Spring One-Dish Meals

By Southern Living
Photo: Hector Sanchez

One-dish meals make dining easy, and these delicious recipes feature the fresh flavors of spring. Farmers’ Market Pasta Salad is a wonderful way to celebrate what is in season. While you’re at the market, pick up everything you’ll need for another of our great one-dish meals, the Farmers’ Market Pizza—inspired by the DeKalb Farmers Market in Decatur, Georgia. If you want to add spice to your taste of spring, enjoy the Beef-and-Watermelon Stir-Fry: This recipe pairs its two main ingredients with the sweet heat of crushed red pepper, plus sugar snap peas. If you enjoy simple pasta dishes, cook the Pasta Shells with Spring Vegetables. Or, delight in the One-Pot Pasta with Tomato-Basil Sauce. All of these one-dish recipes make spring meals a breeze. So spring into the season and take our one-dish meals right from your oven—or stovetop—to the table.

Start Slideshow

1 of 26

Chicken Enchiladas

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Chicken Enchiladas

For a fast flourish, char one side of the tortillas directly over gas flames for a few seconds using tongs. These enchiladas are served with our super quick and easy (and oh-so-delicious) Tomatillo Salsa. If you aren't a fan of tomatillos or can't find them in your grocery store, swap in your favorite tomato variety or whip up one of our other salsa recipes to use as a topper. 

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 26

Pasta Shells with Spring Vegetables

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Pasta Shells with Spring Vegetables

Pea tendrils, the tender tips of pea vines that taste just like the peas, make an unexpected and charming garnish.

3 of 26

Greek Pork Chops with Squash and Potatoes

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Greek Pork Chops with Squash and Potatoes

A zesty marinade livens up this pork-and-veggie one sheet pan supper. Flavorful roasted squash, zucchini, and red potatoes make the perfect bed to serve pork loin chops. Pay attention when purchasing the pork chops, and opt for frenched pork rib chops – chops taken from the rib bone, and cut so that the rib bone is exposed and the meat is removed from the bone. In addition to making the cut’s presentation more appealing, frenching adds flavor. When preparing the dish, be sure to allow enough time for the pork chop to marinate. We recommend chilling the marinating pork for at least 8 hours to ensure it soaks up every last bit of lemon, garlic, and oregano flavor from the Greek marinade.

Advertisement

4 of 26

Honey-Soy-Glazed Salmon with Veggies and Oranges

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Honey-Soy-Glazed Salmon with Veggies and Oranges

Here's the delicious proof that you can serve a complete, no-mess fish dinner in less than 25 minutes. This recipe only uses one pan making cleanup a breeze. Just pile everything on your sheet pan and follow our instructions for perfectly broiled fish that will be on the table in no time.

5 of 26

Chicken-and-Artichoke Penne

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Chicken-and-Artichoke Penne

A handheld Microplane grater makes it easy to add fresh Parmesan flavor.

Watch: Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Pasta

6 of 26

Spring Vegetable Frittata

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Spring Vegetable Frittata

"A frittata is a great brunch dish for entertaining because it makes for an effortless and beautiful family-style presentation."

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 26

Beef-and-Watermelon Stir-Fry

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Beef-and-Watermelon Stir-Fry

The sweet heat of this beef dish is surprisingly refreshing. Slice the watermelon into sticks about the same size as the sugar snap peas so you get a sweet crunch in every bite. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for extra flavor.

8 of 26

Mix 'n' Match Spring Pasta Toss

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Mix 'n' Match Spring Pasta Toss

Using a mix of different shapes of pasta? Add any larger, thicker shapes to the pot 2 to 3 minutes before smaller pasta. Feel free to veer from the recipe and use up any vegetables that you have on hand. Try swapping out green beans or broccoli for the sugar snaps or 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper for the jarred pimiento.

9 of 26

Red Pepper, Potato, and Ricotta Frittata

Photo: Greg Dupree

Recipe: Red Pepper, Potato, and Ricotta Frittata

Part quiche, part omelet, but easier than both. This hearty Italian frittata recipe makes enough to feed your entire family—all in a single skillet. In our recipe, we amped up our basic eggs with diced red bell pepper, fresh parsley, chopped chives, crispy potato wedges, and creamy ricotta cheese. You can use any combination of fillings you'd like –such as savory bacon, summer tomatoes, or dried rosemary. For a simple fix, throw in last night’s leftovers and whichever cheese you have on hand. For a colorful, eye pleasing plate, make sure you include ingredients in a variety of colors: they will rise to the top of the frittata.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 26

Spring Salmon and Vegetable Salad

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: Spring Salmon and Vegetable Salad

This flavorful salmon dish is quick to make and easy to clean up! It pairs perfectly with a crisp white wine and the salad dressing is versatile enough to use throughout the week. Line your pan with foil for easy cleanup. The dressing will keep in the fridge up to one week.

