10 Healthyish Spring Recipes for When You’re Craving Lighter Vibes

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Spring is here, and we’re leaning into food that feels lighter, brighter, and just a smidge healthier—without ditching flavor (or frosting). These recipes walk that fun little line between wholesome and indulgent. Think Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal Cups that taste like dessert for breakfast, a Glow Bowl that glows and satisfies, and Yogurt Cake so simple it practically makes itself. Craving something creamy? The Avocado Ranch Dip has you covered. Or brighten your day with Lemon Blueberry Scones that are as soft as a spring breeze. Whether you’re after greens, grains, or a good excuse to eat marshmallows with fruit, there’s something here to match your vibe!

Avocado Ranch Dip

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Presenting a delicious Avocado Ranch Dip
Photo credit: Two Peas and Their Pod

This Avocado Ranch Dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for parties or a simple snack. Creamy avocado is combined with Greek yogurt and fresh herbs to create a flavorful dip that both kids and adults will love. Serve it with your favorite chips or veggies for a guaranteed hit!
Get the Recipe: Avocado Ranch Dip

Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal Cups

gluten free carrot cake baked oatmeal cup on a plate
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

These carrot cake baked oatmeal cups are a healthy and delicious breakfast or snack, perfect for using up those carrots in your fridge! They’re naturally sweetened and topped with a light cream cheese glaze, making them a crowd-pleasing treat that even the kids will love. Plus, they’re gluten-free and freezer-friendly, making them a convenient option for busy mornings.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal Cups

Yogurt Cake

A close-up of a sliced cake topped with dollops of whipped cream, fresh raspberries, blueberries, and mint leaves. The cake is lightly dusted with powdered sugar.
Photo credit: Cooking Classy

This Yogurt Cake by Cooking Classy is a simple and delicious treat that’s made a bit healthier with Greek yogurt and olive oil. The cake has a wonderful moist crumb, similar to muffins or pound cake, and pairs perfectly with fresh fruit and whipped cream.
Get the Recipe: Yogurt Cake

Lemon Brownies

A stack of three lemon brownies on the table dusted with powdered sugar.
Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

These Lemon Brownies are a delightful combination of brownies and cookies with a citrusy twist. This bar dessert recipe is perfect for lemon lovers and is sure to be a hit! Enjoy the bright flavors in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Brownies

Kale Salad

Kale salad
Photo credit: Love and Lemons

This vibrant kale salad is a delightful mix of textures and flavors, featuring colorful veggies, crispy chickpeas, creamy avocado, cranberries, and pepitas. Massaged kale leaves make it tender and easy to digest, while a zesty dressing ties everything together for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Kale Salad

Fruit Salad with Marshmallows and Whipped Cream

A bowl filled with fruit salad with marshmallows and whipped cream.
Photo credit: House of Nash Eats

This Fruit Salad with Marshmallows and Whipped Cream is a simple, no-bake dessert that is always a crowd pleaser. The combination of fruit cocktail, fresh fruit, fluffy marshmallows, and a creamy whipped topping makes this salad a hit for any occasion. It’s especially great for holidays, potlucks, or a quick dessert.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Salad with Marshmallows and Whipped Cream

Lemon Blueberry Scones

Moist Lemon Blueberry Scone Recipe
Photo credit: Baking a Moment

These Lemon Blueberry Scones are perfect for any brunch or get-together! Bursting with fresh blueberries and bright lemon flavor, these scones are easy to make and will be a crowd-pleaser. Top with a simple lemon glaze for the perfect finishing touch.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Blueberry Scones

The Best Buttermilk Pancakes

Maple syrup being poured over a tall stack of pancakes with a dab of butter on top. Pancakes are sitting on a large white plate on a marble surface, background is black.
Photo credit: Cooking Classy

These buttermilk pancakes are guaranteed to be a family favorite! They’re fluffy, flavorful, and perfectly moist, making them ideal for a hearty breakfast or brunch. Top them with your favorite pancake toppings and serve with maple syrup for the perfect meal.
Get the Recipe: The Best Buttermilk Pancakes

Blood Orange Green Smoothie

Glasses of our vegan Blood Orange Green Smoothie surrounded by key ingredients such as banana, blood orange, and spinach
Photo credit: Minimalist Baker

Start your day with this vibrant and refreshing Blood Orange Green Smoothie. This vegan and gluten-free smoothie requires only 6 ingredients and can be made in just 15 minutes. It’s the perfect quick and healthy breakfast or snack!
Get the Recipe: Blood Orange Green Smoothie

Glow Bowl

A healthy, vegan
Photo credit: Feasting at Home

This vibrant and healthy vegan Glow Bowl is packed with nutrients and antioxidants, perfect for a summer meal. Featuring black barley, fresh blueberries, fennel, and a zesty orange vinaigrette, it’s a simple and tasty way to nourish your skin from the inside out. Customize it with your favorite grains and toppings for a satisfying plant-based dish.
Get the Recipe: Glow Bowl

About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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