Spring is a great time to revamp your meal plans since those slow-cooker soups you enjoyed well through the winter are starting to get a bit old now. Just like you give your house a good cleaning and perhaps spend more time outdoors, you should also consider changing up what you have for your meals each day. This is a great way to learn to eat with the seasons, prevent food ruts that leave you hankering for unhealthy foods and to keep you motivated about trying new plant-based options. It might also save you some money since many seasonal fresh foods are often lower in price than those that are imported. Plus, who doesn’t love whipping up new spring recipes?
We thought we would share with you some of our best spring recipes that you can try as you plan your new menus for the season. If you don’t already meal plan, it’s a great time to start! Planning out your meals can save you money, time, and stress from figuring out what to buy, eat, and fix each week.
For those interested in eating more plant-based, we highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App – with over 15,000 delicious recipes it is the largest meatless, vegan, plant-based and allergy-friendly recipe resource to help you get healthy!
Here are 10 spring recipes to try whether you have them for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert:
1. Mint Cacao Kiss Smoothie
Mint is in season starting in spring, so why not take advantage of it with this delicious smoothie? This healthy herb is soothing to the mind, body, and spirit. It improves digestion, stress, headaches, and of course, freshens your breath! Added to a smoothie with digestive-friendly fruits and a naturally sweet flavor, mint takes this smoothie to a whole new level! Plus, theraw cacaoin this smoothie sure adds a few peps to your step and satisfy your cravings with just a few sips. Give it a try it for breakfast, dessert, or even an afternoon snack!
2. Nutritious Chili Salad
Hearty salads are perfect spring recipes because they keep you full but don’t leave you with a food coma in need of a nap after you eat them! Plus, they can be a really symbolic way to appreciate the new life abundant in nature this time of year. As spring crops start to pop up, why not put them into your salads? This recipeis a good source of protein, fiber, antioxidants, vitamin C,healthy fats, vitamin E, and vitamin A.Try it out for either a filling lunch or a light dinner!
3. Warm Root and Lentil Salad With Turmeric Mustard Dressing
Did you know lentils contain not just protein, but also critical nutrients for protein formation and a healthy metabolism? These include zinc, iron, and certain B vitamins. Lentils are also a great source of potassium to keep your electrolytes in balance and reduce high blood pressure. Even better, these healthy legumes are a great source of fiber to keep digestive health at optimal levels and to help fight colon cancer. Try them in this warming salad which features not just lentils, but also digestive-friendly and anti-inflammatory turmeric.It would make great lunch or dinner recipe and could easily be made into leftovers for lunch.
4. Nourishing Power Bowl
Power bowls are pretty popular these days and we can certainly see why! Lots of yummy food that’s actually good for us in one bowl and only takes minutes to prepare? We’re in! This particular Nourishing Power Bowl is both hearty and tasty to satisfy your appetite and taste buds. It also features a variety of textures so if you’re the mood for crunchy and creamy, you’re all set to go! Try it out for a punch of protein, vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and plenty of spring produce. You can make this ahead for lunches or for a quick, yummy dinner. See more veggie bowl recipes here if you’re on the hunt for more power bowl options.
5. Teriyaki Romanesco and Beet Bowl
This dish will give you a whole new outlook on veggies, friends. If you haven’t heard of romanesco, think it of like broccoli’s long lost cousin – an indicator that it’s amazing for you! It’s normally only available during the spring, so snatch some up while you can and make this dish for an incredible dinner you won’t regret.Though this dish might look exotic, it’s actually pretty simple to prepare. Spring time is beet season, so make use of them however you can. They’re not just good for your liver, but also a great digestion booster and harmful cholesterol fighter. When they’re cooked just the right way, they take on a yummy caramelized flavor that can’t be beat!
6. Strawberry Shortcake Smoothie
Berries also start to appear in abundance during the spring. So full of flavor and antioxidants, they make any recipe not just tastier, but also healthier. Strawberries are great to use in smoothies due to their well-loved flavor and for their high fiber content. They’re even higher in vitamin C than blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.In this smoothie, strawberries are paired with coconut meat and fresh coconut water. The end result is something that tastes like strawberry shortcake – except it’s actually good for you! Give it a spin for a filling breakfast or even a dessert after a light spring dinner.
