78 Fresh Recipes to Pull You Out of a Winter Menu Rut

I developed this flavor-packed dinner for a busy friend who wants to eat clean. —Nicole Stevens, Austin, Texas

This flavorful pork with its tasty slaw is fun to serve at a buffet because it lets guests make their own wraps. Even my grandchildren like it. —Linda Woo, Derby, Kansas

I thought rice paper wrappers would be a quick, fun way to put salad ingredients into a hand-held snack or meal. I also make this with shrimp or add in cranberries. Go ahead, experiment! —Marla Strader, Ozark, Missouri

Celebrate spring with a tasty grilled dinner. The pork takes just an hour to marinate, so you'll enjoy a little hands-free time with this carefree meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

These cute and creamy little casseroles have the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

This pretty pasta is a family favorite —the kids love the light lemony flavor and I love that they devour the fresh veggies. You can use other types of pasta for variety, like bow ties or corkscrews. —Jennifer Fisher, Austin, Texas

This beefy main dish is always a big hit with the men in our family. After simmering in a slow cooker, the steak takes on a robust taste, and the filling portions are just what we love. —Megan Rohlck, Vermillion, South Dakota

I love to serve this family-favorite tenderloin—maybe because of the compliments that come with it! When the weather warms up, we grill it instead. —Megan Riofski, Frankfort, Illinois

The flavors just keep popping in this quick dinner! Use as much lime zest and chili paste as you like. My family is into spicy foods, but I kept the heat moderate in this version. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan

When it’s time to impress family and friends, we serve barbecued chicken garnished with strawberries. It’s easier than anyone would ever guess. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin

My baked fish is a shoo-in when you want fish and chips without the frying mess. Dare I say, they're a little upgrade from the English pub classic. Get more of my recipe at cinnamonspiceandeverythingnice.com. —Reeni Pisano, Wappingers Falls, New York

My family loves lamb, especially my son. During his first year of college, he claimed to be a vegetarian. When he came home, I had a pot of this slow-cooked lamb stew simmering on the counter. At dinnertime, my husband and I found only a few shreds of meat left floating in the gravy. My son confessed that he was the culprit! —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

This is a nice little twist on a classic dish. If you love cheese, feel free to add more, and green peppers are a great taste if you want some vegetables. —Barb Kondolf, Hamlin, New York

I grill everything—veggies, oxtail, tofu. This chicken is our favorite. I keep a ready supply of sauce and rub, so prep couldn't be easier. —Jerry Rosiek, Eugene, Oregon

This is one of my husband's favorite recipes. Salmon is a go-to for busy nights because it cooks so quickly and goes with so many different flavors. The creamy dill sauce tastes light and fresh, with a nice crunch from the cucumbers. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida

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

It may be the most famous dish to eat on St. Patrick's Day, but this Irish-American corned beef recipe is a favorite at our table all year long. This is how to make corned beef and cabbage. —Evelyn Kenney, Trenton, New Jersey

This moist and tender pork loin roast is served with a rhubarb sauce that’s just delicious! It’s an excellent choice for company and makes a special meal. —Marilyn Rodriguez of Fairbanks, Alaska

The unique pairing of honey and molasses with diced tomatoes, red wine and stone-ground mustard yields the most delightful mustard sauce with just a hint of sweetness. —Ezra Elkon, Charles Town, West Virginia

When we crave something sweet and spicy, pork tenderloin cooked with chipotle, barbecue sauce and pineapple really delivers. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida

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

This moist and tender chicken comes complete with its own creamy spinach side dish! It makes a pretty presentation and comes together in no time flat for a nutritious weeknight meal. —Genna Johannes, Wrightstown, Wisconsin

Pork tenderloin paired with strawberries is a heavenly match, made even more special with a tangy feta garnish. Serve with roasted spring vegetables. —Katherine Wollgast, Florissant, Missouri

I lived in the Caribbean when I was a child. Every time I make this yummy chicken, the fresh tropical fruits in it transport me back to those happy times.—Lissa Nelson, Provo, Utah

I’ve fixed this many times and like to make it differently on occasion. I’ve swapped in other meats, such as chicken sausage, veal or ground pork, and added in summer squash, zucchini, green beans and mushrooms, depending on what’s in season. Also, fresh herbs really perk up the flavors. —Kim Forni, Laconia, New Hampshire

My favorite kitchen appliance is the slow cooker, and I use mine more than anyone else I know. It does a great job with this good-for-you dish. —Michelle Gurnsey, Lincoln, Nebraska

This tasty pizza is so easy to prepare. My family, including my young daughter, loves it. What an easy way to make a delicious, veggie-filled meal! —Dawn Bartholomew, Raleigh, North Carolina

This recipe combines delicious whole wheat pasta with the best of fresh garden produce. It's tossed with heart-healthy olive oil, and a little feta cheese gives it bite. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida

