salsa is brought to life with minced habanero! YUM!
California Roll Bowls
These rice bowls are stuffed with all the classic California Roll ingredients plus a few extras. Don't forget the spicy sriracha mayo sauce drizzled on top!
Pizza Pasta Salad
This delicious and easy pizza pasta salad is packed with classic Italian flavors, including pepperoni, peppers, and mozzarella. Perfect for lunch or dinner!
Quick Creamy Orzo with Asparagus
This quick creamy orzo dish is so versatile. It can be served as a main dish or a side. It's perfect for midweek family dinners or fancy enough for hosting!
Tortellini Vegetable Soup with Spring Greens and Peas
This spring Tortellini Vegetable Soup is very flexible and fast to make. My version starts with spring greens and peas with store-bought tortellini.
Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai
This easy spaghetti Squash Pad Thai has an authentic homemade pad thai sauce and all the veggies. I used tofu, but any protein works well. Low carb and tasty!
Grilled Halloumi Skewers
An excellent vegetarian grilling main is these Halloumi Skewers! Marinated halloumi cheese holds up perfectly on the grill with an assortment of vegetables. A must-try!
Homemade Ground Beef Mix for Summer Burgers
Instead of buying ground beef a pound at a time, I spent an afternoon grinding my own choice cuts into ground beef and portioned them for easy burger cooking all summer long! Spring is the perfect time to make this mix so it’s ready all summer long!
Chimichurri Pork Rice Bowls
Chimichurri sauce is one of my favorite toppers for grilled meats and veggies and this rice bowl is the perfect use! Grilled pork tenderloin, sweet corn, fresh tomatoes, and an easy chimichurri sauce that works for both a marinade and a sauce. Love it!
Blackened Salmon Salad with Horsey Dressing
This hearty blackened salmon salad is a wonderful single bowl meal. It has roasted salmon, arugula, quinoa, veggies, and a slightly spicy and sweet horseradish dressing. The dressing gives this salad a real kick!
helendam167
I love these light weeknight dinner ideas, especially the quick recipes that don’t take much time after work. After cooking something simple like this, I usually relax with a short game session like That’s Not My Neighbor, which is surprisingly tense and addictive.