I know I don’t need to convince you to get excited that spring is upon us. We’re all welcoming the warmer weather, longer days, and blooming flowers with open arms (if you’re not… I have major questions). While everyone is fawning over the weather, I’ve been eagerly anticipating another aspect of the season for the entirety of winter: spring recipes. Sure, soups are great for the first few weeks of cold weather, but after months of eating strictly stews and heavy winter meals, I’m tired of feeling like I have the diet of a Victorian child.
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Now that spring is here, I’m celebrating by whipping up some light, fresh recipes using spring’s seasonal produce, like strawberries, carrots, and peas. The fact is that in-season fruits and veggies simply taste better since they’re picked at peak flavor. And according to the Mayo Clinic, produce is more nutrient-dense when harvested during its prime, so shopping in season has extra health benefits. Plus, you might just save some money: Produce tends to cost less when sold in-season. Read on to learn what produce is in season for spring and find some of the best recipes to put them to good use.
Spring Produce Guide
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, here are all the fruits and vegetables that are in season during spring:
- Apples
- Apricots
- Asparagus
- Avocados
- Bananas
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Celery
- Collard Greens
- Garlic
- Herbs
- Kale
- Kiwi
- Lemons
- Lettuce
- Limes
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Peas
- Pineapples
- Radishes
- Rhubarb
- Spinach
- Strawberries
- Swiss Chard
- Turnips
Spring Recipes to Try This Season
Once you’re all stocked up on seasonal fruits and veggies, try one of these spring recipes to take advantage of the season’s best flavors.
1. Bright Spring Vegetable Salad
This recipe is chock-full of spring produce, all wrapped up into one delicious salad. It also makes it super easy to eat the rainbow thanks to the assortment of colorful vegetables like radishes and asparagus.
2. Spring Pea Pasta with Burrata
Don’t worry—just because we’re opting for lighter meals in the spring doesn’t mean we’re eliminating pasta. This spring pea pasta is packed with flavor and is the perfect recipe to add a spring twist to a favorite dish.
3. Avocado Bruschetta
This recipe comes together in minutes but tastes like you spent much more time in the kitchen. Serve it as an appetizer or side dish, or keep it all for yourself for a delicious girl dinner.
4. Carrot Cake Pancakes
Who says carrot cake is just for dessert? These pancakes are sure to start your day off on a sweet note, and they’re also gluten- and dairy-free.
5. Vegan Swiss Chard Wraps
These vegan Swiss chard wraps can be made in just 20 minutes, and trust me, you’ll want to drizzle the homemade sriracha sauce over everything once you try it.
6. Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw
Something about shrimp just feels so spring to me. It’s fresh, filling, and delicious, and these spicy shrimp tacos are no exception.
7. Spring Vegetable Frittata
As someone who eats eggs for breakfast all the time, I’m always looking for a way to mix up my usual boring scramble. This frittata is easy enough to add to my breakfast rotation but looks impressive enough for a fancy brunch spread.
8. Oven Roasted Asparagus Flatbread
Move over pizza delivery! This pesto-topped flatbread is packed with delicious, in-season ingredients, and it can be made in the time it takes for delivery to even get to your house.
9. Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
If you love a classic chicken and rice dinner, this is the spring recipe for you. It takes this basic meal prep dinner to a whole new level.
10. Grilled Salmon Pineapple and Rice Lettuce Wraps
Nothing says warm weather like a ripe, juicy pineapple, and that is the star of this recipe. Thanks to the addition of grilled salmon and brown rice, it’s also full of protein, perfect for if you’re trying to up your intake.
11. Mushroom Pasta
This mushroom pasta seamlessly balances rich, creamy flavor without being too heavy, making it an ideal spring recipe for when the weather still hasn’t quite warmed up.
12. Rhubarb Crisp
IMO, spring desserts are absolutely unmatched. Something about sweet, in-season fruit in a baked good recipe is simply divine, and this rhubarb crisp is just that.
13. Spicy Tuna Spiralized Spring Vegetable Salad
This spicy tuna spring salad is budget-friendly, ready in ten minutes, and, most importantly, delicious. You’ll never go back to just eating canned tuna on a cracker after tasting this.
14. Strawberry Muffins
Muffins are so versatile: They can be a yummy breakfast, sweet treat, or midday snack, and these tasty strawberry muffins will have you partaking in all three uses.
15. Tropical Kale & Quinoa Power Salad
This recipe is great for meal prepping because it keeps so well in the fridge. Make it for dinner and enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day.
16. Pineapple Mango Sorbet
With warmer weather approaching, ice cream is a must. Instead of settling for a boring pint of vanilla, try this refreshing pineapple mango sorbet.
17. Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Okay, I know I said I said I’m sick of soup, but this recipe is the exception. The zesty lemon flavor makes it just right for springtime, and it’s the ultimate comfort meal if seasonal allergies are getting the best of you.
18. Garlic Shrimp Pasta
This pasta recipe might seem fancy, but it’s actually quite simple to make. Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables— or whatever is in season!
19. Blueberry French Toast Casserole
It’s impossible to have a bad day when it starts with French toast, especially a healthy one full of lemon and blueberries. Since this recipe is made in casserole form, you can put it together the night before and then simply wake up and pop it in the oven.
20. Charred Corn and Goat Cheese Avocado Toast
Avocado toast is a staple meal, and adding a fun twist only makes it that much better. This charred corn and goat cheese avocado toast will leave you wondering how you ever ate it any other way.