I came up with this recipe years ago by combining a couple of family favorites. Easy and versatile, it's great for potlucks. I can make the sauce ahead and use all wings or leg quarters when they're on sale. This is a welcome entree at senior citizen fellowship dinners. —Phyllis Minter, Wakefield, Kansas

This Asian-inspired dish is similar to sweet-and-sour pork. The tender vegetables, juicy pork and flavorful sauce are delicious over rice.—Wayne Tews, Antigo, Wisconsin

My husband adores this recipe for Asian ribs, and I love how good it makes the house smell! The mild, tangy, salty-sweet sauce with fresh ginger and garlic is delicious with rice or noodles. —Julie Ko, Rogers, Arkansas

Spinach gives this popular casserole a fresh taste that will delight even those who say they don't like spinach. In fact, people are often surprised at just how good it is! Whenever I bring it to a gathering, it doesn't sit around long. —Barbara Kellen, Antioch, Illinois

These baked potatoes are meals in themselves, with a smoky barbecue flavor that will make your mouth water. You can top them with your favorite cheese and garnish. —Amber Massey, Coppell, Texas

Sliced deli ham and Swiss cheese come together in a restaurant-quality entree that cooks in moments. It’s wonderful for company or a special weeknight meal. —Angela Spengler, Clovis, New Mexico

Curry has a moderate to strong flavor, so add it early in the cooking process for good balance with pineapple, coconut and ginger. —Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island

Bone-in chicken becomes moist and tender when cooked with sliced carrots and green onions in a rich ginger-soy sauce that’s brightened with brown sugar, balsamic vinegar and coriander. —Kael Harvey, Brooklyn, New York

Spice-coated chicken thighs simmer in a rich red pepper-eggplant sauce. This savory entree is perfect for an everyday meal or potluck. It's an easy slow-cooker dish to prepare in the morning so that dinner is ready at the end of the day.—Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana

Parmesan, the king of Italian cheeses, brings a buttery and sweet, nutty essence to the coating for breaded pork loin chops. Mixed with butter-flavored crackers, it brings optimal flavor and tenderness to these baked chops. —Melanie Hogan, Birmingham, Alabama

Everyone in my family loves when I make this dinner...even my kids! What's great about this recipe is that you can add vegetables you have on hand to make it heartier, such as corn, peas, or diced red bell pepper. —Monica Werner, Temecula, California

These are the best fajitas ever, and a much healthier version of the typically pan-fried fajitas you find in restaurants. I also like to serve them in flatbreads instead of tortillas. —Erin Michniacki, Manhattan, Kansas

The lemon and dill in this slow-cooked recipe give the chicken a bright, fresh taste. Pair the entree with a side of noodles or a mixed green salad. —Lori Lockrey, Pickering, Ontario

We grow the basil and bell peppers I use in this dish. It's easy to prepare, yet so rich and delicious. —Sheryl Little, Sherwood, Arkansas

Mother frequently made this comforting chicken tortilla casserole when I was growing up. Our family would scrape the pan clean. Chicken, cheese and zippy green chiles are a mouthwatering mix.—Jerri Moror, Rio Rancho, New Mexico

Shh! Don’t tell anyone! This recipe is so simple, but you’d never know it. My husband, who normally doesn’t like chicken, asks for this dish regularly. —Mary Watkins, Little Elm, Texas

Here’s a fun, full-flavored meal the whole family will go for. It’s great on weeknights when you all come through the door hungry at the same time. —Tyler Sherman, Williamsburg, Virginia

Passed down through generations, this robust corned beef and cabbage recipe is requested often in our house. The Irish stout adds excellent richness to the corned beef. Just throw the ingredients together in the slow cooker and let them simmer until delicious! —Karin Brodbeck, Red Hook, New York

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

My husband made a version of this casserole for me on our first date. Over the 11 years we’ve been married, we’ve made several changes to the ingredients and now it’s even better than the original. —Lisa DeMarsh, Mount Solon, Virginia

“My family loves this light, colorful and quick meal. Grilled pineapple sprinkled with cinnamon makes a yummy dessert.” Teresa Ralston - New Albany, Ohio

If you enjoy Indian food, you'll love this dish. An array of spices and dried fruit slow cook with boneless chicken thighs for an aromatic and satisfying meal. To make it complete, serve over Jasmine or Basmati rice. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

This sweet and sour chicken main dish has become a favorite recipe to prepare on Sunday. It's easy to prepare and requires very little clean up, plus the slow cooker leaves me plenty of time to do other things. —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri

I love this recipe because it's healthy and almost effortless. And the salmon always cooks to perfection! —Erin Chilcoat, Central Islip, New York

The Asian influence here in the Hawaiian islands inspired my char siu recipe. It’s tasty as is, in a bun or over rice. We make it often so we have leftovers to add to fried rice, ramen and salads. —Karen Naihe, Kamuela, Hawaii

