by Lauren Hodges, Sunshima blog writer
Now that we are emerging from our winter slumber, gone are the days of heavy stews, thick soups, and steaming pastas. We are moving on and welcoming the season of colourful, fresh, and refreshing dishes that are both eye-catching and delicious! Whether you’re looking for Easter supper meals or just some new spring-time recipes, these are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters!
Swap the Stew for Lamb!
For those of you looking for a heartier meal that is still light and satisfying, check out this Healthy Easter Lamb Recipe from bbcgoodfood.com! This recipe is packed with nutritious foods such as springtime veggies, fresh lemon, garden worthy herbs and spices and of course, the lamb! The veggies you roast with the lamb can easily be swapped out for whichever veggies are your favourites. Personally, I’d go with chantenay carrots or even some asparagus!
Go Vegetarian for a Meal!
Something I personally enjoy eating in the spring and summer months are lettuce wraps or lettuce cups! They are extremely easy to customize and fill you up without weighing you down. These Buffalo Chickpea Lettuce Cups from SkinnyTaste.com are the perfect mix of light and airy while also being satiating and delicious! You could even bake the chickpeas to add a satisfying crunch!
Pack in the Spring-Time Veggies!
If you’re looking for something that is quick, colourful, and requires zero cooking time, I highly recommend these Rainbow Spring Rolls from MinimalistBaker.com with a Thai peanut sauce! Like the buffalo lettuce cups, these spring rolls are easy to customize so you do not need to follow the recipe to a T. They take minimal effort and can be made in 30 minutes with very few ingredients. These spring rolls are packed with fresh veggies like carrots, cucumber, and bell pepper so they are healthy, crunchy and filled with nutrients! If you’re looking for a low-sodium option, try swapping out the soy sauce in the peanut sauce for an alternative like liquid or coconut aminos!
Go for the Fish!
You can’t get any lighter than a salmon filet tossed in fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and Mediterranean herbs and spices. This Mediterranean Grilled Salmon from womansday.com is easy to prep, packed with healthy fats and protein, and tastes as spectacular as it looks on your plate! It is easy to prep in bulk and if you add a side salad, you have a healthy, well-rounded meal that is delicious and nutritious! You could even swap out the salmon for another variety of fish such as Cod or Bass
Take Advantage of Lighter Meats
A simple recipe that is light, fresh, and tasty, this Lemon Chicken Recipe from PinchofYum.com uses only five ingredients and is an absolute crowd pleaser! Chicken is a great option for you if you’re looking for a lighter meat that is filling without being heavy. The fresh lemons in this recipe scream spring and the veggies in the bake are yours for the choosing! The recipe calls for asparagus, but swap in whichever one is your favourite!
Finding healthy alternatives for Easter does not have to mean you need to give up on flavour, texture, or feeling satisfied! There is more to eating light and healthy than just eating salads all day long! Regardless of which recipe(s) you try out for Easter, you are guaranteed to feel satisfied without feeling like you need to put your healthy eating journey on hold! Happy Easter!