15 Lazy Spring Dinners for Nights When You'd Rather Be Outside
These simple meals practically cook themselves.
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When the weather starts warming up and the days get a little longer, cooking a big, elaborate meal suddenly drops way down the priority list. After all, there are flowers to plant, front porches to sit on, sports games to attend all happening before bedtime! That's exactly where lazy dinner ideas come in. They're low-effort, full of flavor, and just the thing to keep everyone fed without taking you away from the rest of your life.
Whether you're leaning on spring vegetables for something light and fresh or pulling together a favorite family meal like one of Ree Drummond's easy chicken dinners, these recipes get the job done with as little fuss as possible. Many of them are ready in 30 minutes or less, and some—like cacio e pepe ravioli and dumpling soup—are built around store-bought shortcuts that no one will ever suspect. (We're firm believers that leaning on a package of frozen potstickers or a refrigerated pasta is not just acceptable... it's genius!)
Ahead, you'll find spring pasta recipes, sheet pan meals, and grilling recipes for when you want something seasonal but still want to keep it simple. And while there's nothing wrong with whipping up a more involved meal when you're in the mood, this list is for the nights when you're simply not. Because sometimes, the best kind of dinner is the one that lets you toss something in the oven, pour yourself a fruity drink, and step outside while the kids chase the dogs around the yard. Lazy? Maybe. But we're not here to judge! 😉 Read on for our favorite lazy spring dinner ideas.
Lemon Pasta
This pasta tastes like spring in a bowl. A squeeze of lemon, a splash of cream, and dinner's ready in under 30 minutes. Pair it with a salad and call it a night!
Get the Lemon Pasta recipe.
Spicy Salmon Rice Bowls
This bowl is the definition of low-effort, high-reward. Cook the salmon quickly in a skillet, then pile it over leftover rice with fresh veggies, avocado, and a spicy-sweet mayo drizzle. It's colorful, satisfying, and endlessly customizable with whatever produce you have on hand.
Get Ree's Spicy Salmon Rice Bowl.
Homemade Chicken Burgers
These beauties are lighter than beef burgers, and just as satisfying. The patties come together fast and cook up even faster. Pop them on a bun with all the fixin's or eat them as-is!
Get the Homemade Chicken Burger recipe.
Carrot Ribbon Salad
This vibrant salad feels fancy but couldn't be easier to make. Thin ribbons of carrot get tossed with fresh herbs, a quick vinaigrette, and crunchy sunflower seeds for texture. It's light, crisp, and full of flavor—and you don't even have to turn on the stove!
Get Ree's Carrot Ribbon Salad recipe.
Chicken Teriyaki
This takeout-inspired dish is sweet, savory, and surprisingly easy thanks to a homemade sauce you can whip up in minutes. You'll simmer the sauce while the chicken cooks, then serve it over rice with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Get the Chicken Teriyaki recipe.
Asparagus Pasta
Is there anything more "spring" than asparagus in pasta? This creamy, bacon-y dish makes great use of seasonal veggies, and it's ready in a flash.
Get the Asparagus Pasta recipe.
Enchiladas Verdes
A jar of salsa verde and some chicken are all you need to get these on the table in no time. These enchiladas are cozy, flavorful, and a great way to use up shredded rotisserie.
Get the Enchiladas Verdes recipe.
Dumpling Soup
Grab a bag of frozen dumplings, toss in some broth and greens, and pat yourself on the back. This one's as low-effort as it gets!
Get the Dumpling Soup recipe.
Salmon Tacos with Creamy Dill Slaw
Grill or pan-sear a piece of salmon, then flake it into tacos and top with a cool, herby dill slaw. The textures and flavors are fresh, creamy, and a little zippy from the vinegar in the dressing. It's just the kind of light meal you crave once the weather warms up!
Get Ree's Salmon Tacos with Creamy Dill Slaw recipe.
Chicken Enchilada Casserole
This no-roll enchilada casserole is a total time-saver on busy spring nights. Instead of assembling individual enchiladas, you just layer shredded chicken, tortillas, and a zesty green sauce in a baking dish—like a Mexican-inspired lasagna.
Get Ree's Chicken Enchilada Casserole recipe.
Cacio e Pepe Ravioli
The shortcut here is store-bought ravioli, which you dress in a buttery, peppery sauce with lots of pecorino cheese. It's a spin on the classic that takes barely 20 minutes from start to finish. And somehow, it still tastes like something from your favorite Italian restaurant!
Get Ree's Cacio e Pepe Ravioli recipe.
Shrimp and Grits
This cozy Southern classic feels like weekend comfort food, but it's easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. Ree's version starts with cheesy, peppery quick-cook grits (hello, dinner in under 30 minutes!) and layers on smoky bacon, sautéed peppers, and tender shrimp tossed in Cajun seasoning.
Get Ree's Shrimp and Grits recipe.
Orecchiette with Italian Sausage and Asparagus
Simple pasta, sausage, and asparagus make for the quickest (and tastiest) spring dinner. Don't forget to save some extra parm for topping!
Get Ree's Orecchiette with Italian Sausage and Asparagus recipe.
Cheeseburger Salad
Think all the best parts of a cheeseburger—ground beef, pickles, cheese, and that tangy special sauce—served over crisp lettuce instead of a bun. This dinner is easy to throw together and surprisingly satisfying, even for the burger lovers in your family!
Get the Cheeseburger Salad recipe.
Air Fryer Hot Dog
Air fryers make everything easier—even hot dogs. No grill required and barely any cleanup! These tasty delights will get you in the mood for baseball season in no time.
Get the Air Fryer Hot Dog recipe.
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