100 Healthy 30-Minute Spring Dinners

I was looking for a new recipe for tacos, and this version was a perfect solution. With shrimp, green chiles, spinach and ricotta, it's made up of ingredients I love that aren't normally associated with traditional tacos. —Priscilla Gilbert, Indian Harbour Beach, Florida

This tender chicken with a light lime flavor is a natural as a filling for tacos, but my son Austin also loves it spooned over cooked rice and sprinkled with his favorite taco toppings. —Christine Hair, Odessa, Florida

My mother would make this for us on weeknights in summer—this was the only way we would eat fish. You can make the salsa a day ahead of time. Just keep it in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap. —Najmussahar Ahmed, Canton, Michigan

Scallops add interest to this mild tomato-based stovetop supper. Try serving the saucy mixture over rice or angel hair pasta, and garnish with cilantro if you like. —Stephany Gocobacki, San Rafuel, California

I created this recipe years ago, after one of our farmers market customers, a chef, shared the idea of marinating chicken in buttermilk. The chicken is easy to prepare and always turns out moist and delicious! I "bruise" the thyme sprigs by twisting them before adding to the buttermilk mixture; this releases the oils in the leaves and flavor the chicken better. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

After tasting a similar dish at the grocery store, my husband figured out how to make this awesome cod topped with salsa and peppers. —Robyn Gallagher, Yorktown, Virginia

These tender, pesto-stuffed meatballs get gobbled up in our house. They're short on ingredients, but packed with flavor. I always make a double batch, freezing the other half for a busy night. —Ally Billhorn, Wilton, Iowa

This deconstructed stuffed pepper dish packs a wallop of flavor. I truly make it all the time, and I make sure my freezer's stocked with single-serve portions to take to work. —Rebecca Ende, Phoenix, New York

I've made quite a few tacos in my day, but you can't beat the tender filling made in a pressure cooker. These are by far the best pork tacos we've had—and we've tried plenty. Make the mango salsa from scratch if you have time! —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas

Rich with goat cheese and tomato, this recipe works for a weeknight supper or an elegant company dinner—and is adjustable for number of people. —Toni Roberts, La Canada, California

I love cooking, and I learned from Nana and Mom. Pizza is easily one of my favorite dishes to prepare. I switched up this recipe to make it my own. —Tracy Brown, River Edge, New Jersey

Serve these patties at any time of day. The recipe features protein, grains and vegetables all in one dish. It’s also a great way to use leftover rice. —Megumi Garcia, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

This cinch of a marinade gives the chicken lots of Italian flavor. Serve the chicken with a tossed green salad and garlic breadsticks, or put slices on a ciabatta roll along with lettuce, tomato and mozzarella cheese for a zesty handheld meal. —Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire

I've enjoyed cooking since I was a girl growing up in the Southwest, and I think fajitas are a great way to add some wallop to ho-hum dinner lineups. This simply delicious main dish is great if you're looking for something new to serve. —Janie Reitz, Rochester, Minnesota

I'm always looking for new and interesting ways to use leftover turkey—especially around the holidays. Make this skillet meal as spicy as you like by varying the amount of curry powder. —Martha Balser, Cincinnati, Ohio

I like to make these golden chicken nuggets because they’re so quick and easy. My whole family loves them. You can also use the seasoning to cook chicken breast halves. Stack them on rustic bread with mayo, lettuce and tomato for delicious sandwiches. —Annette Ellyson, Carolina, West Virginia

I've been serving this recipe to family and friends for 20 years and very seldom do I have any leftovers. We try to keep the house cool, so we grill out often. —Mary Hills, Scottsdale, Arizona

This flavorful recipe is definitely on my weeknight dinner rotation. The chicken fajita marinade in these popular wraps is mouthwatering. They go together in a snap and always get raves! —Julie Sterchi, Campbellsville, Kentucky

My husband and I are empty nesters. It was a challenge learning to cook for just two again, but recipes like this give us delicious scaled-down dinners. —Esther Johnson Danielson, Lawton, Pennsylvania

Garlic, peppers and herbs top creamy ricotta cheese in this meatless skillet meal you can make in just 20 minutes. —Janet Boulger, Botwood, Newfoundland and Labrador

People think I went to a lot of trouble when I serve these packets. Individual aluminum foil pouches hold the juices in during baking to keep the herbed chicken moist and tender. It saves time and makes cleanup a breeze. —Edna Shaffer, Beulah, Michigan

This wonderfully tender steak is a treat even for folks not watching their diet. When my mother-in-law shared the recipe, she said it cooks up in no time...and she was right! —Susan Adair, Somerset, Kentucky

"I'm constantly trying to incorporate healthy but tasty meals into our menu," writes Pam Masters of Derby, Kansas. "Both kids and adults love these mildly spiced burritos that combine filling lentils with crisp zucchini."

