Tasty Meals You Need To Make All Spring Long
Tasty meals are savory but can be hard to stumble upon. Don’t worry, without reaching for mac and cheese night, or taco Tuesday, in minutes we’ll have you cooking all spring long. Brighten up your meal prep with these 10 spring 2020 must-haves. Stay tuned to see what’s cookin’ good lookin’!
1. Lemon Asparagus With Baked Chicken
Before you think to yourself, “chicken and veggies… again?” Chicken and asparagus is a creative and delicious dish, packed with nutritional value. An added flavor to this dish is lemon and or garlic. You can adjust the flavor to your own liking. One serving of asparagus alone, contains vitamins A, C, E, and K. There are many different ways to season or add flavor to a simple asparagus side dish. Adding lemon, garlic, pepper, sea salt, or a sprinkle of parmesan are my favorite ways to do so. Whether you grill, sautee, or steam asparagus, your body will thank you later!
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2. Potato Salad With Hard-Boiled Egg
Who doesn’t think of summer when they hear potato salad? This is one of my favorite meals, and the hard-boiled egg is an optional step. Potato salad doesn’t offer much protein, however, adding in 1-2 hard-boiled eggs to this dish will leave you feeling full for much longer. Add sea salt, pepper, sprinkle cheese, chives, onion, or scallion. One serving of hard-boiled eggs provide antioxidants and essential nutrients like Vitamin B, zinc, calcium, and choline. Packed with protein, nutrients, and benefits, this is the perfect dish to bring to work for lunch! Enjoy!
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3. Acai Bowls
This next recipe is my personal favorite – and, you’ll feel like your somewhere tropical while eating it! This dish is perfect especially because it doesn’t take more than 10 minutes to make. To start, pick out your favorite yogurt, and 2-3 fruits. I use almond milk, banana, blueberry, shredded coconut, and peanut butter. Blend until it turns liquid. Next, pour the smoothie-like substance into a bowl, and add chia seeds, banana, strawberry, more shredded coconut, or any other topping. This dish is absolutely perfect for before work breakfast, post-workout, or any late afternoon treat. Refreshing, hydrating, and delicious, acai bowls are also vegetarian and can be made dairy-free with lactose-free alternatives. Plus, they look amazing!
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4. Quinoa Salad Bowl
Ah, quinoa. One of the hardest things to make, but most satisfying. My favorite way to add quinoa in my diet is in a salad. The best type of salads that complement quinoa is kale or romaine, but really any type of leafy green works best. You will need kale, sliced apple, avocado, feta cheese, and quinoa of course. Quinoa is a true favorite not only for its mild taste factor, but it is also packed with antioxidants and fiber. Get energized this spring with such a tasty and healthy meal!
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5. Veggie Pizza
This next dish puts a spin on your typical Friday night pizza. Re-think how you do pizza, ladies, and gents! One of the best things about this meal is that you can make it at home, or almost any restaurant will offer it as well. With this recipe, you account for all of your daily veggies and still get to indulge. Plus, pickle pizza is a real game-changer. For a classic veggie pizza, try pepper, onion, mushroom, and black olive.
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6. Pesto Pasta
Everyone loves their pasta dish. Well, with this healthy alternative, get ready for your second serving. Simple to make, all you need is any pasta (of your choice), pesto sauce, sliced tomato, and your choice of sprinkle cheese. Top with salt and pepper, and add grilled chicken for an added source of protein and taste!
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7. Avocado Toast
These spring meals wouldn’t be complete without incorporating avocado toast. I know, the avocado trend is so last year. However, what a lot of people don’t know is that this green mush contains a lot of nutritional benefits. Containing fatty acids that help promote heart health, fiber, vitamin C and K, these superfoods are never a bad idea. Not to mention, the meals and snacks you can create with it are endless. For a spike of flavor, mash the avocado in a bowl combined with lemon juice, sea salt, garlic, and pepper. This creates a bit of spice to the mild taste. Next, you can spread it on toast, crackers, or even use it as a dip. My favorite is to spread it on sandwiches instead of using mustard or mayo! For another great meal with avocado, spread one layer on toast before topping it with a fried egg.
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8. Chicken Salad
This dish tastes like summer. Easy to make, and you can have fun with the toppings. A classic chicken salad dish is made with mayo, chopped celery, sliced apple, salt and pepper, and of course, sliced chicken. An alternative is made with cranberry, walnut, and grapes. The perfect topping on salads, or eat it on a sandwich, chicken salad is healthy and delicious!
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9. Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Chicken, again, because you can do so much with it. A great source of protein, and one of my favorite meats, chicken is a delicious part of almost any meal. I first tried chicken lettuce wraps at a restaurant and loved them. Not only are they healthy, but refreshing and crisp. In 10 minutes or less, you’ll have a dinner meal or lunch prepared for tomorrow. You can add onion, carrot shreds, scallion, or celery. Not to mention, if you are doing KETO or the paleo diet, these won’t break any rules.
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10. Cucumber Soup
With this light, refreshing and hydrating soup you’ll feel relaxed just sipping on it. Easy to make, and beyond delicious, take a sip today! An added bonus, if you are dairy sensitive, or vegetarian, this dish will make your tummy happy.
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What is your favorite meal that makes you think of spring? I hope everyone enjoyed reading, and please comment below what your favorite spring dish is!
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Senior at UMass Dartmouth with a minor in communications, writing has always been a part of me. I believe writing is a powerful form of self-expression, and I couldn't have found an internship more aligned with my goals to pursue a career in this field.