Spring is the season of rebirth and rejuvenation in the natural world. Plants begin to grow and bloom again after a sleepy winter. Animals re-emerge from hibernation or return from migratory journeys.
This sense of new beginnings can serve as an inspiration to try new things. Or just as a motivation for a reset.
Perhaps you’re looking to turn over a new leaf and start new habits in the kitchen this spring season. Or maybe you just want to refresh your cooking repertoire with some exciting new dishes. Either way, you’ve come to the right place.
Seasonal Ingredients Spotlight
The most exciting thing about cooking in the spring is the fresh ingredients that will be in season and abundantly available.
Some of the flavors you can look forward to using this spring include seasonal vegetables, like:
Asparagus. This distinctively delicious veggie is most abundant during spring and early summer. The best part about asparagus is that it’s flavorful enough to eat on its own or as part of very easy spring recipes.
Peas. One of the first vegetables to shoot up during spring, peas can brighten up almost any meal. Peas are a versatile vegetable that you can use in everything from salads to soups to rice dishes. They’re also packed with protein.
Radish. Sometimes overlooked, radishes start appearing early in the season when the weather is still cool. Slice and add to salads for a zesty flavor or add to a cooked recipe to bring out its sweetness.
Spring also brings plenty of fresh, flavorful herbs, including:
Mint. This herb adds a refreshing, cool taste to sauces, salads, and even drinks. Fresh mint pairs particularly well with spring peas and lemons.
Basil. A favorite of cooks everywhere, this herb is aromatic and delicious. Add basil to pasta sauces, eat it alongside fruits or vegetables, or use it as a primary ingredient in a pesto.
Chives. This herb is a common addition to spring gardens. Chives have a light and fresh flavor that’s similar to green onions. They make a perfect garnish or addition to just about any dish, from eggs to seafood to spicy soups and dips. Chives pair particularly well with butter.
Of course, new fruits will be in season as well, including:
Pineapple. You might think of pineapples as a tropical summer fruit, but peak season for pineapples actually begins sometime in March. This fruit has a sweet, tart taste and is delicious eaten alone as a snack or as an addition to salads (or even as a pizza topping if you’re feeling adventurous).
Lemons. At this point, lemons are essentially a year-round fruit. But its citrusy flavor is perfect for bringing the bright flavor of spring to many dishes.
Spring-Inspired Recipes
Eating delicious, seasonal food can sometimes feel out of reach. Maybe you’re exhausted at just the thought of wading through a bunch of recipes that find ways to combine peas and mint. Or you just don’t have enough time to prepare a true springtime feast.
The spring recipe ideas below won’t take all day to research and cook. They’re simple springtime recipes that will allow you to enjoy in-season veggies, herbs, and fruit with a minimum of hassle. But that doesn’t mean you’ll sacrifice on taste! These lunch and dinner ideas are as flavorful as they are simple.
Here are 10 easy spring recipes that will have your family clamoring for seconds.
Lemon Feta Chicken
This recipe takes everyday ingredients like chicken and rice and dresses them up with flavors of the Mediterranean. Best of all, it’s ready to eat in 20 quick minutes!
Lemon Feta Chicken combines Greek seasonings, sauteed chicken breast, and Minute® Instant Basmati Rice for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. Top with basil and crumbled feta cheese, and you’ll have a meal that your family will be asking you to cook again and again.
Shrimp and Pineapple Lettuce Wraps
Here’s a tangy spring treat that takes less than 15 minutes to prepare. Whip it up for lunch or serve as an appetizer or light dinner.
This Shrimp and Pineapple Lettuce Wrap recipe blends the tropical with the practical. You’ll toss together cooked shrimp, pineapple chunks, and shredded veggies before combining them with easy-to-prepare Minute® White Rice Cups. Then apportion this flavorful mixture on bibb lettuce leaves and serve with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.
Asparagus Lemon Whole Grain Bowl
Looking for spring recipes for a vegetarian? This salad is perfect for a quick dinner or a side on a warm evening.
