10 Spring Dinners You Can Make With 5 Ingredients (or Less)

Make mealtime as breezy as the season with these quick and easy recipes.

Basic Cream of Asparagus Soup

The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

Springtime means not only fresh and vibrant seasonal ingredients in the kitchen, but taking advantage of quick and easy recipes so we can spend more time outside the kitchen (and just plain outside!). With these five-ingredient recipes, you can get dinner on the table in no time at all, without skimping on flavor and without having to make that second run to the grocery store. From a vibrant arugula salad to pan-seared salmon, these 10 easy spring dinner recipes will have you relishing every warm breeze.

  • 01 of 10

    Pan-Seared Salmon

    Pan-seared salmon served with lemon

    The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga

    This salmon recipe requires only one skillet and five staple ingredients—most of which you probably already have at home. After searing your salmon fillets to flaky perfection, serve them with lemon wedges for squeezing over them. Add a simple green salad or roasted potatoes for a full meal (that's still under 5 ingredients, too!).

  • 02 of 10

    Pasta Alfredo

    Pasta alfredo

    The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga

    In this five-ingredient recipe, butter, freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, and pasta water come together to create the silkiest and creamiest homemade Alfredo sauce. To take it a step further, toss in some fresh peas, spinach, broccoli florets, or asparagus!

  • 03 of 10

    30 Minute Mexican Enchiladas

    A top-down photo of Mexican enchiladas on a black plate

     The Spruce

    These delicious, cheesy enchiladas will have everyone at the table asking for seconds—guaranteed. The recipe suggests using store-bought enchilada sauce for ease, although if you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own. The bright green avocado on top gives them their springtime flare, but you could also serve them alongside a mix of spring greens.

  • 04 of 10

    Vegan Lemon Pasta With Pine Nuts and Broccoli

    Lemon pasta with pine nuts and broccoli

    Emily Hawkes for The Spruce

    You're going to want to add this pasta recipe to your spring rotation! In addition to broccoli, mint, and pine nuts, the pasta gets an added punch thanks to both lemon juice and zest. It's as satisfying as it is easy.

    Continue to 5 of 10 below.
  • 05 of 10

    Grilled Rosemary Garlic Shrimp

    Grilled rosemary shrimp

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

    Skewered foods are not only delicious, but they’re also fun to make. Get your friends or kids involved by having them assemble the skewers while you prep the rest of the meal. A great side dish idea: Toss asparagus in the leftover marinade and grill alongside the shrimp.

  • 06 of 10

    Pizza on the Grill

    Pizza on a grill served on a plate

    The Spruce/Julia Hartbeck

    If you’re in the mood for a pizza night but don’t feel like pulling out all the stops, this is the recipe for you. Store-bought pizza dough and premade sauce help keep the grocery list at five ingredients and the cooking time under half an hour. And who wants a hot oven in the spring–break out the grill! 

  • 07 of 10

    Easy Pesto Pasta

    Homemade pesto pasta.

     The Spruce

    Ready for the easiest meal you'll make this spring? Welcome, 3-ingredient pesto pasta. The whole thing comes together in just 15 minutes—and all you really have to do is boil the water.

  • 08 of 10

    Fennel, Grapefruit, and Arugula Salad

    Fennel, Grapefruit, and Arugula Salad

    The Spruce / Eric Kleinberg

    Although it might be considered a light meal, this vibrant salad has it all: ripe avocado, Ruby Red grapefruit, fennel, and crisp arugula. Enjoy it all on its own or pair with grilled chicken for a protein boost.

    Continue to 9 of 10 below.
  • 09 of 10

    5 Ingredient Vegetarian Oven-Baked Pasta

    Basic oven baked pasta recipe

    The Spruce / Ahlam Raffii 

    Before it gets too hot out and you don't want to turn on the oven, make this ultra-easy pasta recipe for the nights you want something more comforting. Made with jarred marinara sauce and two kinds of cheeses (!), it's an easy crowd-pleaser.

  • 10 of 10

    Basic Cream of Asparagus Soup

    Basic Cream of Asparagus Soup

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

    Nothing summons springtime as much as tender, bright green asparagus, and if you’re in need of a new way to cook them, you’ve come to the right place. This creamy asparagus soup is packed with flavor and makes for a great meal paired with toasted bread.