Spectacular Spring Dinner

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Spectacular Spring Dinner is a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients that come together in a beautiful and flavorful meal. This dinner brings the lightness of spring vegetables, tender proteins, and vibrant herbs to the table, making it perfect for a special occasion or a simple but elegant evening meal. The combination of roasted vegetables, a flavorful main dish, and a refreshing dessert will impress your guests and leave everyone feeling satisfied.

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Roasted Spring Vegetables:

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 1 cup baby carrots, peeled
• 1 cup baby potatoes, halved
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Lemon Herb Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Spring Salad:

• 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, and baby kale)
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup radishes, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup cucumber, sliced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Strawberry Rhubarb Sorbet (Dessert):

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled
• 1 cup rhubarb, chopped
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Directions

For the Roasted Spring Vegetables:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss the asparagus, carrots, and baby potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange the vegetables on the baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and golden.

For the Lemon Herb Chicken:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Rub the marinade over the chicken breasts and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.
3. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
4. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

For the Spring Salad:

1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, radishes, cucumber, and feta cheese.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and toss to combine.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

For the Strawberry Rhubarb Sorbet:

1. In a saucepan, combine the strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes until the fruit breaks down and the mixture thickens slightly.
2. Puree the mixture in a blender until smooth.
3. Add the lemon juice and mix well.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, then freeze in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4.
Preparation time: 10 minutes (vegetables and chicken)
Cooking time: 30-35 minutes (for chicken and vegetables)
Total time: 45 minutes (excluding sorbet freezing time)

Variations

• Swap the chicken for salmon or lamb chops for a different protein.
• Add roasted garlic or caramelized onions to the vegetables for an extra layer of flavor.
• Use goat cheese or blue cheese instead of feta for the salad.
• Try a different fruit for the sorbet, such as peaches or mango, to create a unique flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Store the roasted vegetables and chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop.
• The salad is best served fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and toss just before serving.
• The strawberry rhubarb sorbet can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month.

FAQs

Can I make this dinner ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the vegetables, chicken, and salad ingredients ahead of time. Just assemble the salad and cook the chicken and vegetables closer to serving.

Can I make the sorbet without an ice cream maker?
Yes, if you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can freeze the sorbet mixture in a shallow pan, stirring every 30 minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.

Can I use frozen vegetables?
Fresh vegetables are recommended for the best texture, but frozen vegetables can be used if needed. Just be sure to thaw them before roasting.

Can I use other fruits in the sorbet?
Yes, feel free to swap the strawberries and rhubarb with other fruits like raspberries, peaches, or blueberries for a different flavor.

Conclusion

Spectacular Spring Dinner brings together the best of the season, combining fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a refreshing sorbet for dessert. It’s a well-rounded, flavorful meal that’s perfect for celebrating spring. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or simply enjoying a fresh, satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation.

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