Happy Friday, everyone!
Although I’m pumped it’s the weekend, this has been a really great week. Spring is finally here and the weather has been gorgeous over the past couple of days. Grilling, running, long walks, and open windows have been the name of the game, inspiring me to share 10 of my favorite spring-inspired recipes today!
From fruit-filled smoothies, to vegetable-centered dinners, and totally yummy desserts for special spring occasions, I hope you find a dish to work into your menu sometime over the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, have a wonderful weekend. I hope you’re able to spend some time outdoors under the sun!
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Shrimp & Asparagus Risotto
Spring and asparagus go together like rama lama lama ka dinga da dinga dong, mmkay, and there’s no better way to enjoy it than stirred into creamy risotto. Trust me, Shrimp & Asparagus Risotto is E-A-S-Y. You can, and should, make this recipe ASAP!
Cashew Chicken Mango Salad
Believe it or not, spring is the perfect time to enjoy avocados and mangoes – especially champagne mangoes which are sweeter than the standard variety. This Cashew Chicken Mango Salad is creamy, sweet, crunchy and satisfying. I could eat it every single week!
Pasta Primavera
Primavera means “spring time” in several languages and there’s no better way to celebrate than with Pasta Primavera. Spring herbs and veggies are tossed with chewy pasta and a light and luscious sauce in this easy, fresh meal.
Superfood Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Superfood Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette screams spring! to me with it’s bright colors and fresh flavors. If you can’t find pomegranate seeds, use dried cranberries, dried cherries or chopped apples instead. This salad has remained one of the post popular recipes here on IGE for over 2 years!
Super Power Spring Rolls with Almond Butter Dipping Sauce
You can’t spell Super Power Spring Rolls with Almond Butter Dipping Sauce without spring! These rolls are light and very healthy. You’ll feel great after eating them, and that dipping sauce is beyond delicious.
Chili-Lime Shrimp Bowls with Black Bean-Mango Salsa
Chili-Lime Shrimp Bowls with Black Bean-Mango Salsa will awaken your taste buds from months of hearty comfort food. Love the flavors of lime and mango in here.
Sunrise Smoothie
I always feel more inspired to make smoothies when it’s warm vs frigid cold outside. This Sunrise Smoothie is full of fresh fruits, berries, and Greek yogurt for staying power. Quick and delicious for a warm spring morning.
Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry
Stir Fry is a fantastic way to enjoy all of spring’s freshest produce – use whatever you can get your hands on! Bok choy, broccoli, squash, and asparagus would be particularly good in this Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry.
Sunshine Chopped Salad with Orange-Ginger Vinaigrette
Take advantage of in-season citrus fruits plus other fresh fruits and veggies in Sunshine Chopped Salad with Orange-Ginger Vinaigrette, which resembles the rising spring sun.
Mini Fruit Pizzas with Marshmallow Creme Frosting
The frosting alone on Mini Fruit Pizzas with Marshmallow Creme Frosting is reason enough to make them. You’ll want to eat it with a spoon it’s so good! Besides that, these individual desserts are perfect for Easter or to serve at bridal or baby showers, which always seem to pop up in the spring.
Happy eating!
[…] Spring is the perfect time to start a new cleaning routine. Here’s a great one that seems extremely doable. Iowa Girl Eats is one of my favorite blogs…every recipe of Kristin’s I’ve tried is so yummy. I love her recent spring round-up! […]
I wonder- Does it matter that it’s Autumn here in Australia? I think there’s a few recipes I’m going to try out here anyway!The Mini Fruit Pizzas are top of the list, with the risotto a very close second. Yummo.
Hosting a barbecue in less than 2 weeks with a lot of health conscious friends. What’s your favorite spring picnic food side dish that pairs well with burgers?
Either of these fruit recipes are delicious! http://iowagirleats.com/2012/05/01/the-best-fruit-dip-ever/, http://iowagirleats.com/2013/07/03/easiest-fruit-salad/
I must make all of these!!! Here is a simple way to make fruit salad a little more exciting
http://www.inallofhersplendor.com/2014/04/11/fruit-salad-recipe-k-i-s-s/
Yum yum yum! Yay for spring. Thanks for sharing the spring rolls, Kristin!
Ahh the mini fruit pizzas!! I made them last year for Memorial Day Weekend (post here: they were such a big hit! Maybe I’ll make them again for Easter!
Loving the spring eats! So going to try out a few of these! The smoothie color is awesome looking! :)
I make your Superfood salad at least once a month (omitting the pomegranate seeds since we’re not fans). I have brought it to picnics and parties, and everyone loves it!! Thanks for a wonderful recipe!
That risotto recipe is TO DIE FOR! One of my favorite recipes ever!
YUM to all of these!! We make your risotto once a week on average:)
Question for you: how in the world do you get your shrimp to look so yummy and browned? When I cook shrimp, they always seem to “leak” and then they steam themselves instead of getting nice and crisp. What am I doing wrong?
I preheat the oil in the pan over medium high heat so it’s nice and hot then add the shrimp and sear for 1-2 minutes a side. The key I think is making sure your pan is hot before adding the shrimp!
Ah, I want them all! So glad it’s spring and the eats are now looking colorful and vibrant!