We enjoy fish frequently, and this baked version has a tempting mild orange flavor. It comes out of the oven flaky and moist, and it's just the thing to make for a delightful light meal. — Jacquelyn Dixon, LaPorte, IA

Ginger, garlic powder and green onion blend nicely in an easy marinade that gives pleasant flavor to salmon. We also like to use this versatile mixture when grilling chicken, but we've found it tastes even better when marinated in the fridge overnight. —Dan Strumberger, Farmington, Minnesota

From Mendota, Illinois, Kim Marie Van Rheenen shares her recipe for an easy all-in-one skillet supper that's brimming with fresh-from-the-garden flavor. It's a tasty way to make the most of seasonal produce--from your backyard veggie patch or the farmers market. —Kenny Van Rheenen, Mendota, Illinois

My neighbor and I discovered these delicious low-fat burritos a few years ago. On nights my husband or I have a meeting, we can have a satisfying supper on the table in minutes. —Angela Studebaker, Goshen, Indiana

Zesty salsa and tender strips of steak make these traditional fajitas extra-special. —Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah

When I was a new mom, I needed good, healthy meals that were fast to fix. These juicy chops fit the bill perfectly. Since this is a one-pan dish, cleanup’s quick, too. —Kristin Tanis, Hatfield, Pennsylvania

Often we catch enough of our delicious Northwest salmon to send some to Michigan for my sister to enjoy. This crisp, lemony recipe is a sure way to enjoy it. —Perlene Hoekema, Lynden, Washington

Delicate shrimp picks up fabulous flavor when it's sauteed in chicken broth mixed with garlic and ripe olives. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Expect to get plenty of compliments on these fast, flavor-packed chops. They're tender and juicy. —Billi Jo Sylvester, New Smyrna Beach, Florida

After a tiring but beautiful day of fishing, this is a fast and delicious way to serve our famous Key West pink shrimp. It's always a big hit with guests.

My husband and I especially like this delicious layered tortilla pie recipe because it's lighter- tasting than some of the traditional lasagnas made with pasta. Even our two young daughters enjoy the pleasantly mild flavor. —Lisa King, Caledonia, Michigan

Alicia Szeszol relies on her husband for the main ingredient in this fuss-free dish. "He fills our freezer after his summer fishing trip," she reports from Lindenhurst, Illinois.

These steak kabobs not only satisfy my love of outdoor cooking, they feature a mouthwatering marinade, too. It's terrific with chicken and pork, but I prefer it with beef because it tenderizes remarkably well. —Christi Ross, Guthrie, Texas

These zippy shrimp bring a lot of pizazz to the table. Use as much or as little cayenne pepper as you'd like, depending on your family's tastes. We love ours served alongside rice pilaf. —Donna Thomason, El Paso, Texas

Loaded with sausage, mushrooms, tomatoes and basil flavor, this quick recipe satisfies the toughest critics. It's one of my husband's favorite dishes, and he has no idea it's lower in fatAdd a green salad for a delicious meal. —Ruth Ann Ruddell, Shelby Township, Michigan

When I make this dish, I invite my next-door neighbor over for supper. It's just enough for the two of us. This tasty chicken is tender and moist, with a bit of crunch from the cashews. -Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri

Made with canned salmon, these patties are good hot or cold. I usually serve them on buns with slices of ripe tomato, sweet red onion, and red and green bell pepper. —Barbara Coston of Little Rock, Arkansas

This easy treatment for pork caught my eye when I saw the word "caramelized." The slightly sweet glaze is yummy. I like to serve this over noodles or rice...or with mashed potatoes. —Elisa Lochridge, Beaverton, Oregon.

In Wyandotte, Michigan, Mary VanHollebeke found a recipe that lures even landlubbers to her fish suppers. "I spotted this easy entree on a recipe card in my local fish market," she reports. "Although my husband isn't big on fish, he enjoys this mild-tasting tilapia." The relish adds garden-fresh flavor and pretty color to the lightly browned fillets.

I use my microwave to hurry along the prep of this super fast shrimp scampi. It’s deliciously buttery and full of garlic flavor. We love it as a main dish, but it makes an excellent appetizer, too. — Jalayne Luckett, Marion, Illinois

This recipe can be used with several kinds of fish, and the ingredients are those I usually have on hand. Baking fish is so easy, and I fix this healthy dish often. —Annie Hicks, Zephyrhills, Florida

It looks impressive, but this mouthwatering chicken and mushroom sauce comes together in no time. I think its flavor rivals that of many full-fat entrees found in fancy restaurants. —Jennifer Pemberton, Muncie, Indiana

A dash of red pepper puts zip in this lively main dish from Gloria Jones Grenga of Newnan, Georgia.

