15 Delicious Spring Recipes with Fresh Produce

Spring is a time of renewal, bringing with it a bounty of fresh produce that’s perfect for creating vibrant, delicious dishes. As the days grow longer and the weather warms up, it’s the ideal opportunity to explore new recipes that highlight the best seasonal ingredients. In this article, we will dive into 15 mouthwatering spring recipes that celebrate fresh produce and bring a taste of the season to your table.

1. Asparagus and Lemon Risotto

This creamy risotto is a fantastic way to highlight the delicate flavor of asparagus, a true spring vegetable.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, heat the vegetable broth over medium heat.
2. In a separate large skillet, sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
3. Add the Arborio rice and stir for 1-2 minutes.
4. Gradually add the broth, one ladle at a time, stirring continuously until absorbed.
5. After about 15 minutes, add the asparagus.
6. Once the rice is creamy and al dente, stir in the lemon zest, juice, and Parmesan.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.

2. Spring Pea Salad with Feta

This refreshing salad is a colorful mix of fresh peas, tangy feta, and vibrant herbs.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh peas (or frozen, thawed)
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine peas, feta, mint, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

3. Strawberry and Spinach Salad

This salad is not only packed with nutrients but also offers a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 2 cups strawberries, sliced
• 1/4 cup almonds, sliced
• 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, almonds, and goat cheese.
2. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently.
3. Serve immediately.

4. Radish and Cucumber Sandwiches

These light and crisp sandwiches are perfect for a spring picnic or light lunch.

Ingredients:

• 1 baguette, sliced
• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 1 cup radishes, thinly sliced
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Spread cream cheese on each slice of baguette.
2. Layer with radishes and cucumber slices.
3. Season with salt and pepper, then top with another slice of baguette.
4. Cut in half and serve.

5. Lemon Garlic Roasted Vegetables

This dish is a great way to use up seasonal vegetables and can be served as a side or a main meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups cauliflower florets
• 1 cup carrots, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix all vegetables with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes.
4. Serve warm.

6. Rhubarb Crumble

This sweet and tart dessert is a perfect way to celebrate rhubarb season.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups rhubarb, chopped
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 cup oats
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix rhubarb, sugar, and cornstarch, then place in a baking dish.
3. In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and melted butter.
4. Sprinkle the oat mixture over the rhubarb.
5. Bake for 30-40 minutes until the topping is golden brown.

7. Grilled Vegetable Skewers

These colorful skewers are not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• 8 cherry tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Thread the vegetables onto skewers.
4. Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally.
5. Serve warm.

8. Quinoa and Vegetable Stuffed Peppers

These stuffed peppers are a healthy and filling option, packed with nutrients and flavor.

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix quinoa, black beans, corn, spices, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff the mixture into the halved bell peppers.
4. Place in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes.
5. Serve with your favorite salsa.

9. Carrot and Ginger Soup

This warming soup is perfect for cool spring evenings and is loaded with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 carrots, chopped
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté onions until translucent.
2. Add carrots and ginger, cooking for another 5 minutes.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Blend until smooth and season with salt and pepper.

10. Lemon Basil Pasta

This light pasta dish is bursting with the flavors of spring, thanks to fresh basil and lemon.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces pasta of choice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add lemon juice and zest, along with the cooked pasta.
4. Mix in fresh basil and season with salt and pepper.

11. Spring Vegetable Stir Fry

This quick and colorful stir fry is an excellent way to use a variety of spring vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup snap peas
• 1 cup asparagus, cut into pieces
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. In a non-stick skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat.
2. Add vegetables and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in soy sauce and sesame seeds, cooking for another minute.
4. Serve immediately.

12. Broccoli and Cheese Frittata

This frittata makes for a great brunch dish, featuring fresh broccoli and gooey cheese.

Ingredients:

• 6 eggs
• 1 cup broccoli, chopped
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
3. Add broccoli, cheese, salt, and pepper, mixing well.
4. Pour into a greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until set.

13. Chilled Cucumber Soup

This refreshing soup is a perfect appetizer or light lunch for warm days.

Ingredients:

• 2 cucumbers, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine cucumbers, yogurt, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth and chill for at least 1 hour.
3. Serve cold with a sprinkle of fresh dill on top.

14. Sweet Pea and Mint Dip

This vibrant dip is perfect for spring parties and pairs well with fresh veggies or crackers.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh peas (or frozen, thawed)
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, blend peas, mint, yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Serve with pita chips or vegetable sticks.

15. Seasonal Fruit Tart

Wrap up your spring meal with a beautiful fruit tart featuring the season’s best fruits.

Ingredients:

• 1 pre-made tart shell
• 1 cup pastry cream
• 2 cups assorted seasonal fruits (strawberries, kiwi, blueberries)
• 1/4 cup apricot jam

Instructions:

1. Fill tart shell with pastry cream and arrange fruits on top.
2. Heat apricot jam until liquid, then brush over the fruit for shine.
3. Chill until ready to serve.

These 15 spring recipes celebrate the fresh produce that is in abundance during this vibrant season. From salads to desserts, these dishes are perfect for enjoying the tastes of spring while nourishing your body with healthy, wholesome ingredients. So gather your favorite seasonal ingredients and start cooking!

FAQ

What are some easy spring recipes using fresh produce?

Easy spring recipes include spring vegetable risotto, asparagus salad with lemon vinaigrette, and strawberry spinach salad.

What seasonal fruits and vegetables are best for spring recipes?

Best spring produce includes asparagus, peas, radishes, strawberries, and artichokes.

How can I incorporate fresh herbs into my spring cooking?

Incorporate fresh herbs like basil, mint, and dill into salads, dressings, and marinades for vibrant spring flavors.

Are there any light spring dinner ideas?

Light spring dinner ideas include grilled lemon chicken with asparagus, quinoa salad with peas, and a vegetable stir-fry.

What are some vegetarian spring recipes that highlight fresh produce?

Vegetarian spring recipes include a roasted vegetable tart, spring vegetable soup, and a fresh pea and mint pasta.