7. Breakfast Mini Muffins With Kale and Sun-dried Tomatoes
Sometimes you’re just not in the mood for a smoothie or another bowl of oats. On mornings where those two options seem a little dull or any other morning you want something quick and tasty, muffins come to the rescue in a hurry – but not just any muffins, mind you. Pre-made muffins mixes at the store come with lots of additives, fillers, and a host of other scary ingredients you shouldn’t be eating, much less wasting your time baking. That’s why these homemade muffins are a lifesaver! They contain no eggs, butter, milk, cream, or other artery-clogging ingredients. What they do contain is savory veggies and sun-dried tomatoes, which are excellent flavor boosters and a great source of antioxidants. These muffins could be enjoyed as a breakfast, snack, or even as an alternative to bread at a meal. Give this spring recipe a try!
8. Blueberry Coconut Cake
If you think you don’t have time for cake, you have to take a look at this recipe. It contains minimal ingredients, takes hardly no time to put together and you can even freeze it to make ahead of time! It features two of nature’s most powerful healthy-boosting foods: blueberries and coconut! Blueberries are a great source of antioxidants as you already know, but they also contain large amounts of fiber and vitamin C plus potassium. Coconuts are also a great source of fiber, along with protein, iron, potassium and B vitamins. Give this recipe a shot for a quick, healthy dessert or for an indulgent breakfast for the weekends!
9. Delicious Indian Lime and Peanut Quinoa
Okay quinoa fans, it’s time to put up the heavy comfort food recipes and use this super grain in some lighter fare. Quinoa is a fantastic grain when it comes to versatility and nutrition. If you’re not a fan of it, try using new flavors and see if that helps.This recipe is a great one to start with since it pairs spicy Indian flavors with cooling fruits and veggies. A hint of lime takes this grain to a whole new level, and peanuts, surprisingly, add a nice, hearty crunch. Of course, if you’re allergic to peanuts, you can always use almonds, pecans, or even sesame seeds for something different. Give it a try; you’ll love the fresh herbs that accompany the sauces and spices used here.
10. Overnight Oats With Raspberries and Tahini
And finally, if you just can’t get enough oats like the rest of us, then try making them chilled in place of heated varieties you cozied up to in the cooler months. Overnight oats are great for hurried mornings or if you happen to love sweet flavors for breakfast. They’re also filling and a great way to pack in lots of healthy ingredients and flavors into one recipe.This recipe features raspberries that are in season in the spring and summer, along with a lighter healthy fat, tahini. Tahini adds creaminess, iron, protein, calcium, magnesium and plenty of satisfaction. You can even prepare several of these ahead for breakfasts all week long. See some other spring-inspired porridge recipes you might also like to try!
More Meal Plans:
Check out the following resources and don’t forget to check out our Meal Plan Archives to access our latest content.
- Weekly Meal Plan: Vegan Meals Ready in One Pot!
- Weekly Meal Plan: Vegan Meals Ready in 30 Minutes or Less!
- Weekly Meal Plan: Vegan Recipes Rich in Zinc
- Weekly Meal Plan: Vegan Meals Rich in Healthy Fats!
- Weekly Meal Plan: Vegan Meals Made With Fall Produce!
- Weekly Meal Plan: Calcium-Rich Vegan Meals!
- Weekly Meal Plan: Vitamin K-Rich Vegan Meals!
- Weekly Meal Plan: Vitamin E-Rich Vegan Meals!
- Weekly Meal Plan: Back To School Vegan Meals!
- Weekly Meal Plan: Vegan Meals with Ten Ingredients Or Less!
- Weekly Meal Plan: Nut-Free Vegan Meals!
- Weekly Meal Plan: Omega-3 Rich Vegan Meals!
- Weekly Meal Plan: High-Fiber Vegan Meals Part 2!
- Weekly Meal Plan: Oil-Free Vegan Meals!
- Weekly Meal Plan: Vitamin A-Rich Vegan Meals!
- Weekly Meal Plan: Potassium-Rich Vegan Meals!
- Weekly Meal Plan: Vitamin-D Rich Vegan Meals!
- Weekly Meal Plan: Vitamin C-Rich Vegan Meals!
- Weekly Meal Plan: Vitamin B-Rich Vegan Meals!
- Weekly Meal Plan: Magnesium-Rich Vegan Meals!
- Here’s How You Can Do Oprah’s 30 Day Vegan Meal Plan Challenge
- Weekly Meal Plan: Anti-Inflammatory Vegan Meals!
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Lead Image Source: Mini Black Bean Burgers With Garlic Cream Sauce