With this quick recipe, you get a tender steak without a long marinade. Balsamic vinegar and steak sauce give it tang, and you can't go wrong with the melty Swiss on top. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin

I'm a new mom, and my schedule is very dependent upon our young son, so I like meals that can be ready in as little time as possible. This all-in-one chicken stir fry recipe with a hint of sweetness from honey is a big time-saver. —Caroline Sperry, Allentown, Michigan

“I found this recipe years ago and immediately served it for a ‘company dinner’,” shares Lisa Mahon Fluegeman from Cincinnati, Ohio. “It’s easy and fun and takes only minutes to cook, but it makes a fancy entree for special occasions. The peanut butter and soy sauce lend a nice Asian flavor.”

My friend made this meal for my husband and me after our first child was born. Since chicken tenderloin recipes can be so caloric, I trimmed down the fat and carbs, but we love it just the same. —Beth Ann Stein, Richmond, Indiana

Pop these protein-packed salmon fillets in the oven before whipping up a sweet basting sauce. This tangy entree cooks up in minutes making it a perfect meal for busy families and unexpected weekend guests. —Debra Martin, Belleville, Michigan

Searching for a lighter alternative to traditional fried fish tacos, I came up with this crispy, crunchy entree. It's a hit with friends and family. —Jennifer Palmer, Rancho Cucamonga, California

My family liked this recipe so much, I made it for a potluck the very next day. Everyone raved about it there, too, even people who aren't particularly fond of fish. —Kerin Benjamin, Citrus Heights, California

These vegetarian tacos are stuffed with a blend of sauteed cabbage, peppers and black beans so filling, you won't miss the meat. Top with avocado, cheese or a dollop of sour cream. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

There are lots of recipes for cashew chicken, but my family thinks this one stands alone. We love the flavor from the fresh ginger and the crunch of the cashews. Another plus is it's easy to prepare. —Oma Rollison, El Cajon, California

The mildness of the fish contrasts perfectly with the deep flavor of the sauce. This pesto halibut takes just minutes to prep, so it's a great dinner for weeknights. —April Showalter, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Sweet onion seasons turkey, adding rich flavor to Mary Relyea’s wholesome pasta dish. At home in Canastota, New York, she tosses it together with light cream, basil and tomatoes for a quick, springy meal in minutes.

It was my husband, Steve, who came up with this easy, foil-packet recipe for flaky, fork-tender Lemon Basil Salmon. We eat a lot of salmon and Steve likes trying out different herbs and spices on our food. This recipe's a winner! —Marianne Bauman, Modesto, California

When my husband needed to go on a heart-smart diet, I had to come up with new ways to get more vegetables into our daily menus. This meatless spaghetti sauce is a winner; it's even prettier with spinach fettuccine. —Marianne Neuman, East Troy, Wisconsin

Relax after work with a cold drink while this savory chicken marinates in an herby tomato blend for an hour, then toss it on the grill. It tastes just like summer. —Laura Lunardi, West Chester, Pennsylvania

Combine olives, onion, dill and feta cheese in a tangy, Greek-inspired topping to boost the flavor of tilapia or your favorite whitefish. —Jennifer Maslowski, New York, New York

To get that luscious taste of Thai cuisine, combine ginger, basil, lime and peanut butter in a sauce for linguine. It's so good, we've never had leftovers. —Allil Binder, Spokane, Washington

You'll want to slip this recipe into the front of your last-minute guests file. Pasta and mixed greens nicely complement the tender, citrusy shellfish. —Margaret E. Lowenberg, Kingman, Arizona

These easy Tex-Mex pork chops won a contest for me. Salsa, cumin and green chilies give them the spunk they need to earn their name. —Jo Ann Dalrymple, Claremore, Oklahoma

This tender, full-flavored tilapia with fragrant jasmine rice is absolutely to die for. And it gets better—each serving has only 5 grams of fat! —Shirl Parsons, Cape Carteret, North Carolina

This quick microwave dish for two is perfect for a busy day. Soy sauce and chicken broth bring out flavors of the chicken and veggies. —Carolyn Zimmerman, Fairbury, Illinois

This is the easiest and tastiest fish you'll serve. Even finicky eaters who think they don't like fish will love it because it lacks a fishy taste and is beautiful and flakey. —Kim Russell, North Wales, Pennsylvania

If you need a healthy, keep-it-simple solution to dinner tonight, you just found it. This restaurant-quality dish relies on spices you're likely to have on hand to deliver big flavor. —Dana Alexander, Lebanon, Missouri

This is a different twist on tilapia that I created for my wife. She enjoyed the combination of mango with the Parmesan. There's nothing like eating this out on the deck with a cold glass of iced tea. —Gregg May, Columbus, Ohio

