These Healthy Spring Recipes Really Take It Easy

With the hectic spring holidays of Easter and Passover upon us, you might be looking for recipes that are kind to the cook—and gentle on the digestion, too. This health-giving roster of recipes is just the thing for spring.
Spring minestrone verde with pistachio pesto in a white bowl.
Photo by Alex Lau, Food Styling by Sue Li, Prop Styling by Elizabeth Jaime
Monday:Chicken thighsall dressed for spring

Rich, juicy pan-seared chicken thighs are perfect for a light dinner—as long as they're balanced out by a heaping helping of sautéed leeks,asparagus, and peas (fresh or frozen). To get this dish on the table even faster, prep all of the vegetables the night before.

Tuesday: The Springiest Soup Ever

Soup for dinner? Definitely, when it's enriched with plenty of white beans, bright spring vegetables, and a healthy dollop of nutty pesto. Save some of the pesto to top a piece or two of crusty bread (or matzo) for dipping. Good chicken stock is key here; use homemade if you have it.

Wednesday: A pink-and-green salad

认为粉红色!粉色和绿色。没有惠ements fresh, aromatic celery better than buttery, rich chunks of roastedsalmon. Serve it warm or at room temperature—this salad defines easygoing. Don't have any preserved lemons on hand? Grate a little lemon zest over the top of the dish before serving.

Thursday: A bowl of brassicas

Brassicas, aka vegetables in the cabbage family, are never sweeter than they are this time of year, after they've stored up sugars over the long winter. Enjoy the last of them in this hippie-ish but ultra-satisfying bowl, topped with abuttery, soft-boiled egg. To score the perfect egg, follow Epi Food Director Rhoda's simple instructions: Lower the eggs into boiling water, cook for 6 minutes, drop into an ice bath for just a minute, then gently crack and peel under running water.

Friday: A Green galette that thinks it's a pizza

There's nothing better than Friday Pizza Night, and this galette gives you all of the satisfaction of the traditional Margherita, with a bonus dose of seasonal greens. Toss on whatever herbs you have in your fridge to finish the dish.