43 Spring Comfort Food Recipes

Enjoy spring comfort food recipes that are filled with springtime's bright, fresh flavors.

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Ham & Veggie Casserole

I’ve paired ham with broccoli and cauliflower for years. To complete this casserole dinner, I pass around the dinner rolls. —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin

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Pork Loin with Strawberry-Rhubarb Chutney

Total Time 1 hour 20 min
Servings 10 servings (1-3/4 cups sauce)
From the Recipe Creator: I love strawberry rhubarb pie, so I thought the same flavor combination could work as a chutney—and it does! It makes a delicious and festive accompaniment to a succulent pork roast. The chutney can be made a day ahead and kept in the refrigerator. —Deborah Biggs, Omaha, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts: 4 ounces cooked pork with 3 tablespoons chutney: 243 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 277mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat.
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Asparagus Tuna Noodle Casserole

Total Time 5 hours 20 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I updated a traditional tuna casserole using fresh asparagus and asparagus soup. This is so different and so delicious. Use frozen asparagus when fresh is not in season. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 338 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 1110mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 22g protein.
4/43

Lemon & Thyme Roasted Chicken

Total Time 1 hour 55 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I love lemon and thyme together so I decided to roast a chicken with that combo. The seasoning is simple, and the meat comes out moist and tender. —Pam Nelson, Beaverton, Oregon
5/43

Chicken Stroganoff

Total Time 50 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Stroganoff is such a comfort food. While traditionally a beef dish, it can easily be adapted for other proteins, and it is just as delicious. With this creamy chicken stroganoff, I get to enjoy all the lovely sauciness with the benefits of the lighter white meat. —Leo Lo, Norfolk, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1-2/3 cups: 505 calories, 24g fat (12g saturated fat), 133mg cholesterol, 874mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein.
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Strawberry Jam Cake

Total Time 1 hour 30 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When I need a cake for a special occasion, this strawberry jam cake is my go-to recipe. Every year I make it for a cake raffle we have at work for Relay for Life. It has raised a lot of money for a very good cause. —Tammy Urbina, Warner Robins, Georgia
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 586 calories, 21g fat (13g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 331mg sodium, 97g carbohydrate (74g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
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Rosemary Beef Roast over Cheesy Polenta

Total Time 7 hours 20 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I love beef roast in the slow cooker, and it’s fun to pair it with something a little different than potatoes! This is true comfort food. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 471 calories, 25g fat (11g saturated fat), 130mg cholesterol, 1216mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 39g protein.
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Favorite Fruit Salad

Total Time 20 min
Servings 14 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I spend a lot of time in the kitchen, especially when our four children and nine grandchildren come to visit. They always ask for this salad when they’re here for dinner. —Doris Dion, Lake Ozark, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 96 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 93mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
9/43

Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie

Total Time 1 hour 20 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Mushrooms, carrots, celery, peas and potatoes pack this full-flavored meal-maker. In fact, you’ll never even miss the meat. It’s that rich and satisfying! —Kim Hammond, Kingwood, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 223 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 753mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
10/43

Spring Essence Soup with Pistou

Total Time 45 min
Servings 6 servings (1-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: I went outside the last part of April and picked what I had available in the garden. I found oregano, leeks, asparagus and rhubarb. This became the base for an essence-of-spring recipe. The rhubarb adds a citrus flavor; which is balanced by the nutty, earthy pistou. It is truly a layering of flavors. —Laurie Bock, Lynden, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup with 1 teaspoon pistou: 147 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 601mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
11/43

Cherry Tomato Pasta with Avocado Sauce

Total Time 30 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This creamy pasta dish feels indulgent without being overly rich, thanks to its heart-healthy avocado pasta sauce! The flavorful avocado and spinach sauce is so smooth and thick, you will think cream is hiding in there. But the guilt-free sauce is dairy-free with a rich texture. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 314 calories, 18g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 125mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 5g fiber), 9g protein.
12/43

Lemon Lover’s Pound Cake

Total Time 1 hour 15 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Everyone raves about this pretty dessert—and it sure doesn’t last long with my family. It also freezes beautifully, so why not make two and pop one into the freezer for another day? —Annettia Mounger, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 658 calories, 26g fat (15g saturated fat), 146mg cholesterol, 286mg sodium, 101g carbohydrate (76g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
13/43

Coconut Chicken and Shrimp

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I was looking for a fun, easy weeknight dinner based on our favorite shrimp dish that was healthier than fast food. This has become a favorite! —Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 659 calories, 31g fat (14g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 735mg sodium, 69g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein.
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Pesto Hamburgers