Fresh corn and basil make this dish taste like summer. I think it's a good one for bringing to picnics or gatherings, but it's great along with any side dish for a weeknight dinner! —Sally Maloney, Dallas, Georgia

You'll be amazed that you can make this simple, elegant pasta in mere minutes. Serve with crusty bread to soak up all of the garlic lemon sauce. —Athena Russell, Greenville, South Carolina

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

Grilled lemons add a smoky tartness to a butter sauce made to enjoy with grilled salmon. A touch of dill adds a fresh, clean finish. —April Lane, Greeneville, Tennessee

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

Salmon and basil take a sweet new approach when topped off with a relish of strawberries, honey and pepper. —Stacy Mullens, Gresham, Oregon

A delightful and tasty rub makes this quick recipe fantastic. While the fish is sitting to allow the flavors to blend, you can easily assemble the salsa. My family loves this! —Laura Fisher, Westfield, Massachusetts

A British pub classic turns crown jewel when you add horseradish, panko and Worcestershire. You can also try it with white fish like cod or haddock. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin

Years ago I found a grilled tilapia recipe in a seafood cookbook. The pineapple salsa with cilantro has a touch of spice and goes so well with the flaky, tender fish. —Beth Fleming, Downers Grove, Illinois

When I’m feeding a crowd, I multiply this Thai-inspired chicken with pasta and snow peas. The merrymaking begins when everybody digs in, even the kids. —Teri Rumble, Jensen Beach, Florida

Think of this stir-fry as your chance to play with heat and spice. I balance the beef with coconut milk and a spritz of lime. —Joy Zacharia, Clearwater, Florida

My garden is often my cooking inspiration. Because I have a large berry patch, I especially enjoy using just-picked berries in savory dishes to add natural sweetness and sometimes a bit of tart. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

I invented this chicken and veggie dish to use up extra mushrooms and asparagus. My husband suggested I write it down because it's a keeper. —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas

This grilled shrimp is one of my go-to recipes when I stare at the freezer and draw a blank. Add veggies if desired, but grill them separately. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida

On a hot summer day, there's nothing more refreshing than this salad. I grow a few tomato plants in my garden and the fresh-picked taste makes the dish even more of a treat. —Diane Selich, Vassar, Michigan

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

Layered desserts always grab my family’s attention, but salads? Not so much. I wondered if I could get everyone on board by presenting a healthy salad in an eye-catching way. I’m happy to say that it worked. —Christine Hadden, Whitman, Massachusetts

We eat fish on Fridays, so I like to experiment with different types. I pulled salmon, spinach and avocado from the fridge for these wraps. My kids loved them, and I love them, too, because they're delicious and they contain all the food groups right in one hand-held meal. —Jennifer Krey, Clarence, New York

This is an easy recipe for a "tofu beginner," as it teaches people how to use it. For best results, cut the tofu block in half and wrap well in a terry kitchen towel. Let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour to absorb excess water. For a complete meal, serve with Chinese soup and egg rolls! — Autumn SinClaire, Gold Beach, Oregon

A quick garlicky lime marinade works magic on these juicy shrimp. They come off the grill with huge flavors perfect for your next cookout. —Melissa Rodriguez, Van Nuys, California

This is one of my husband's all-time favorite meals. I've even converted some friends to fish after eating this. I serve it with fresh melon when it's in season to balance the subtle heat of the cabbage mixture. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington

Pile on the veggies—this crisp, grilled crust can take it! This colorful, healthy pizza looks as fresh as it tastes. —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas

The vibrant, crisp pea pods in this dish are a nice contrast with the soft scallops. The dish looks and tastes bright and fresh. —Barb Carlucci, Orange Park, Florida

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

I love the way these fresh flavors blend together. It's a snap to throw this together using leftover burgers for a quick, healthy lunch. The burgers can also be served on buns. —Rachelle McCalla, Batesville, Arkansas

This delicate dish tastes so bright with a touch of lemon and tender sauteed scallops. Serve with crusty whole grain bread, and you've got an impressive dinner that comes together in a flash. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey

My husband does a lot of fishing and I'm always looking for different ways to serve it. A professional chef was kind enough to share this recipe with me, and I played around with some different veggie combinations until I found one my family liked best. —Kathy Morrow, Hubbard, Ohio

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

This is a simple pad thai loaded with crisp vegetables and zesty flavor. It’s quick, simple, and fresh-tasting. —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia

I love a recipe that can put dinner on the table quickly, and not sacrifice flavor. This sweet and saucy dish does just that with ingredients you probably already have on hand! —Kallee Krong-Mccreery, Escondido, California

I've been trying to eat more meatless meals, so I experimented with this hearty saute and served it over brown rice. It was so good that even those who aren't big fans of kale gobbled it up. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan