Spring is the season of renewal- and that includes your plate. As the weather warms and gardens begin to bloom, a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables come into season, bringing color, flavor, and nutrition back to the forefront of your meals. Eating seasonally not only supports local farmers and reduces your carbon footprint but also ensures you’re getting produce at its peak freshness and taste. Discover fresh, simple, and delicious recipes that highlight in-season produce like asparagus, peas, radishes, spinach, strawberries, and more.
1. Spring Vegetable Stir-Fry
This colorful stir-fry is light, crisp, and bursting with seasonal flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and chopped
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 cup carrots, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Optional: sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
Instructions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add vegetables and stir-fry for 5–7 minutes until tender-crisp. Add soy sauce and sesame oil, stir to coat, and serve over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
2. Strawberry Spinach Salad
Sweet, tangy, and refreshing, this salad captures the essence of spring in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or almonds
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions: In a large bowl, toss together spinach, strawberries, nuts, and feta. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the salad and toss lightly before serving.
3. Spring Pea and Mint Soup
A creamy, comforting soup that’s still light enough for warmer days.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: a dollop of Greek yogurt or crème fraîche for topping
Instructions: Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft. Add peas and broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Add mint, then puree with an immersion blender until smooth. Season to taste and serve warm or chilled.
4. Radish and Avocado Toast
This simple yet elegant toast is packed with flavor and texture.
Ingredients:
-
- 2 slices whole grain or sourdough bread, toasted
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed
- 4–5 radishes, thinly sliced
- Fresh lemon juice
- Salt, pepper, and red chili flakes to taste
Instructions: Spread mashed avocado on each slice of toast. Top with radish slices, a squeeze of lemon juice, and your desired seasonings. Serve immediately for a crisp, healthy snack or light lunch.
5. Lemon Herb Roasted New Potatoes
Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these potatoes are perfect for spring meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb new potatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary or thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss potatoes with olive oil, lemon juice and zest, herbs, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes until golden and tender, flipping halfway through.
Celebrate Spring with Every Bite
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your eating habits and enjoy the vibrant flavors of in-season produce. These easy recipes make the most of what nature has to offer—simple ingredients, quick preparation, and delicious results. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing a meal with family and friends, let spring’s freshest ingredients inspire your kitchen and bring your meals to life.