Spring is almost here, which means now is the perfect time to gather your family around the table for a hearty feast. As a mother, I understand the importance of creating not just a meal, but an experience that brings everyone together. Today, I'm happy to share some of my favorite spring recipes for families. These meal options are guaranteed to leave your loved ones satisfied and smiling after each bite!
1. Italian Pasta Salad
To kick off the beginning of spring, let's start with a refreshing Italian pasta salad. This dish is a medley of vibrant colors and bold flavors that embody this sunny season. Also, as a busy mom, I appreciate the simplicity of this recipe, especially when I have a more hectic schedule.
- 1 pound of your favorite pasta (rotini works best though)
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup olives, sliced
- 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella
- 8 ounces of salami, sausage, or other meat you like
- 2 tablespoons of fresh basil, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups of Italian dressing
Recipe Instructions:
Step 1: Get your uncooked pasta and a large pot out. You’ll want to cook the pasta according to package instructions.
Step 2: While the pasta is boiling cut up your, cherry tomatoes, olives, meat, mozzarella, and fresh basil. Then combine the cooked pasta with these ingredients in a large bowl.
Step 3: Drizzle your favorite Italian dressing over pasta mix and toss it until everything is well seasoned.
Step 4: It can be tempting to eat this dish right away. But, I do recommend chilling it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving it to your family.
2. Grilled Salmon and Veggies
If you’re looking for a healthy main course, you’ll love this grilled salmon and veggies spring recipe. This dish is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a nutritional powerhouse. You can marinate your salmon filets in a mix of herbs and spices and then throw them on the grill with some seasonal vegetables!
- 4 salmon filets
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- 1 teaspoon of Old bay
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- Fresh herbs (such as dill, thyme, or rosemary)
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 zucchini
- 1 corn on the cob
- Small package of cherry tomatoes
- Other spring veggies your family likes
Recipe Instructions:
Step 1: Begin by getting out your salmon filets and put them in a plastic bag. Then start preparing the marinade in a bowl. Mix your lemon juice, minced garlic, spices, salt, pepper, and favorite chopped herbs.
Step 2: Pour your marinade into the plastic bag and let your salmon filets sit in the mixture for at least 30 minutes. While you’re waiting, chop up your favorite veggies so they can go on the grill.
Step 3: You’ll need to heat up your grill first. Then, put the salmon filets in tin foil and drizzle your butter and olive oil over the salmon. At the same time, start grilling your family's favorite vegetables and brush on the butter and olive oil.
Step 4: Grill the salmon and assorted vegetables until the salmon is cooked all the way through and make sure the veggies are nice and soft.
3. Creamy Fettuccine Alfredo
What's a family dinner without a little comfort food? Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic that never goes out of style no matter the season. In fact, I think it's a great springtime meal! There is nothing better than rich and creamy Alfredo sauce, generously coating tender fettuccine noodles.
- 1 pound of fettuccine noodles
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1-2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- A pinch of salt and pepper
- Optionally, you can add grilled chicken or shrimp
Recipe Instructions:
Step 1: You’ll want to cook the fettuccine noodles according to the instructions listed on your package.
Step 2: Then, in a saucepan, melt your unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and whisk it in slowly. You should bring your sauce to a light simmer.
Step 3: Stir in the parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth, and season it with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Toss the cooked fettuccine noodles in the Alfredo sauce. This is optional but if you want I suggest adding in some grilled chicken or shrimp for some extra protein.
4. Lemon Meringue Pie
No family dinner is complete without a sweet treat, and my go-to for spring is this irresistible lemon meringue pie. The combination of tangy lemon curd and fluffy meringue is a match made in dessert heaven!
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 4 egg yolks, beaten
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Juice of 2 lemons, and zest them
- 4 egg whites
- 1 cup white sugar
Recipe Instructions:
Step 1: I highly suggest getting a pre-made pie crust at the store as this will make the recipe way easier for you. Once you have it, preheat the oven and bake the pie crust according to the instructions on your package.
Step 2: For the filling, get out a saucepan, and whisk together your sugar, cornstarch, and salt in your measured-out water.
Step 2: Cook everything over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and begins to boil. Add in the butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and continue to stir.
Step 3: After, take your separated egg yolks and beat them separately, add some of the hot sugar mixture from the pan into the beaten eggs, then put the egg yolk mix back into your main pan. Keep stirring till the mixture is thickened fully.
Step 4: Remove your mix from the heat and carefully pour the filling into your baked pie crust.
Step 5: In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until you see foam appear. Then, you need to gradually add sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
Step 6: Spread the meringue over the lemon filling, and seal the edges to the crust. And, bake until the meringue is golden brown at 325 degrees F. This should only take you around 20 minutes.
Final Thoughts on Spring Recipes
These simple yet delicious dishes will transform your ordinary evening into a memorable family gathering. So, as you embark on your spring feast, remember that it's not just about the food. These meals are all about the love and laughter shared around your table.
In short, whether you're a seasoned chef or a busy mom like me, these recipes are a great way to make spring family dinner a success. So go ahead, try them out, and feel free to share your own recipes and thoughts on these spring meal ideas!
