Top 17+ easy spring dinners ready in 30 minutes or less

Quick-to-make meals that give you more time to spend outdoors.

The weather is warmer and you’d rather be outside than stuck in the kitchen—but dinner still needs to happen. Spend more time enjoying the sunshine and less time cooking with these recipes that go from start to table in 30 minutes or less. Packed with fresh vegetables and bright flavors, they’re the kind of easy meals you’ll turn to again and again during the busy season.

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01 of 17

Everything Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner

"Delicate salmon with a crunchy topping is paired with tender potatoes and broccoli drizzled with a sweet and spicy mustard glaze in this simple, 30-minute sheet pan dinner. The whole family will love the indulgent taste of this nutritious meal!" —NicoleMcmom

02 of 17

Pesto Pasta with Chicken

"This chicken pesto pasta is easy and delicious. Serve with crusty bread and salad for a quick dinner. Use as much or as little pesto sauce as you like. Using homemade pesto will taste even better, but it adds to prep time. Enjoy!" —Kristin

03 of 17

Grilled Cod with Spinach and Tomatoes

"I came up with this grilled cod with spinach and tomatoes recipe because I could not find the one I was looking for. This is a very simple, easy, and quick dish to put together. I always make this for myself when I grill steaks for my family." —Allrecipes Member

04 of 17

Creamy Asparagus Pasta

Credit: Paula Todora (Paula T)

"This creamy pasta with asparagus is a wonderfully satisfying meal that cooks in minutes. Delicious!" —Heidi S

05 of 17

Lemon Pasta with Chicken

"One of my quick standbys after a busy day at work. By cooking everything at the same time in their separate pots, I can get it on the table in 30 minutes. The chicken broth and lemon give it a lighter and brighter taste that is a welcome change to heavy white sauce. Garnish with your choice of tomatoes, parsley, cooked asparagus or broccoli, or sliced lemon." —NotAGreatCook

06 of 17

Waffled Falafel

"Waffled falafel is a delicious twist on a classic! Keep the cooked waffles warm in a low oven. Serve them with hummus, tomatoes, cucumbers, and parsley." —The Gruntled Gourmand

07 of 17

Sheet Pan Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp with Asparagus

"Have dinner ready in less than 30 minutes with this quick and easy one-pan roasted lemon butter shrimp and asparagus seasoned with garlic." —Fioa

08 of 17

Pasta with Peas and Sausage

"Delicious and creamy. Something different for pasta." —Elaina

09 of 17

Weeknight Skillet Slaw

"When you get home from work, you hardly want a big production for dinner. That's when this recipe can be your standby. Cook your ground turkey, then add veggies, cole slaw mix, and sauce and in 10 minutes you've got a hearty meal for everyone to enjoy." —Matt Wencl

10 of 17

Easy Sheet Pan Fish Tacos

"Flaky white fish with crusty, caramelized edges is topped with a cilantro slaw and drizzled with a smoky sour cream sauce in this simple fish taco recipe. Baking the fish on a sheet pan is a little heathier and a lot less messy than frying it, and means cleanup will be a breeze! For family dinners or casual get-togethers, set this up as a taco bar with other toppings such as pico de gallo, avocado slices, pickled red onions, crumbled cotija cheese, and black beans." —Nicole McLaughlin

11 of 17

Savory Sea Scallops and Angel Hair Pasta

"This scallop pasta dish is a very simple, easy-to-prep meal that you will most likely be asked to make again! The taste, if carefully prepared and not overcooked, is incredible." —JIM F

12 of 17

Quick and Easy Chicken Piquant

"This recipe is a variation on traditional chicken piquant, which is spicy Cajun chicken. This comes together quickly and is good served over white rice." —lutzflcat

13 of 17

Southwest Chicken Salad

"Romaine is topped with grilled chicken, corn, beans, tomatoes, and onions, and drizzled with a creamy avocado ranch dressing. This is one hearty salad that hits the spot all year around." —Soup Loving Nicole

14 of 17

Gnocchi Primavera

"Potato gnocchi with wonderful crisp vegetables and basil make a delicious, rustic meal." —Dawn Camacho

15 of 17

Quick and Easy Pancit

"This quick pancit recipe with chicken, vegetables, and rice noodles is easy and delicious. It will remind you of island fiestas!" —Heather Maurer

16 of 17

Scrumptious Salmon Cakes

"These salmon cakes are perfectly seasoned, pan-fried until crispy on the outside with lots of flaked salmon inside, and utterly delicious! They're one of my husband's favorite meals." —Judiebug

17 of 17

Delicious Black Bean Burritos

"This bean burrito recipe makes a creamy and flavorful filling with lots of cheese and onion. They are so good that you'll want to have them every night!" —jessica