I first fell in love with this traditional Mexican dish at a taco stand inside a gas station. This is how I now make it at home. My version has a nice zing without being overly spicy.—Ramona Parris, Canton, Georgia

My husband and I both work long hours. This slow cooker recipe is large enough that the two of us can eat as much yummy pork as we like and still have leftovers! It's important to use low sodium or no-salt products in the recipe or the dish will be too salty.—Dawn Schmidt, Durham, North Carolina

Some amazingly fresh mushrooms I found at our local farmers market inspired this recipe. When you start with the best ingredients, you can't go wrong. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California

I love Chinese takeout food, but I know that it’s very high in sodium and fat. So I got to work at home and created a healthier version. Now I have peace of mind knowing what ingredients are in this slow cooker orange chicken and that it’s better for my family. —Barbara J. Miller, Oakdale, Minnesota

My go-to meal after an evening run is this satisfying turkey wrap with jicama, a potato-like root veggie used in Mexican cooking. —Christie Arp, Blue Ridge, Georgia

Mom's friend gave her this recipe years ago, and she shared it with me. When we have leftover ham to use up, it's the most-requested recipe at my house. —Kelly Graham, St. Thomas, Ontario

During a long winter (and spring), my husband and I were in need of something warm, comforting and bright. This chicken was the perfect thing. It fills the house with the smell of home when Mom would make chicken soup, with a little something extra. —Amy Chase, Vanderhoof, British Columbia

Utilize leftovers and clean out the fridge by making these super simple and tasty stuffed peppers! This is an ideal weekend meal or one you can put together quickly so you can run errands while it cooks. —Katie Jasiewicz, Belle Isle, Florida

You're likely to find a lot of herb stuffed chicken breast recipes out there, but this chicken leek recipe is totally unique. It makes great use of leeks, an aromatic that's uncommon on the dinner table, but easy to find. —Shirley Glaab, Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Fresh-flavored marinade works magic on this pork, making it tender and juicy. I often complete the meal with cauliflower or brussels sprouts, roasted so they’re naturally sweet.—Gilda Lester, Millsboro, Delaware

This vegetarian stew is perfect when you want to take a break from meat. Adding the cream at the end gives it a smoother texture.—Michelle Collins, Suffolk Virginia

My great-aunt used to make the most amazing braciole, but it was a laborious and time-consuming effort. I took her basic recipe and transformed it into a slow cooker version, making it easier for today's hurried world. My great-aunt always served the flank steak sliced over orzo that had been tossed with olive oil and Romano cheese. Delicioso!—Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri

My sister-in-law shared this recipe with me. I am not usually crazy about fish, but the fresh raspberry sauce makes this cod simply scrumptious. —Angela Leinenbach, Mechanicsville, Virginia

The fishmonger at our local farmers market inspired me to try my hand at scallops cooked on a cedar plank. After a little experimenting, I was proud to serve this dish to friends. —Robert Halpert, Newburyport, Massachusetts

A bounty of vegetables keeps this salad light on calories, while salmon makes it hearty enough for a meal. It's become a springtime staple at our house. —Frances Pietsch, Flower Mound, Texas

This marvelous roast lets you forget about it while it’s cooking (but the aroma will remind you). We serve it with brown rice or mashed potatoes. —Donna Roberts, Manhattan, Kansas

In our house, chicken potpie is a year-round staple. For a springtime feel, we use leeks and mushrooms and a lighter phyllo dough crust. If you don't have gruyere, try Parmesan. —Andrea Stewart, Toronto, Ontario

My family really enjoys asparagus and shrimp. We often have this on busy weeknights because its healthy and cooks quickly. —Ehnes Wannetta, Eagle Bend, Minnesota

I love tacos, and came up with this version to make them with Mediterranean flavors as opposed to Mexican. They went over big with my family!—Debbie Reid, Clearwater, Florida

I got this recipe from my mother, who loved quick and easy meals for dinner. I made a few variations by adding spinach, bell peppers and fresh corn. The changes were well worth it––my family and friends love this dish!—Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

This recipe is very easy to prepare, and is made even easier when it simmers in a slow cooker. The turkey comes out tender and the veggies add a mix of color and heartiness.—Gilda Lester, Milsboro, Delaware

These cute little patties are a great way to get my whole family to enjoy salmon, even my toddler! And I love the fresh flavor the lemon and dill add. —Brandi Murphy, McMinnville, Tennessee

My family and I are big picnickers, and I'm always looking for new dishes to try in the great outdoors. The amazing flavors at our favorite Indian restaurant inspired these mini pizzas. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida

This Asian/Mexican fusion dish is ready in minutes—perfect for on-the-run-meals! If the salmon begins to stick, add 2-3 tablespoons of water and continue cooking through. —Marisa Raponi, Vaughan, Ontario

This comfort dish gets fabulous flavor when I add chicken, sweet red peppers, coconut milk and the all-important seasoning, curry powder. —Roxana Lambeth, Moreno Valley, California