Ready in 30 minutes or less and brimming with bright spring flavors, these weeknight dinner recipes will make you think sunny thoughts.
38 Weeknight Dinners for Spring
Updated on May 05, 2024
Skillet-Grilled Catfish
The Cajun flavor is great in this skillet-grilled catfish recipe. You can use this recipe with any thick fish fillet, but I suggest catfish or haddock. —Traci Wynne, Denver, Pennsylvania
1/38
2/38
Asparagus Ham Dinner
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been making this low-fat ham dinner for my family for years, and we always look forward to it. With asparagus, tomato, pasta and chunks of ham, it's a tempting blend of tastes and textures. —Rhonda Zavodny, David City, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 204 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 561mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
3/38
Pork Chops with Rhubarb
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A surprising rhubarb sauce makes these tender chops extra special. I like this fruity sauce on the tangy side, but you can always add more honey to sweeten it up a bit if it’s too puckery for your family. —Bonnie Bufford, Nicholson, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 492 calories, 30g fat (14g saturated fat), 142mg cholesterol, 173mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 38g protein.
4/38
Shrimp with Orzo and Feta
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tender, hearty and flavorful, this recipe is one of my favorites! Garlic and a splash of lemon add to the fresh taste and heart-healthy benefits of shrimp. —Sarah Hummel, Moon Township, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 406 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 180mg cholesterol, 307mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 9g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
5/38
Ground Beef Ramen Stir-Fry
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This ramen stir-fry is unique and flavorful. The whole gang will enjoy the hearty, colorful meal-in-one. —Marlene McAllister, Portland, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 379 calories, 18g fat (8g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 1202mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
6/38
Chicken 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.
7/38
Scallops with Snow Peas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The vibrant, crisp pea pods in this dish are a nice contrast with the soft scallops. The dish looks and tastes bright and fresh. —Barb Carlucci, Orange Park, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup stir-fry with 3/4 cup rice: 378 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 750mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 21g protein.
8/38
Spicy Corned Beef Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Using leftovers in new and exciting ways is my personal cooking challenge. These fun tacos take my favorite Reuben ingredients and turn them into something totally different—and completely delicious. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 621 calories, 39g fat (9g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 1606mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 16g protein.
9/38
Hurry-Up Ham N Noodles
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This rich-tasting dish is ready to serve in almost the time it takes to cook the noodles. I've made it for luncheons and potlucks, but mostly I make it on days when I'm in a hurry to get something on the table. —Lucille Howell, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 619 calories, 43g fat (25g saturated fat), 193mg cholesterol, 1154mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein.
10/38
Herb Chicken with Honey Butter
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When the whole family could use a heartwarming meal, this one fits the bill. You'll love how the honey's sweetness mixes perfectly with the herbs' salty flavor. It's a wonderful combination! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 2 tablespoons honey butter: 485 calories, 25g fat (14g saturated fat), 171mg cholesterol, 709mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 38g protein.
11/38
Brown Sugar-Glazed Salmon
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pop these protein-packed brown sugar salmon fillets in the oven before whipping up a sweet basting sauce. This tangy entree cooks up in minutes, making it a perfect meal for busy families and unexpected weekend guests. —Debra Martin, Belleville, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked fish: 225 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 491mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
12/38
Pasta with Prosciutto
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love quick, simple pasta dishes, and this is one of my favorites. I prepare a tossed green salad while the pasta cooks and serve up a lovely light supper in minutes! —Laura Murphy-Ogden, Charlotte, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 461 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 802mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
13/38
Turkey Fajitas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I prepare these quick and easy fajitas about once a week, and my family never gets tired of them. I like serving them with salsa and light sour cream on the side. —Bonnie Basinger of Lees Summit, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
2 fajitas: 414 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 766mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
14/38
Pesto Vegetable Pizza
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves pizza night, but we have rarely ordered takeout since I created this fresh and flavorful version. It is a fast and scrumptious meal that is always a winner in my house. —Kate Selner of Lino Lakes, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 310 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 707mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat, 1 lean meat, 1 medium-fat meat.
15/38
Hawaiian Pork Chops
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a great last-minute meal when friends drop in? Hampton, Virginia's Michelle Cavalier recommends one of her husband's sweet-and-sour favorites. “This is so easy, tastes just like Hawaiian pizza, and I usually have all ingredients on hand.”
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 3/4 cup sauce: 250 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 554mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat.
16/38
Broccoli-Pork Stir-Fry with Noodles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I combined several recipes to come up with this dish that my family loves. It is not only quick and delicious but also healthy. I sometimes substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the pork. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 376 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 595mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 9g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
17/38
Cajun Sirloin with Mushroom Leek Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In 30 minutes you‘ll have a restaurant-quality steak with a bold Cajun flair. The best part? You can skip the drive, the wait and the bill! —Joshua Keefer, Delaware, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked beef with 1/4 cup sauce: 325 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 976mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 32g protein.