Total Time 20 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Purchase pre-shaped patties in the meat section of your local grocery store.
Nutrition Facts: 1 burger: 716 calories, 45g fat (17g saturated fat), 161mg cholesterol, 779mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 51g protein.
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California Chicken Club Pizza

Total Time 35 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Inspired by the California Club pizza from California Pizza Kitchen, I decided to whip up my own version. It’s loaded with tons of fresh veggies, so that means it has to be good for you, right? —Robert Pickart, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 2 pieces: 612 calories, 30g fat (7g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 859mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 29g protein.
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Rhubarb-Apricot Barbecued Chicken

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Springtime brings back memories of rhubarb that grew beside my childhood home. When I found ruby red stalks in the store, I created this recipe for them. My family gives this a big thumbs up. —Laurie Hudson, Westville, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 2 chicken drumsticks with 1/3 cup sauce: 469 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 126mg cholesterol, 1801mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 39g protein.
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Portobello Risotto with Mascarpone

Total Time 45 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Portobello mushrooms add a beefy flavor to this creamy classic. Each serving is topped with soft, buttery mascarpone cheese, which makes it extra special. —Carmella Ryan, Rockville Centre, New York
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup risotto mixture with 1 heaping tablespoon marscarpone cheese: 350 calories, 21g fat (10g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 393mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
18/43

Gooey Lemon Rolls

Total Time 45 min
Servings 1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: My mother made these hard-to-resist rolls when I was young. I always warm up after having one, and so will your family. —Cora Patterson, Lewiston, Idaho
Nutrition Facts: 1 roll: 430 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 280mg sodium, 71g carbohydrate (42g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
19/43

Favorite Chicken Potpie

Total Time 1 hour 15 min
Servings 2 potpies (8 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator: This is the best chicken potpie recipe! Chock-full of chicken, potatoes, peas and corn, this recipe makes two golden pies, so you can serve one at supper and save the other for a busy night. —Karen Johnson, Bakersfield, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 475 calories, 28g fat (14g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 768mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
20/43

Molded Strawberry Salad

Total Time 10 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This refreshing salad has two layers – a pretty pink bottom that includes sour cream, and a ruby red top with strawberries and pineapple. For years, Mom has included this salad in meals she prepares for our family.
-Gloria Grant, Sterling, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 182 calories, 5g fat (4g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 64mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
21/43

Corny Green Bean Casserole

Total Time 30 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Crushed crackers and french-fried onions create a fast and flavorful topping for this home-style green bean casserole with cheese. It’s the perfect cheesy dish to take to get-togethers. —Dorothy Bahlmann, Clarksville, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 315 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 477mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein.
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Dilly Chickpea Salad Sandwiches

Total Time 15 min
Servings 6 servings
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 295 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 586mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 10g protein.
23/43

Pressure-Cooker Smoked Salmon Pasta

Total Time 20 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I love making one-pot pastas in my pressure cooker. Every noodle soaks up the flavors of the delicious ingredients. I tried a version with some leftover smoked fish and fresh dill, and boom—this smoked salmon pasta was born. It’s now a staple in our house because the dish is on the table in a half hour and the kids love it! —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 322 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 672mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
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Feta Mushroom Burgers

Total Time 25 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My son-in-law gave me this recipe and I tweaked it to make it healthier. The burgers are so quick to whip up on the grill on busy nights. —Dolores Block, Frankenmuth, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 burger: 371 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 590mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
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Lemon Dream Cheesecake

Total Time 1 hour 25 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Light and creamy, this lemon cheesecake recipe is just the thing for a spring or summer day. —Bonnie Jost, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 396 calories, 29g fat (18g saturated fat), 150mg cholesterol, 286mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
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Chicken Loaf with Mushroom Gravy

Total Time 1 hour 20 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Try a twist on traditional meat loaf with this chicken loaf that begins in the food processor. Here, ketchup is replaced with an easy mushroom sauce for a more upscale topping. —Keri Schofield Lawson, Brea, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece with 1/3 cup gravy: 290 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 118mg cholesterol, 807mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.
27/43

Easy Macaroni Salad

Total Time 15 min
Servings 34 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This hearty pasta salad is sure to please appetites of all ages—and it serves a lot of folks! —LaVerna Mjones, Moorhead, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 380 calories, 26g fat (4g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 615mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein.
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Slow-Cooked Chicken Caesar Wraps

Total Time 3 hours 10 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I first created these slow-cooker chicken Caesar wraps for our daughter who loves Caesar salads, then later for our extended family on vacation. It’s such an easy meal—perfect for days when you’d rather be outside than inside cooking all day. —Christine Hadden, Whitman, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts: 1 wrap: 472 calories, 25g fat (5g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 795mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein.
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Rhubarb Crisp