11 of 26

Burst Tomato and Herb Spaghetti

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Burst Tomato and Herb Spaghetti

Serve up the sweet taste of the season any night of the week. Sautéed in a hot skillet with a splash of olive oil, grape tomatoes become fragrant and juicy – perfect for pairing with pasta.

12 of 26

Fast-and-Fresh Sausage Ragu

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Fast-and-Fresh Sausage Ragu

Use your favorite breakfast or Italian sausage. For a finer texture, break up the sausage as it cooks using a potato masher.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 26

Crispy Chicken Thighs with Pasta and Pesto

Photo: Greg Dupree

Recipe: Crispy Chicken Thighs with Pasta and Pesto

This stovetop-to-oven method yields crisp, dark-golden skin and juicy, tender meat.

14 of 26

Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry

This colorful chicken and vegetable stir fry is a delight for the eyes as well as the taste buds with its colorful array of yellow squash, red bell pepper, broccolini, and green onions.

15 of 26

Farmers' Market Pizza

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
Recipe: Farmers' Market Pizza Inspired by Decatur, GA

Dekalb Farmers Market, in the Decatur area, inspired the vegetable medley that tops this homemade pizza.

Check It Out: The Perfect Eating Day in Decatur, GA

 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 26

Quick Chicken Noodle Bowls

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Quick Chicken Noodle Bowls

Fresh lime juice adds extra bright flavor. Bringing the broth back to a boil before serving ensures the snap peas cook to a crisp-tender texture.

17 of 26

Lemony Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Lemony Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Broccoli rabe, a bitter, almost-spicy descendant of wild mustard, is actually more closely related to turnips than broccoli. Blanching, before sautéing, mellows out its bitterness and locks in the bright green color.

18 of 26

Bucatini, Ham, and Asparagus

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Bucatini, Ham, and Asparagus

Bucatini is long, thin pasta that's hollow in the center, like little garden hoses. Spaghetti and linguine are good substitutes.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 26

Lemon, Orzo, and Meatball Soup

Photo: Melina Hammer

Recipe: Lemon, Orzo, and Meatball Soup

This hearty twist on chicken noodle soup features small grains of orzo pasta and savory chicken meatballs.

20 of 26

Chicken Risotto with Spring Vegetables

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Chicken Risotto with Spring Vegetables

Skinless, boneless chicken breasts rule the roost in this fast weeknight meal, topped with savory Parmesan cheese slivers.

21 of 26

Pasta with Heirloom Tomatoes, Goat Cheese, and Basil

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Pasta with Heirloom Tomatoes, Goat Cheese, and Basil

When preparing this, start with half the vinaigrette. Cooked pasta absorbs dressing as it sits, so add the rest just before serving for a last-minute burst of flavor.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 26

One-Pot Pasta with Tomato-Basil Sauce

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: One-Pot Pasta with Tomato-Basil Sauce

This dish is a revelation. Throw all of your ingredients into one pot over medium-high heat, and about 25 minutes later you'll have noodles perfectly coated in a luscious tomato-basil sauce.

Watch: How To Make One-Pot Pasta with Tomato-Basil Sauce

23 of 26

Greek Salsa Salad with Grouper

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Greek Salsa Salad with Grouper

If you have 15 minutes, pick up steamed fish from your grocery seafood counter, and create this easy seafood recipe paired with fresh salsa.

24 of 26

Farmers' Market Pasta Salad

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Farmers' Market Pasta Salad

Cook the pasta al dente (1 or 2 minutes shorter than package directions specify) so it holds its shape when tossed with the vegetables and vinaigrette. Ripe for riffs, the salad is also delicious with cheese-filled tortellini.

Watch: Farmers' Market Pasta Salad

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 26

Chicken, Farro, and Vegetable Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Chicken, Farro, and Vegetable Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette 

Grilling the chicken and vegetables gives this healthy and hearty salad a smoky, sweet flavor. If you prefer, substitute sliced celery for fennel and pearl barley or wheat berries for farro.

 

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

Advertisement