Get ready for some healthy dinner recipes perfect for the hotter months! From Easy Chicken Taquitos to The Ultimate Chicken …

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5 Healthy Dinner Recipes Perfect For Spring & Summer

As the warmer months approach, it’s the perfect time to refresh your dinner menu with vibrant, nutritious meals that highlight the best seasonal ingredients. Spring and summer bring a bounty of fresh produce, lean proteins, and lighter cooking methods, making it easy to create delicious and healthy dinners. Here are five healthy dinner recipes that are not only flavorful but also easy to prepare, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying those bright, sunny evenings.

1. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the chicken breasts in the mixture for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator).
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

2. Quinoa Salad with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cook quinoa in vegetable broth or water according to package instructions; set aside to cool.
2. Blanch asparagus in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp, then drain and rinse under cold water.
3. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour over the salad and toss to combine.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving for flavors to meld.

3. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Shrimp

Ingredients:

• 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: pine nuts and grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook in the skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add zucchini noodles and sauté for 2-3 minutes until just tender.
3. Add pesto to the zucchini noodles and toss to combine. Return shrimp to the skillet, mix well, and cook for an additional minute to warm through.
4. Serve hot, topped with pine nuts and grated Parmesan if desired.

4. Lemon Garlic Roasted Salmon with Asparagus

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh dill for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. On a baking sheet, arrange salmon fillets and asparagus. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle the mixture over the salmon and asparagus.
4. Roast for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and asparagus is tender.
5. Garnish with fresh dill before serving.

5. Mediterranean Chickpea Wraps

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Whole wheat tortillas or wraps
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese.
2. Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, and toss to combine.
3. Spoon the mixture onto whole wheat tortillas or wraps and roll tightly.
4. Cut in half and serve with a side of fresh salad or yogurt dip.

These healthy dinner recipes offer a burst of flavor while making the most of seasonal ingredients. They are designed to be quick, easy, and satisfying, perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want to enjoy a hearty and wholesome meal. Embrace the freshness of spring and summer by incorporating these delightful dishes into your dinner routine!