The base of this delicious bowl is Minute® Brown Rice & Quinoa Cups. These whole grains have a delicious, nutty flavor all on their own. Combining them with asparagus and lemon takes this dish to another level. The Asparagus Lemon Whole Grain Bowl calls for shaved asparagus, lemon juice, and lemon zest. This simple springtime recipe will quickly make it into your regular rotation.
Ginger Seared Salmon
Quick, tasty and versatile for lunch or dinner, this Ginger Seared Salmon recipe is sure to become a weekday family favorite. Packed with veggies, protein and whole grains, this is a well-rounded, nutritious meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
Just sear salmon and simmer with red bell peppers, snow peas, ginger and green onion, and serve over a bed of delicious Minute® Instant Brown Rice. This no-fuss dinner comes together in just 20 minutes and is sure to be a hit with the entire family!
Beet and Multi-Grain Salad
This Beet and Multi-Grain Salad is easy to assemble and hard to resist. It combines Minute’s® Multi-Grain Medley Rice Cups with three flavor-packed vegetables: arugula, beets, and avocado.
This salad doesn’t just taste great, it also makes a splash with its colorful appearance. When you put this dish out, everyone at the table will be eager to dig in. And while its looks may convince everyone that it took ages to plan and prepare, you can have it ready in under 10 minutes!
Quick Kale Salad with Smoked Salmon
Another tasty salad option, this dish is perfect when you’re pressed for time. It prominently features salmon, Minute® Brown & Wild Rice Cups, and hearty kale.
The Quick Kale Salad with Smoked Salmon lives up to the name. Using smoked salmon means not only that it’s packed with protein, but also that it can be ready in just a few minutes. The recipe calls for a simple dressing of mayo and Dijon mustard, but you can also experiment with different dressings to change up the flavor!
Rice and Quinoa Bowl with Harissa Glazed Carrots
Another vegetarian meal, the Rice and Quinoa Bowl with Harissa Glazed Carrots, is a great dinner option. It combines simple primary ingredients like carrots and Minute® Brown Rice & Quinoa Cups with a zesty glaze of honey and harissa that will please adventurous eaters.
This dish is easy and quick enough to make that you could whip up a bowl for lunch. The chickpeas also make it hearty enough to serve as a dinner. Either way, it’s a delicious meal that can be prepared in minutes!
Citrus Spinach and Rice Salad
This salad perfectly captures the fresh, citrusy flavors of the spring season. You can serve the Citrus Spinach and Rice Salad on its own as a light dinner or as a side dish to complement fish or chicken.
The addition of orange to Minute® Brown Rice and spinach leaves is what elevates this recipe from a standard salad to a mouth-watering treat. Top with your favorite Catalina dressing to complete the meal!
Parmesan Chicken & Rice with Spinach & Artichoke
Looking for a go-to spring recipe for dinner? Look no further. This Parmesan Chicken & Rice with Spinach & Artichoke will please the entire family.
This recipe features Minute® Chicken & Herb Seasoned Rice Cups, shredded chicken, spinach, and canned artichokes. Parmesan cheese adds a slightly creamy texture that binds the meal together. This dish is perfect for a comfortable evening at home.
Sriracha Salmon, Kale and Basmati Rice Bowl
This rice bowl is packed with essential nutrients like protein, vegetables and grains to fuel your day. The Sriracha Salmon, Kale and Basmati Rice Bowl brings a spicy kick and is ready in minutes, so you can have an easy meal on the go.
Just prepare a Minute® Basmati Rice Cup and Mix it Up with salmon, kale, celery, cucumber and Sriracha sauce, and it’s ready to eat! If you’re feeling fancy, try topping your rice bowl with cilantro and peanuts for extra texture and flavor.
Spring Forward
Hopefully, that’s enough inspiration to get you excited about being in the kitchen this spring season! There’s nothing like using seasonal ingredients (and simple instructions!) to make crave-worthy meals for you and your family. So whether you’re looking for spring dishes for dinner or quick recipes for lunch, the above ideas should get you cooking.And if you’re interested in finding more tasty rice recipes, check out the rest of the Minute Rice blog. You’ll get fantastic food ideas for every season and occasion!
