10 Fresh and Light Recipe ideas to Celebrate the Start of Spring

With warmer weather comes a hankering for fresh, light meals.

While we're still transitioning from winter veggies into the new season crops, it can be hard to think of what to make for dinner that isn't a soup or hearty stew!

So, to inspire you to cook with flair this season, here are 10 recipe ideas that'll bring spring to your table:

Spanakopita: A Greek classic combining fresh spinach with puff pastry and soft cheese that will have everybody going back for seconds. Great as a lunch, light dinner, a picnic snack or a BBQ side dish, spanakopita is a real crowd pleaser.

Creamy Spring Greens Rigatoni with Lemon, Chilli and Bacon: Up your pasta game with this spring-inspired pot of deliciousness! Combining good carbohydrates with fresh greens like spinach, silverbeet, kale (whatever you've got, really!), this dish is loaded with nutrients and long-lasting energy.

Charred Spring Onion, Chilli and Feta Flatbread: Put spring onions in the limelight with this flatbread combo that begs to be enjoyed on a lovely spring day! A quick and easy lunchtime treat for those days when you've got a few minutes to spare.

Pasta Primavera: The name itself screams spring; combining fresh greens with energy-dense pasta, this dish is the perfect winter-spring transition.

Spinach and Lemon Risotto with Crispy Prosciutto: Bring together the zesty tones of lemon with the verdant, mild earthy flavours of spinach and crunchy texture of prosciutto in this warming and refreshing dish - perfect on these cooler nights.

Spring Greens and Cauliflower Tabbouleh: Whole grains are a fabulous way to get protein and nutrients into one's diet; tabbouleh is a delicious salad that works with any combo of veggies. Incorporating spring goodies like cauliflower and spring onions brings a taste of the new season!

Rainbow Kale Salad with Carrot Ginger Dressing: Spring means the salad season is upon us - welcome the warmer weather with this combo of immune-boosting goodness with nutrient-dense leafy greens (given that the flu season isn't entirely over just yet!).

Greens Shakshuka: Eggs poached in the nutritious juices of sautèed spring greens to create a mouthwatering breakfast, lunch or dinner. Serve alongside toasted crusty bread to round out the meal.

Spanish Tortilla: Keep your protein intake up with this light but filling dish, bringing together thinly sliced potatoes and onions with beaten eggs, some herbs and spices and, of course, cheese. Top with a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick!

Sesame Carrot and Beetroot Salad with Feta: The perfect potluck dish, side salad or wrap filling - this salad puts our classic winter veggies into the spring theme with minimal effort and basic pantry ingredients.