April is here, and it’s time to shake up your dinner routine with a new host of recipes. These easy dishes make brilliant use of seasonal spring produce and come packed with fresh flavours, from crunchy radishes to peppery watercress and delicate asparagus. Whether you need a quick weeknight meal or an impressive centrepiece for a weekend gathering, these 15 dinner ideas will brighten up your repertoire.
Discover more seasonal recipe ideas in our comprehensive collection of April recipes. We also have the very best spring dinner ideas, spring pasta recipes and spring salad recipes.
Spring onions and ginger bring an aromatic lift to this crispy fried chicken bowl. It’s a fun, fresh-tasting dinner that takes about an hour to make and is best served with sticky rice and seasonal spring greens. The spring onion oil is an addictive condiment that adds extra depth and zing.
See more spring greens recipes.
Rainbow trout is the star here, roasted with lemon and dill and served with a herby potato salad and crunchy radish slaw. It’s ready in just under an hour and makes a lovely alternative to a traditional roast. The radishes and new potatoes add a true taste of spring.
Check out more trout recipes.
This traybake is packed with artichokes, new potatoes, cherry tomatoes and spring onions, tossed with sausages and finished with a swirl of pesto. It’s a healthy, high-fibre meal that’s ready in under an hour, perfect for busy evenings when you want something hearty but simple. The seasonal vegetables bring colour and freshness to the table.
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Inspired by Hainanese chicken rice, this one-pot dish features spring onions and ginger for a fragrant, comforting meal. With chicken thighs, basmati rice and a finishing drizzle of chilli oil, it’s a low-calorie option that comes together in 45 minutes. Perfect for a no-fuss midweek supper.
See more chicken thigh recipes.
This vegetarian recipe puts charred spring onions and protein-rich tofu at the forefront, served with wholegrain rice and a glossy teriyaki sauce. It’s low in fat and ready in just 30 minutes, making it a speedy and satisfying choice for a meat-free night.
Check out more tofu recipes.
Spring greens are paired with smoky bacon, lemon and a touch of chilli in this creamy pasta dish. It’s ready in just 30 minutes and makes an easy, flavour-packed dinner. The greens lend a fresh, vibrant quality that balances the richness of the sauce.
Discover more creamy pasta recipes.
This impressive roast features a dry-brined chicken with golden Jersey Royals and a herby watercress stuffing. Perfect for a Sunday lunch or special occasion. The watercress brings a peppery brightness and the potatoes soak up all the delicious juices.
See more roast chicken recipes.
Peppery watercress and earthy lentils make this gluten-free dish both nourishing and filling. It’s quick to make – just 35 minutes – and a great way to enjoy gammon steaks with a healthy twist. You also only need four ingredients to throw it together.
Check out more gammon steak recipes.
This vibrant risotto is packed with watercress and finished with creamy goat’s cheese and toasted hazelnuts for crunch. Ready in under an hour, it’s a lovely way to showcase spring’s peppery greens. This vegetarian dish is perfect for a comforting yet elegant supper.
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Spring greens and soba noodles are tossed in an umami-rich miso dressing and topped with marinated eggs in this vegetarian dish. It’s high in protein and takes just 45 minutes (plus marinating time for the eggs), making it an ideal lunch or light dinner as the weather warms up.
See more noodle salad recipes.
This aromatic stew showcases succulent lamb shoulder paired with sweet medjool dates and plenty of vegetables. It’s a hearty, comforting dish ideal for a leisurely weekend dinner and serves the whole family, packed with high-fibre chickpeas and fresh herbs. The slow cooking (about 2 hours 30 minutes) delivers melt-in-the-mouth meat and a tagine-style richness.
Check out more lamb shoulder recipes.
Make the most of peppery watercress in this Vietnamese-inspired noodle soup, featuring tender slices of sirloin or rib-eye steak. It’s high in protein and perfect for an aromatic supper that’s ready in under an hour. Ideal for a nourishing meal when you fancy something warming but not too heavy.
Discover more Vietnamese-inspired recipes.
This vegetarian tart puts new potatoes and asparagus centre stage, finished with goat’s cheese and a fresh mint salsa verde. It’s gluten-free and makes a standout dish for a springtime lunch or casual supper. The vibrant flavours and crisp edges make it a real crowd-pleaser.
See more vegetable tart recipes.
Celebrate spring with this veggie lasagne layered with spinach, peas, asparagus and leeks, topped with pine nuts for extra texture. Ready in 35 minutes, it’s a high-fibre option that’s perfect for a meat-free Monday or a relaxed family meal. The fresh greens make every bite feel light and seasonal.
Check out more vegetarian lasagne recipes.
Spring greens and leeks shine in this easy traybake, where juicy chicken legs roast with butter beans and are later drizzled in a punchy herb and caper salsa. With a prep time of 25 minutes and an hour to cook, this dish is ideal for a relaxed weekend dinner. It’s high in protein and can be served with crusty bread to mop up the lovely juices.
Discover more chicken leg recipes.
Enjoy these springtime recipes? Find more easy and seasonal cooking recipes…
Easy one-pot spring recipes
What’s in season – April
Budget spring recipes
Low-calorie spring recipes
Healthy spring meal plan