18/38
Cod and Asparagus Bake
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The lemon pulls this flavorful and healthy dish together. You can use grated Parmesan cheese instead of Romano if you'd like. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 141 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 184mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
19/38
Mango Salsa Chicken with Veggie Hash
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This hash has the fresh flavors of spring. Using precooked grilled chicken strips makes the meal come together quickly. And the veggies make the dish so pretty! —Lori Mclain, Denton, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 237 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 1025mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
20/38
Asian Salmon Tacos
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This Asian/Mexican fusion dish is ready in minutes—perfect when time is tight! If the salmon begins to stick, add 2-3 tablespoons of water and continue cooking. —Marisa Raponi, Vaughan, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 335 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 208mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
21/38
Shrimp and Asparagus Risotto
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This speedy method of making risotto works every time! —Kim Gray, Davie, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 424 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 157mg cholesterol, 661mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein.
22/38
Ginger Veggie Brown Rice Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Once I discovered brown rice pasta, I never looked back. Tossed with ginger, bright veggies and rotisserie chicken, it tastes like a deconstructed egg roll! —Tiffany Ihle, Bronx, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 270 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 257mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
23/38
Sauteed Pork Chops with Garlic Spinach
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family enjoys cooking easy and delicious meals. This pork chop recipe is also inexpensive, which makes cooking easier for everyone. Keep an eye on the spinach—it cooks fast! —Joe Valerio, Whitinsville, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 1/2 cup spinach: 310 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
24/38
Shrimp Lime Cilantro Skewers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A quick garlicky lime marinade works magic on these juicy shrimp. They come off the grill with huge flavors perfect for your next cookout. —Melissa Rodriguez, Van Nuys, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 167 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 284mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
25/38
Asian-Style Salmon Packets
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I love salmon, so I'm always looking for fun ways to change it up. We both love the blend of heat and citrus, plus the foil packet makes for easy cooking and cleanup! —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 salmon fillet with 1 tablespoon sauce: 319 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 259mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 fat.
26/38
Cheesy Summer Squash Flatbreads
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When you want a meatless meal with Mediterranean style, these flatbreads smothered with squash, hummus and mozzarella deliver the goods. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 topped flatbread: 332 calories, 20g fat (9g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 737mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein.
27/38
Strawberry Mint Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I hand-pick wild strawberries for this saucy chicken dish. We love it with fresh spring greens and a sweet white wine. —Alicia Duerst, Menomonie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1/4 cup sauce: 224 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
28/38
Pan-Seared Salmon
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my husband's favorite recipes. Salmon is a go-to for busy nights because it cooks so quickly and goes with so many different flavors. The creamy dill sauce with cucumber tastes light and fresh. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 salmon fillet with 1/4 cup sauce: 366 calories, 25g fat (4g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 349mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2-1/2 fat.
29/38
Lemony Shrimp & Snow Pea Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This pretty pasta is a family favorite —the kids love the light lemony flavor and I love that they devour the fresh veggies. You can use other types of pasta for variety, like bow ties or corkscrews. —Jennifer Fisher, Austin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 279 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 390mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
30/38
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.
31/38
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.
32/38
Spicy Lemon Chicken Kabobs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I see Meyer lemons in the store, I know it must be spring. I like using them for these easy chicken kabobs, but regular grilled lemons still add the signature smoky tang. —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 182 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
33/38
Caesar Chicken
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 531 calories, 39g fat (11g saturated fat), 142mg cholesterol, 741mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 38g protein.
34/38
Asparagus Beef Saute
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love filet mignon, but I'm not crazy about its price, so I came up with a recipe for more affordable beef tenderloin. Now I cook it once a week. My husband loves the leftovers, too. —Linda Flynn, Ellicott City, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups beef mixture: 328 calories, 22g fat (10g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 540mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.
35/38
Turkey Asparagus Stir-Fry
Total Time
20 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Twenty minutes is all you'll need to make this quick stir-fry. Lean turkey, asparagus and mushrooms make it super nutritious, too. —Darlene Kennedy, Galion, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup with 3/4 cup rice: 343 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 363mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
36/38
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.
37/38
Springtime Penne
Total Time
20 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With ham, asparagus, onion and pasta in a creamy sauce, this stovetop supper is tasty enough for even your pickiest guests. It's great with penne, but you can also try it with mostaccioli or another type of pasta.
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 389 calories, 21g fat (12g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 617mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 16g protein.
38/38
Asparagus Beef Lo Mein
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This springtime beef lo mein recipe is as easy as it gets. Ramen noodles make it extra fun. —Dottie Wanat, Modesto, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 511 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 1367mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein.
