7 Recipes to Lighten Up Your Menu This Spring

Time for a little honesty. With the change in seasons, our diets could use some freshening up. The warmer weather has us craving a lighter menu, and these delicious dishes are definitely calling our name.

 

Spring Vegetable Gnocchi

via Delish Knowledge

Yield: 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 package gnocchi
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 shallots, thinly sliced
  • salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1 bunch asparagus, chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup spring peas, thawed if frozen
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • red pepper flakes, for garnish

Click here for the full recipe.

 

Ginger Chicken Asparagus Stir Fry

via Fox and Briar

Yield: 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 lb. asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 8 oz. crimini mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp. canola oil
  • salt
  • pepper

For the sauce:

  • 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp. rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp. cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp. ginger root, freshly grated
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp. chili garlic sauce

Click here for the full recipe.

 

Spring Couscous Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

via Little Spice Jar

Yield: 8 sides or 4 main

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup uncooked couscous
  • 1/2 cup water or chicken broth
  • 16 oz. frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped

For the vinaigrette:

  • 1 cup packed basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 shallot, cut in half
  • 2 tsp. minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp. honey
  • 3 tbsp. white wine vinegar
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes
  • salt and pepper

Click here for the full recipe.

 

Asparagus Tart

via Autumn and Spring

Yield: 4-6

Ingredients:

  • 1 sheet puff pastry
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese or a vegan soft cheese
  • 1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed
  • olive oil
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • salt and pepper
  • balsamic vinegar to drizzle

Click here for the full recipe.

 

Caprese Quiche

via Lemon Tree Dwelling

Yield: 8

Ingredients:

  • 5 large eggs
  • 5 large egg whites
  • 1 cup Kemps organic milk
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 2 tbsp. fresh basil, sliced and packed
  • 1 tsp. garlic salt
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • 1-2 fresh Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced

Click here for the full recipe.

 

Peach Salad with Grilled Basil Chicken and White Balsamic-Honey Vinaigrette

via Cooking Classy

Yield: 5

Ingredients:

For the chicken:

  • 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 tbsp. olive oil, plus more for brushing grill
  • 1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped and slightly packed
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the vinaigrette:

  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp. white balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp. honey
  • 1 tsp. dijon mustard
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the salad:

  • 10 oz. spring mix lettuce
  • 1 lb. peaches, sliced
  • 2 ears corn, husked and kernels cut from cob
  • 1/2 cup pecans, chopped and toasted
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 oz. goat cheese, crumbled

Click here for the full recipe.

 

Perfect Lemon Pound Cake

via The Busy Baker

Yield: 8

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter 
  • 1 1/2 cups white sugar
  • zest of 2 large lemons
  • 5 eggs
  • 1/3 cup sour cream (full fat)
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp. salt

Click here for the full recipe.

 

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