Recipes to Spruce Up Suppers This Spring
I don’t know about you, but I’m in a bit of a dinner rut. I think it has something to do with the seasons being slightly out of whack. Spring is taking its sweet time here in Ontario, and as I look out the window there are snowflakes fluttering through the warm sun. Also, the last of the winter produce is looking a little lifeless on the store shelves, but the spring stuff hasn’t made much of an appearance yet. I’m certain this is contributing to my lack of motivation when it comes to planning my meals these days.
This week I decided to spruce up suppers by taking a walk though our recipe archives and putting the dinner spotlight on some old favourites that haven’t seen much time on the table lately. I’ve created a mix of make-ahead dinners that I can cook up on Sunday and store in the fridge for later in the week, seasonal soups that will keep us warm while the weather is still cool, healthy burgers that remind us all that the BBQ will be back in regular rotation before we know it, and a favourite weekend entertaining recipe that can be made in the slow cooker while I clean up the yard and pack away the sleds for another year.
Heck, I’m feeling pretty motivated already! In case you’re stuck in the same rut as me, here are some recipes to spruce up suppers for your meal planning pleasure while we all wait for spring to officially arrive.
Recipes to Spruce Up Suppers This Spring:
Breakfast for Dinner Pizza
If you’re looking to spruce up suppers, breakfast for dinner takes on a new meaning when your favourite morning meal ingredients—crispy bacon and baked eggs—are scattered over a golden pizza crust and topped with gooey cheeses.
Chicken Burgers with Avocado Relish
Infused with tangy buttermilk and grainy Dijon, and topped with a chunky avocado relish, this family-friendly dinner will happily remind everyone that summer is less than three months away.
Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Mango Slaw
Put an extra spring in your step this month by swapping traditional breads and buns for crispy lettuce wraps in this updated ‘sandwich.’
Mexican Pulled Pork Tostadas
Certain to become a family favourite, these tostadas are a fancied up version of tacos with less work thanks to the slow cooker. If you have vegetarians in the group, swap the pulled pork with pinto beans as the main protein.
Fettuccine with Caramelized Onion and Pesto Yogurt Sauce
Swapping yogurt for sour cream is clever way to lighten up dishes. This pesto and caramelized onion fettuccine dish is the prefect balance of creamy, rich and satisfying—without being too heavy.
Rigatoni with Slow Cooker Pork Ragout
Impress your guests with this restaurant-style ragu that’s hands-off and fuss-free. Good to Know: The pork ragu can be made up to two days in advance—perfect for a quick weekday dinner.
Fish Cakes with Lemon Dill Dipping Sauce
Tell them they’re chicken fingers if you must, but mild-tasting cod and fluffy mashed potatoes are a perfect way to introduce fishy finger food to your youngsters. Serve with a tangy yogurt-based dip (because kids do love to dip) and this meal will be popular with everyone at the table.
Mini Shells with Peas, Ricotta, and Meyer Lemon
For a more nutritious take on good old-fashioned mac and cheese, replace heavy butter and cheddar with light but protein-dense ricotta. Mini shells and petite peas make this bite-sized fare perfect for the little people at your table.
Chicken Meatballs
Meatballs are little bundles of goodness that are also perfect for dipping. Toddlers love that they are easy to eat and moms love that these are made with morsels of veggies hidden throughout.
Quinoa and Shrimp Salad with Avocado Dressing
Tender quinoa is tossed with crisp corn, fibre-rich black beans, and chili-spiced shrimp, before being dressed in an avocado and lime sauce. Quantities can be doubled or tripled easily, and the dish travels well for a warm-weather potluck. Tuck this in your back pocket for summer picnics and gatherings.
Creamy Asparagus Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons
Pureed soups are an excellent way to get veggies into your little ones, and what could be better than a bowl of good-for-you soup? Your toddler will love the croutons carved from a beloved grilled cheese sandwich so much that they won’t know they’re drinking their veggies.
Pasta with Broccoli and Toasted Breadcrumbs
Not even the pickiest toddler will be able to resist this simple but flavourful dish. They’ll like the fun-shaped pasta and crunchy breadcrumbs, you’ll love that they’re gobbling down nutrient-rich broccoli.
