44 Super-Quick Spring Dinner Ideas

Updated: Mar. 12, 2024

Let fresh ingredients inspire you tonight with these spring dinner ideas. You can have any of these delish dishes on the table in 30 minutes or less.

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Easy Stuffed Poblanos

My partner adores these saucy stuffed peppers—and I love how quickly they come together. Top with low-fat sour cream and your favorite salsa. —Jean Erhardt, Portland, Oregon

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Crunchy Chili Lime Shrimp

Easy, quick and family-friendly, this spring dinner idea comes together in just 30 minutes. The secret is the flavor-packed sauce and crunchy tortilla chips. — Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
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Asparagus Ham Dinner

I've been making this low-fat ham dinner for my family for years, and we always look forward to it. With asparagus, tomato, pasta and chunks of ham, it's a tempting blend of tastes and textures. —Rhonda Zavodny, David City, Nebraska
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Easy Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs

The already prepared meatballs make this a very easy and quick supper. You can use your own homemade meatballs or store-bought if you're in a pinch. —Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, Washington
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Spring-Dinner Tilapia

Every week I try to serve a new healthy fish. With its fresh dill and delicious panko bread crumb herb crust, this dish with mild tilapia is a winner. —Tamara Huron, New Market, Alabama
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Air-Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Quick, simple and oh-so-tasty, this air-fryer chicken Parmesan recipe is the perfect weeknight dish to have on hand. It's just as crispy as the classic, if not crispier! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Tzatziki Chicken

I like to make classic chicken recipes for my family but the real fun is trying a fresh new twist. —Krisen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
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Pepper Ricotta Primavera

Garlic, peppers and herbs top creamy ricotta cheese in this meatless spring dinner idea you can make in just 20 minutes. —Janet Boulger, Botwood, Newfoundland and Labrador
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Greek Sausage Pita Pizzas

I turned my favorite sandwich into a pizza. It's perfect for lunch or dinner, but don't forget it when you're having a bunch of people over—it makes a fantastic appetizer, too. —Marion McNeill, Mayfield Heights, Ohio
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Spinach-Feta Chicken Penne

I wanted a light sauce for pasta, so I cooked tomatoes with garlic, wine and olive oil. It’s a blockbuster combo for seafood, too. —Geralyn Sipos, Blandon, Pennsylvania
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Chicken with Couscous

My sister shared this recipe, and it’s been a hit with me, my husband and our friends ever since. After working all day, I love that this dish is fast to prepare. Plus, it's irresistibly bright and delicious. —Shari Ruffalo, Watertown, New York
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Garlic Lime Salmon

This moist and tender fish is lightly seasoned, so leftovers work well in other recipes. —Gail Uchwat, Sand Springs, Oklahoma
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Avocado Crab Boats

These boats are wonderful with tortilla chips, beans or rice. You can also cover them, pack them on ice, and take them to a picnic or potluck. Straight from the oven or cold, they're always delicious. —Frances Benthin, Scio, Oregon
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Korean Salmon Skewers with Rice Slaw

This easy dinner is light and lovely, with so many delicious flavors and textures all in one stunning dish. It's so impressive that I often serve it to guests. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina
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Spring Dinner Wraps

Larb gai (Thai chicken salad) is a spring dinner idea made with ground chicken, chiles, mint and basil. Serve as a main dish or as an appetizer in lettuce cups. For a heartier version, serve with rice. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Caribbean Shrimp & Rice Bowl

I had a similar rice bowl on vacation and re-created this lighter version at home. It takes me back to the islands every time I make it. Try grilling the shrimp for more beachy flavor. —Lauren Katz, Ashburn, Virginia
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Mandarin Pork Stir-Fry

When my husband and I were dating, he told me he liked Asian food. I got a wok and discovered the joy of dishes like this pork stir-fry. —Laurie Martignon, Niagara, Wisconsin
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Cod and Asparagus Bake

The lemon pulls this flavorful and healthy dish together. You can use grated Parmesan cheese instead of Romano if you'd like. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
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Sheet-Pan Honey Mustard Chicken

This sheet-pan chicken is an easy gluten-free, low-carb meal ideal for busy weekdays. The chicken is tender, juicy and so delicious! It’s now on the list of our favorite meals. You can substitute any low-carb vegetable for green beans. —Denise Browning, San Antonio, Texas
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Beef & Spinach Lo Mein

If you like a good stir-fry, this beef and spinach lo mein will definitely satisfy. I discovered the recipe at an international luncheon, and it's now a favorite go-to meal. —Denise Patterson, Bainbridge, Ohio
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Grilled Tilapia Piccata

