10 Easy Spring Dinners to Lighten Up Your Week
10 Easy Spring Dinners to Lighten Up Your Week
Fresh, low-fuss dinners perfect for spring weeknights.
After a long winter of soups, stews, and too many casseroles, I’m so ready for dinners that feel a little lighter—but still cozy and satisfying. This time of year always makes me want to eat with the seasons, cook with a little less effort, and clean fewer dishes (especially now that I’m chasing a toddler around). So I’ve pulled together a short list of spring dinners I genuinely love—full of bright flavours, simple ingredients, and just enough structure to keep the week flowing.
Lemon Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
This sheet pan meal is peak spring comfort: crispy-skinned chicken thighs roasted alongside baby potatoes, green beans, and shallots, all coated in a lemon-thyme marinade. It’s fresh, simple, and feels fancy enough for Sunday dinner, but easy enough for a weeknight. Swap in asparagus or brussels sprouts if that’s what you have—it’s super flexible and always hits the spot.
Roasted Sweet Potato & Chickpea Nourish Bowls
Recipe by Kelsey Russell-Murray
This plant-based bowl is a go-to for when I want something wholesome, warm, and nutrient-packed. Roasted chickpeas and sweet potatoes bring fibre and protein, kale and broccoli add green goodness, and the tahini-maple dressing ties everything together. Bonus: it’s perfect for meal prep and works with any grain or leftover veggie you have in the fridge.
Chili Garlic Shrimp Tacos with Herby Green Dressing
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
These tacos are fast, spicy, and absolutely delicious. Sautéed shrimp are tossed in garlic and chili, then layered with cabbage, avocado, and a tangy yogurt-herb sauce that comes together in seconds. It’s one of those meals that feels like a treat but takes less than 15 minutes. A great way to shake up taco night.
One Pot Pasta with Leek, Bacon & Peas
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
This one-pot pasta brings together caramelized leeks, crispy bacon, sweet peas, and lemon zest for the ultimate comfort dish with spring vibes. Everything cooks in one pot—including the pasta—so cleanup is minimal and flavour is maximum. It’s creamy, bright, and incredibly satisfying for such a simple meal.
Veggie-Packed Meatloaf with Spicy Ketchup
Recipe by Fran Allen
Meatloaf, but make it spring-friendly. This lighter version is loaded with shredded zucchini, carrots, and mushrooms—plus quinoa for extra protein and fibre. The spicy maple-ketchup glaze adds a bold punch that balances the veggies perfectly. A great make-ahead dinner that slices beautifully for lunch the next day.
Prosciutto Wrapped Pesto Stuffed Chicken
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
This recipe feels like something you'd order out but is shockingly simple to make. Chicken thighs are stuffed with pesto, wrapped in salty prosciutto, and baked until golden. Pair it with greens or roasted veggies for a grain-free, low-fuss dinner that’s full of flavour and works for guests or busy nights alike.
One Pan Spicy Meatballs with Harissa
Recipe by Fran Allen
These harissa-spiced meatballs are juicy, bold, and come together fast—all in one pan. The smoky tomato sauce simmers while the meatballs bake, making it perfect for meal prep or a midweek dinner with minimal effort. Serve over couscous, rice, or tucked into a pita with yogurt and herbs.
Grilled Halloumi & Veggie Skewers
Recipe by Tina Gravalos
These colourful skewers are everything I want on a spring evening: quick to grill, loaded with marinated artichokes and charred halloumi, and finished with fresh herbs and lemon. They’re great on their own or alongside a grain salad, and ideal for those first patio dinners of the season.
Spring Vegetable and Chicken Stir Fry
Recipe by Megan Horsley
This stir fry is the definition of seasonal weeknight ease—bright spring veggies, lean chicken, and a coconut aminos–sesame glaze that’s packed with umami. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s one of those meals that feels healthy and hearty at the same time. Serve over brown rice for a comforting finish.
One Pan Crispy Chicken & Artichokes
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
This rustic, flavour-forward dish is perfect for nights when you want to eat something impressive without spending an hour in the kitchen. Crispy chicken thighs roast with lemon, red onion, garlic, olives, and artichoke hearts—creating a juicy, briny, golden-crisp dish that screams spring Mediterranean. One pan, zero stress.
