Spring is right around the corner, and as the days get lighter, many people start craving lighter, healthier meals as well. If you’re looking to try something fresh for spring, these three recipes are just the thing for you.

Quinoa Salad

Makes about six servings

1 ½ cups dry quinoa

1 cup cherry tomatoes

1 cup diced cucumbers

1 cup feta cheese

¼ cup olive oil

2 tbsp red wine vinegar

1 tsp mustard

½ tsp each: basil and oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Drain, rinse and set aside. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, red wine vinegar, mustard and spices until well combined. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, tomatoes, peppers and feta. Toss with dressing. Serve chilled.

Basic Granola

Makes about six cups, adapted from superhealthykids.com

4 cups large-flake oats

¼ cup brown sugar

⅓ cup honey

½ cup oil

2 cups total of mix-ins: almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, dried coconut, raisins, dried cherries, etc.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, mix together oats and brown sugar. Add  honey and oil, and mix together. Add your mix-ins and combine. Spread on a greased baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, stirring every five minutes to ensure granola doesn’t burn.

Maple Baked Salmon

Makes six servings, adapted from canadianliving.com

¼ cup maple syrup

4 tsp mustard

4 tsp soy sauce

2 lbs of salmon fillets

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In a small bowl, mix together maple syrup, mustard and soy sauce. Arrange salmon on a baking sheet lined with foil and greased. Brush maple mustard mixture over fillets. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Fish is done when slightly brown and flakes easily.

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Emily Klatt / Sports & Health Editor

Graphic: Paige Sutherland