Let's face it: April might be spring, but it's still pretty darn cold and damp. We've got plenty of spring-ish recipes with farmer's market favorites and cozy comfort foods.
Spring-Forward Recipes to Make In April
1/25
Day 1: Soy-Ginger Pot Roast
Total Time
7 hours 25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband really likes roast beef, and I really like my slow cooker. I brought in Asian influences for an all-day pot roast with some oomph. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounces cooked beef with 1/2 cup gravy: 489 calories, 24g fat (9g saturated fat), 147mg cholesterol, 1256mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 46g protein.
2/25
Day 2: Cheese Manicotti
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the first meal I ever cooked for my husband and all these years later, he still enjoys every bite. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed manicotti: 361 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 1124mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein.
3/25
Stir-Fry Rice Bowl
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My meatless version of Korean bibimbap is tasty, pretty and easy to tweak for different spice levels. —Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 305 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 186mg cholesterol, 364mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.
Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 fat.
4/25
Slow-Cooker Pork Medallions
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I find simple dinners are the best comfort foods that my family of seven really desires. Everyday, good ingredients are the key to my success in the kitchen. Three ingredients poured over the pork and—voila!—the most mouthwatering pork you have ever tasted! —Grace Neltner, Lakeside Park, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked pork: 259 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 707mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 fat.
5/25
Day 5: Flavorful Lemon Chicken
Total Time
4 hours 35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy and delectable meal is bound to become a staple with your family. It's made with everyday ingredients, there's nothing complicated or fancy about this delicious recipe. —Elizabeth Hokanson, Arborg, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with about 1/3 cup sauce: 309 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 509mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 36g protein.
6/25
Spicy Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My go-to meal after an evening run is this satisfying turkey wrap with jicama, a potato-like root veggie used in Mexican cooking. —Christie Arp, Blue Ridge, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
3 wraps: 212 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 655mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
7/25
Day 8: Baked Chimichangas
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I developed this quick and easy recipe through trial and error. I used to garnish it with sour cream, but I eliminated it in order to lighten the recipe. My friends all love it when I cook these chimichangas, and they're much healthier than deep-fried. —Rickey Madden, Clinton, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 chimichanga: 269 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 613mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
8/25
Day 9: Sweet and Sour Popcorn Chicken
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This sweet and sour chicken dish is one you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. Pre-cooked, frozen popcorn chicken simmered in a thick, homemade sweet-and-sour sauce is the secret to this fast and fabulous recipe. And what a great way to dress up frozen chicken nuggets! —Amy Corlew-Sherlock, Lapeer, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 441 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 1143mg sodium, 65g carbohydrate (41g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein.
9/25
Artichoke Florentine Pasta
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pasta loaded with artichokes and creamy cheese is everything a Sunday dinner should be: rich, tasty and memorable. Add cooked chicken, shrimp or crab if you like. —Nancy Beckman, Helena, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 523 calories, 21g fat (12g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 993mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 21g protein.
10/25
Day 11: Pressure Cooker Shredded Beef Lettuce Cups
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this light yet lively dinner for busy days that are filled with swim lessons and outdoor activities. If you can't find Bibb or Boston, green leaf lettuce is less sturdy but works in a pinch. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
3 lettuce cups: 270 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 641mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
11/25
Bacon & Mushroom Omelets
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I had grown tired of the same breakfast meals and wanted to make something more interesting. This fresh, flavorful omelet comes with a versatile sauce that can also be used as a nacho dip or topping, over mashed potatoes or inside burritos. —Susan Kieboam, Streetsboro, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 omelet with 1/4 cup sauce (calculated without optional toppings): 393 calories, 29g fat (14g saturated fat), 426mg cholesterol, 981mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.
12/25
Turkey and Vegetable Barley Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Using ingredients on hand, I stirred up this turkey and veggie-packed soup. If you have them, corn, beans and celery are great here, too. —Lisa Wiger, St. Michael, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 208 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 662mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
13/25
Day 14: Lemony Parsley Baked Cod
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The trick to avoid overcooking a good piece of fish is to cook it at a high temperature for a short amount of time. Do that and the fish stays moist and tender. —Sherry Day, Pinckney, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 161 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 95mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
14/25
Tortellini with Asparagus & Lemon
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a terrific warm-weather dish, loaded with fresh flavors. I make mine meatless, but some sliced grilled chicken on top would be awesome, too. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 594 calories, 28g fat (15g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 843mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein.
15/25
Chicken & Garlic with Fresh Herbs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The key to this savory chicken is the combination of garlic, fresh rosemary and thyme. I like to serve it with mashed potatoes or crusty Italian bread. —Jan Valdez, Lombard, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 2 tablespoons cooking juices: 203 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
16/25
Egg Roll Noodle Bowl
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love Asian egg rolls, but they can be challenging to make. Simplify everything with this deconstructed egg roll made on the stovetop and served in a bowl. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 302 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 652mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
17/25
BLT with Peppered Balsamic Mayo
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s my twist on the classic BLT. Creamy avocado, balsamic mayo and crisp salad greens make this version legendary in my book. For a lighter take, I often use turkey bacon. —Ami Boyer, San Francisco, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 501 calories, 37g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 870mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 11g protein.
18/25
Shrimp Asparagus Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We’ve all heard that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so when I plan a romantic dinner, this shrimp asparagus pasta with angel hair is one dish I like to serve. It is easy on the budget and turns out perfectly for two. —Shari Neff, Takoma Park, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 488 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 132mg cholesterol, 584mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
19/25
Day 23: Citrus-Herb Roast Chicken
Total Time
2 hours 25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish is one of my all-time favorites. The flavorful, juicy chicken combines with the aromas of spring in fresh herbs, lemon and onions to form the perfect one-pot meal. I make the gravy right in the pan. —Megan Fordyce, Fairchance, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
7 ounces cooked chicken with 1-1/4 cups vegetables: 561 calories, 24g fat (7g saturated fat), 136mg cholesterol, 826mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 47g protein.
20/25
Mushroom & Leek Pie
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In the Pacific Northwest, we make a savory pie with mushrooms and leeks. We prefer chanterelle, but baby portobello or oyster mushrooms will also delight your diners. —Vickie Woods, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 338 calories, 25g fat (15g saturated fat), 157mg cholesterol, 470mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
21/25
Thai Coconut Beef
Total Time
8 hours 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I love Thai food, but going out on weeknights can be challenging with busy schedules. I wanted to create a Thai-inspired dinner that could double as an easy lunch the following day. The beef is fantastic in this dish, but chicken or pork would be equally delicious! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without rice and toppings): 421 calories, 28g fat (14g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 731mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.
22/25
Day 26: Caesar Salad in Peppered Parmesan Bowls
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Edible salad bowls look impressive but are a cinch to make. It can be your little secret! —Melissa Wilkes, St. Augustine, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 138 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 463mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
23/25
Chicken Veggie Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I invented this chicken and veggie dish to use up extra mushrooms and asparagus. My husband suggested I write it down because it's a keeper. —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 228 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 384mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
24/25
Roasted Pork Tenderloin
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There are no complicated steps to follow when preparing this roasted medley of tender pork and veggies. Just season with herbs, then pop in the oven for less than an hour. —Diane Martin, Brown Deer, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 301 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 304mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
25/25
Rhubarb-Apricot Barbecued Chicken
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Springtime brings back memories of the rhubarb that grew beside my childhood home. When I found ruby red stalks in the store, I created this recipe for them. My family gives this a big thumbs up. —Laurie Hudson, Westville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2 chicken drumsticks with 1/3 cup sauce: 469 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 126mg cholesterol, 1801mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 39g protein.