Spring is the perfect time to refresh your kitchen routine with vibrant, seasonal flavors. Whether you’re cooking in a newly renovated space or dreaming of your next home upgrade, these delicious spring recipes from Real Food with Sarah will inspire you to make the most of the season’s freshest ingredients. From crisp salads to light yet satisfying mains, these dishes celebrate bright flavors and simple, wholesome cooking. Keep reading for our favorite spring recipes, perfect for enjoying in a beautifully designed kitchen that’s made for gathering and creating.
Grilled Zucchini Salad
Elevate your spring meals with this easy Grilled Zucchini Salad! The combination of crunchy zucchini, creamy feta, a splash of lemon juice, and fresh herbs make this a refreshing and flavorful side dish for BBQs, picnics, and weeknight dinners.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 large zucchini, sliced thinly lengthwise (use a mandoline if you have one for ¼-inch thick slices)
- 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ lemon, juiced
INSTRUCTIONS
- Heat the grill to medium heat.
- Using a pastry brush, use 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to coat both sides of the zucchini slices.
- Place the zucchini slices on the grill and cook for 1-2 minutes per side.
- Add the cooked zucchini to a bowl and season with 1 more tablespoon of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper and herbs. Place the salad on a platter and sprinkle with feta. Serve and enjoy!
Grilled Corn Salad
Dust off the outdoor grill and get ready for summer with this Grilled Corn Salad. Fresh corn salad is the ultimate cookout side, it’s an easy recipe bursting with fresh flavors and made in just 30 minutes!
INGREDIENTS
- 4-5 fresh ears of corn, husked
- extra virgin olive oil, for brushing
- 1 red bell pepper, roasted or grilled (optional) and diced small
- 1 small jalapeño, deseeded and diced
- 4 green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
INSTRUCTIONS
- Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the corn with olive oil and place it on the grill. Cook, turning occasionally, until the corn is charred in spots and slightly tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- If cooking the red pepper, grill for the same amount of time as the corn. You can grill it whole or cut in half with the seeds removed.
- Allow the corn to cool for a few minutes then cut the kernels off the cobs and add them to a large mixing bowl. Dice the cooked bell pepper.
- Add the red pepper, jalapeño, green onions, cilantro, and feta cheese to the bowl.
- Pour in the lime juice and olive oil and add the salt and paprika.
- Toss the salad to combine.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together or serve immediately.
Greek Lemon Potatoes
The perfect side dish does exist. These Greek Lemon Potatoes are roasted to golden perfection with a crisp exterior and fluffy interior. Coated in fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, and dill, each bite is full of zesty, herby flavor. Topped with creamy, salty feta, they’re a dish everyone will want seconds of.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound yellow potatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, parsley, etc.
- ¼ cup crumbled feta
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 430 degrees F.
- In a bowl, toss the potato wedges in garlic powder, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place them in a baking pan and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden.
- Remove the potatoes from the oven and toss them with lemon juice, dill, parsley, and feta cheese.
Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
The combination of tender pasta, juicy chicken, and a rich, velvety lemon sauce in this Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta hits all the right notes—bright, creamy, and satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy enough for a special occasion but easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight.
INGREDIENTS
- 12 ounces bucatini, or your favorite pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 thin-sliced chicken breasts, or 2 chicken breasts pounded thin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk, or heavy cream
- 1 tablespoons lemon zest
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
INSTRUCTIONS
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside. (12 ounces bucatini)
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside. (4 thin-sliced chicken breasts, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons olive oil)
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic, and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any bits from the pan. (2 tablespoons butter, 4 cloves garlic, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, ½ cup chicken broth)
- Add heavy cream/coconut milk, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese. Stir and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). (1 cup full-fat coconut milk, 1 tablespoons lemon zest, ½ cup parmesan cheese, Salt and black pepper, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes)
- Add the drained pasta and toss until well coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Slice the chicken breasts and serve on top of the pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and more Parmesan cheese. (¼ cup fresh parsley)
Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema
These Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos are a game-changer! Crispy, perfectly seasoned shrimp paired with an avocado crema makes for a satisfying meal that’s ready in just 18 minutes. If you love tacos but hate the hassle, this air fryer version is for you!
INGREDIENTS
SHRIMP
- 1 pound wild-caught shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ lime, juiced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
AVOCADO CREMA
- 1 avocado
- ½ lime, juiced
- ¼ cup cilantro
- ¼ cup Greek or Skyr yogurt, plain and unsweetened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼-½ cup water
TACOS
- Small corn or flour tortillas
- Shredded lettuce
- Pico de gallo
- Lime wedges
INSTRUCTIONS
SHRIMP
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F, if needed.
- Combine the shrimp with the spices, lime juice and olive oil in a bowl.
- Air fry the shrimp at 400 degrees F for 8 minutes.
AVOCADO CREMA
- While the shrimp is cooking, add all of the crema ingredients aside from the water to a food processor or high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Pour in the water ¼ cup at a time until smooth and creamy. Add more water if it seems too thick.
TACOS
- Heat the tortillas over the flame of a gas stove for 15-30 seconds per side until slightly charred. You can also warm the tortillas in a skillet or in the microwave for about 1 minute.
- Assemble the tacos by adding the lettuce to a tortilla, top with 4-5 shrimp then some pico de gallo and drizzle with the crema.
- Serve with lime wedges, if desired.
Spring is all about fresh beginnings, and what better way to embrace the season than with vibrant, flavorful meals made in a kitchen designed for cooking, gathering, and enjoying? Our favorite spring recipes from Real Food with Sarah bring the best of spring produce to your table, whether you’re hosting a brunch, meal-prepping for the week, or simply savoring a home-cooked dish. If your kitchen could use a refresh to match your culinary inspiration, our team is here to help you create a space that’s as functional as it is beautiful. Contact us to start planning your dream kitchen today!
Need more recipe inspiration? Check out our favorite winter recipes here!
Recent Comments