Celebrate Spring With These 5 Meatless Monday Dinners
Here are five mains, plus a bonus goat cheese salad you don't want to miss.
Easter has passed, meaning summer is almost on deck. But don’t rush past April’s spring produce just yet! As you celebrate #MeatlessMonday, take advantage of the fresh asparagus, peas, lemons, mushrooms, and fresh herbs popping up at your supermarket and start cooking some spectacular plant-based meals.
This spring, enjoy elegant pasta dishes, grain bowls, and salads that can all come together in less than 30 minutes—perfect for a busy weeknight.
Struggling to cook healthy? We'll help you prep.
April 2: Broccoli, Lemon, and Browned Butter Pasta
Browned butter brings a nutty sweetness and pairs beautifully with whole wheat pasta. Mix in bright broccoli crowns, lemon slices, and top it off with pecorino Romano cheese for a perfect main.
View the recipe: Broccoli, Lemon, and Browned Butter Pasta
April 9: Mushroom and Asparagus Grain Bowl
Not all grain bowls are great, but this version tops chewy farro with spring-forward ingredients like mushrooms, sliced fennel, and asparagus for an amazing— and healthy — dinner option. Stir in the delicate lemon-butter sauce and shaved Parmesan cheese for the perfect 25-minute main.
View the recipe: Mushroom and Asparagus Grain Bowl
Interested in learning more about the Cooking Light Diet? Join today at CookingLightDiet.com, or email your questions here: feedback@cookinglightdiet.com.
April 16: Carrot and Orecchiette
Cumin, coriander, dill, cilantro, and chives add layers of flavor to this pasta that the entire family will ask for again and again.
View the recipe: Carrot and Orecchiette
April 23: Mostly Mushroom Pasta
This pasta is packed with flavors and textures from three different varieties of mushrooms, giving this veggie dish an uncharacteristically meaty bite. The sauce is reminiscent of decadent stroganoff, but it packs on only 313 calories.
View the recipe: Mostly Mushroom Pasta
April 30: Spring Vegetable Pasta Alfredo
Asparagus, sugar snap peas, and green peas spring forward in this less than 250 calorie Alfredo dish. A perfectly smooth sauce courtesy of a milk, flour, cream cheese, and pecorino Romano will satisfy all your cream sauce cravings.
View the recipe: Spring Vegetable Pasta Alfredo
Bonus: Spring Salad with Herbed Goat Cheese
Bright green vegetables, fresh herbs, citrus dressing, and creamy goat cheese come together to remind you of all the flavors you love most about Spring.
View the recipe: Spring Salad with Herbed Goat Cheese