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I found this strawberry rhubarb crisp recipe on a box of Quaker Oats about 20 years ago. It’s quick and easier to make than pie. It’s versatile, too, because you can add strawberries in spring or apples in fall. I usually pop it into the oven shortly before we sit down to eat so it’s still warm for dessert! —C.E. Adams, Charlestown, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 320 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 124mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
30/43

Skillet-Roasted Lemon Chicken with Potatoes

Total Time 45 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This is a meal I have my students make in our nutrition unit. It has a delicious lemon-herb flavor and is simple to make. —Mindy Rottmund, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 2 chicken thighs with 4 ounces potatoes and 2 tomatoes: 446 calories, 20g fat (5g saturated fat), 151mg cholesterol, 429mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 45g protein.
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Quick Cream of Mushroom Soup

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My daughter-in-law, a gourmet cook, served this cream of mushroom soup recipe as the first course for a holiday dinner. She received the recipe from her mom and graciously shared it with me. Now I’m happy to share it with my own friends and family. —Anne Kulick, Phillipsburg, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 136 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 842mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Parmesan Snap Pea Pasta

Total Time 30 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My family loves pasta! This simple dish is always a hit, especially during the spring when sugar snap peas are the sweetest. To keep us from getting in a rut, I change up the flavors. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 258 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 254mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein.
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Citrus Coconut Steamed Cod

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I love to make this steamed cod recipe as a weeknight dinner when I’m short on time. The coconut and orange sauce adds a ton of flavor. I usually serve this dish with rice or a salad for a well-rounded meal. — Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 330 calories, 15g fat (10g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 316mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
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Winning Rhubarb-Strawberry Pie

Total Time 1 hour 55 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: While growing up on a farm, I often ate rhubarb, so it’s natural for me to use it in a pie. I prefer to use lard for the flaky pie crust and thin, red rhubarb stalks for the filling. These two little secrets helped this recipe win top honors at the 2013 Iowa State Fair. —Marianne Carlson, Jefferson, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 531 calories, 25g fat (11g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 269mg sodium, 73g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
35/43

Cabbage Rolls

Total Time 1 hour 55 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: It was an abundance of dill in my garden that led me to try this. My family liked the taste so much that, from then on, I made my old-fashioned cabbage rolls recipe with dill. This is how to make easy cabbage rolls. – Florence Krantz, Bismarck, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts: 2 cabbage rolls: 260 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 694mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein.
36/43

Sausage & Swiss Chard Lasagna

Total Time 1 hour 45 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Rustic and comforting, I found this rich and cheesy lasagna to be a great way to get kids to eat healthy greens—it’s such a tasty casserole they’ll never know the Swiss chard is there! —Candace Morehouse, Show Low, Arizona
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 470 calories, 31g fat (14g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 896mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein.
37/43

Strawberry Mint Chicken

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I hand-pick wild strawberries for this saucy chicken dish. We love it with fresh spring greens and a sweet white wine. —Alicia Duerst, Menomonie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken breast half with 1/4 cup sauce: 224 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
38/43

English Pub Split Pea Soup

Total Time 5 hours 15 min
Servings 8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: This family favorite is the same recipe my grandmother used. Now with the magic of the slow cooker, I can spend 15 minutes putting it together, walk away for five hours, and come back to “soup’s on.” Finish it with more milk if you like your soup a bit thinner. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 141 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 193mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 9g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat.
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Strawberry Shortcake

Total Time 45 min
Servings 9 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I grew up helping my mom make a lot in our farmhouse kitchen; strawberry shortcakes, roasts, soups and pies. This sunny strawberry shortcake recipe brings back memories of family summers on the farm. —Janet Becker, Anacortes, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 231 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 188mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
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Turkey and Mushroom Potpies

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I always use the leftovers from our big holiday turkey to prepare this recipe. I think my family enjoys the potpies more than the original feast! —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 314 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 701mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
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Tuna Noodle Casserole

Total Time 45 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When you need supper fast, this tuna casserole with peas, peppers and onions makes a super one-dish meal. Cooked chicken breast works well in place of the tuna. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 340 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 699mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
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Lemon Bars

Total Time 55 min
Servings 9 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This delightful lemon bar recipe is from my mother's file. I've been serving it for many years. They has a wonderful tangy flavor, and they're always a hit. The color and shape make them a nice addition to a platter of cookies. —Etta Soucy, Mesa, Arizona
Nutrition Facts: 1 bar: 263 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 140mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
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Mom’s Chopped Coleslaw

Total Time 20 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: For Friday dinners, my mother made coleslaw to go with our fish. It’s still a family tradition, and the tangy dressing even works on a tossed salad. —Cynthia McDowell, Banning, California
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 203 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 147mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.