We aren’t big fish eaters, but a friend made this for us, and we couldn’t believe how wonderful it was! Now we eat it regularly. I love making it for guests because it’s simple, looks lovely and tastes restaurant-worthy. —Beth Cooper, Columbus, Ohio
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Tex-Mex Chicken Strips

I was looking for a way to amp up the flavor of regular chicken strips so I crushed up some leftover corn chips to create a crispy, flavorful coating. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida
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Feta Shrimp Tacos

A unique combination of taco seasoning and feta cheese works remarkably well in these refreshing tacos. It’s a goodthing you get two per serving, because you won’t want to stop at one! —Athena Russell, Florence, South Carolina
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Ravioli with Snap Peas & Mushrooms

Topped with the toasty texture and flavor of hazelnuts, this pasta makes an easy, earthy weeknight dinner. I serve it with an herb and lettuce salad and white wine. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
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Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa

A few people in my family have special dietary needs, but luckily, these chicken tacos work for all of us. I toss up a simple green salad and have a meal we can all enjoy together. —Christine Schenher, Exeter, California
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Rosemary Salmon and Veggies

My husband and I eat a lot of salmon. One night, while in a rush to get dinner on the table, I created this rosemary salmon meal. It's a keeper! You can also include sliced zucchini, small cauliflower florets or fresh green beans. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington
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Tortellini with Asparagus & Lemon

This is a terrific warm-weather dish, loaded with fresh flavors. I make mine meatless, but some sliced grilled chicken on top would be awesome, too. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
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Lemon-Basil Grilled Shrimp & Couscous

The basil and lemon in this dish complement each other so nicely. Using fresh ingredients really makes a big difference. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
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Spicy Tilapia Rice Bowl

I love healthy living and tilapia is a staple in my kitchen. Fresh vegetables are always good but take more prep time, so I use boil-in-bag rice for a shortcut. —Rosalin Johnson, Tupelo, Mississippi
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Air-Fryer Steak Fajitas

Zesty salsa and tender strips of meat make these air-fryer steak fajitas extra special. —Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah
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Buffalo Tofu Wrap

My family loves the tofu filling in this wrap! For parties, we often serve it as a dip with tortilla chips or pita bread. My husband requests this often, and it's super easy to double the recipe if needed. —Deanna Wolfe, Muskegon, Michigan
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Chicken Verde Quesadillas

I used the corn, peppers and zucchini in my fridge to create these quick and easy quesadillas. Dollop with sour cream and you're good to go. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
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Citrus Coconut Steamed Cod

I love to make this fusion meal on weeknights when I am short on time but want something big in flavor. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
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Ham and Pea Pasta Alfredo

When I want a filling meal that even the kids enjoy, I toss ham and sugar snap peas with Romano cream sauce and pasta. —C.R. Monachino, Kenmore, New York
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Salmon Veggie Packets

I feel the spirit of Julia Child when I make lemon-pepper salmon en papillote (in parchment). It’s the first French recipe I learned, and the delightful little packages are family-friendly. —Renee Greene, New York, NY
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Crab-Topped Tomato Slices

When camping, my wife and I top large beefsteak tomatoes with spicy chunks of crab. Then we warm this summer treat over the fire. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
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Scallops with Wilted Spinach

Two of my favorite foods are bacon and seafood. In this dish, I get them together with white wine, shallots and baby spinach. Serve with bread to soak up the tasty broth. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
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Pork & Mango Stir-Fry

A recipe is special when everyone in your family raves about it. My finicky eaters each give a thumbs-up for this hearty, nutty stir-fry. —Kathleen Specht, Clinton, Montana
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Caesar Salmon with Roasted Tomatoes & Artichokes

This is my "go to" recipe for quick dinners, family or guests. It's colorful, healthy, easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. The best part is it only calls for five ingredients! —Mary Hawkes, Prescott, Arizona
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Bow Ties with Gorgonzola Sauce

The name may sound fancy, but this pasta dish is comforting and simple to prepare. Add a mixed green salad to make it a complete meal for any occasion. —Nadine Mesch, Mount Healthy, Ohio
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Garlic & Herb Steak Pizza

We crave pizza that’s super fast, cheesy and original. This one with steak and veggies is for folks who like their pie with everything on top. —Jade Fears, Grand Ridge, Florida
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Vegetarian Bean Tacos

I love Mexican food but was looking for a healthier option to share. My family devours these tasty tacos whenever I make them. —Amanda Petrucelli, Plymouth, Indiana
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Easy Pad Thai

Skip the takeout restaurant and give this easy pad thai recipe a try if you need an easy and quick meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken

My chicken bundles are simple, clean and comforting. Serve them with wild rice and green beans for one of our favorite meals. —Jim Knepper, Mount Holly Springs, Pennsylvania