Spring brings fresh flavors and bright ingredients that can transform your meals.
As the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to refresh your menu with seasonal dishes that celebrate what this time of year has to offer.
From vibrant salads to light main courses, spring recipes can help you make the most of produce like asparagus, peas, rhubarb, and fresh herbs.
These 21 best spring recipes will help you embrace the season with dishes that are both comforting and fresh. You’ll find options for every meal and occasion, whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or planning a special gathering.
Many of these recipes are simple to prepare but deliver impressive results that will delight your family and friends.
1. Spring Vegetable Fettuccine Alfredo
Spring Vegetable Fettuccine Alfredo combines the rich creaminess of classic Alfredo sauce with fresh spring vegetables. This dish brightens up the traditional recipe with seasonal produce like asparagus and mushrooms.
The recipe takes about 45 minutes to prepare and serves 4 people. Lemon zest and chives help cut through the richness of the creamy sauce.
You’ll need fettuccine pasta, olive oil, button mushrooms, and asparagus as your base ingredients. The vegetables add color, texture, and nutritional value to this comforting pasta dish.
This meal is perfect for vegetarians and anyone looking to enjoy spring flavors in a satisfying, creamy pasta format.
2. Sheet Pan London Broil with Asparagus
Sheet Pan London Broil with Asparagus is a perfect spring dish that combines tender beef with fresh vegetables. This easy meal requires minimal cleanup since everything cooks on one pan.
To prepare this dish, marinate your London broil in a mixture of olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor.
Cook the marinated London broil on a sheet pan first. After the meat is done, let it rest while you add asparagus to the same pan. Broil the asparagus for about 5 minutes until tender.
You can enhance this meal with a gribiche sauce, which complements both the beef and asparagus wonderfully.
3. Coconut Tofu with Snap Pea Salad
This vibrant spring dish combines crispy coconut-crusted tofu with fresh sugar snap peas for a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Start with a block of extra-firm tofu, drained well. Coat it in instant flour, dip in beaten eggs seasoned with red pepper flakes, then cover in sweetened shredded coconut.
For the salad, thinly slice about 12 ounces of sugar snap peas and mix with fresh cilantro. Some recipes add lemon zest and juice for brightness.
You can enhance the salad with togarashi seasoning and coconut yogurt for a creamy element. This dish works beautifully as a light lunch or dinner when you want something both satisfying and fresh.
4. Easy Chicken Primavera
Chicken Primavera is a quick one-pan meal perfect for spring. It combines tender chicken breast with fresh seasonal vegetables for a light yet satisfying dinner.
You can make this versatile dish with whatever spring veggies you have on hand. Common ingredients include carrots, peas, and asparagus along with tomatoes and pesto for flavor.
The creamy sauce brings everything together without being too heavy. The entire meal comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Serve your Chicken Primavera over pasta or zoodles depending on your preference. It’s both family-friendly and elegant enough for special occasions.
5. Skillet Chicken Thighs with Carrots
This one-pan meal brings together juicy chicken thighs, sweet carrots, and potatoes for a satisfying spring dinner. The chicken cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
You can enhance the flavor with a simple white wine and garlic sauce that creates a delicious base for the meat and vegetables. Baby carrots and potatoes simmer in the chicken drippings, absorbing all those savory flavors.
Fresh parsley adds a bright finishing touch to this dish. The entire meal comes together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome without much fuss.
6. Turkey Spaghetti Zoodles
Turkey Spaghetti Zoodles is a perfect spring meal that’s both light and satisfying. This dish swaps traditional pasta for spiralized zucchini, making it low-carb and gluten-free.
You can prepare this healthy meal in just 10 minutes using a single pot. The recipe combines lean ground turkey with zucchini noodles for a protein-packed dinner that doesn’t weigh you down.
The simple sauce complements the mild zucchini flavor while the turkey adds heartiness. You can top your zoodles with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
This versatile dish works well for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen.
7. Romantic Chicken with Artichokes
Spring is the perfect time to make this flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with artichokes. The dish gets its romantic flair from the rich combination of flavors and elegant presentation.
To make it, you’ll brown chicken pieces in a pan until golden. Then add marinated artichoke hearts, mushrooms, white wine, and capers to create a savory sauce.
Some recipes include a creamy element with mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese that forms a golden crust when baked. Others feature a lighter lemon-butter sauce with fresh thyme.
You can serve this over pasta or with roasted spring vegetables for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.
8. Fresh Potato Salad with Herbs
Spring is the perfect time to enjoy a light, herbaceous potato salad. This dish skips the heavy mayo and instead focuses on fresh flavors.
Start with small red or petite medley potatoes, sliced and boiled until just tender. While still warm, toss them with a simple dressing of olive oil and white wine vinegar.
The magic happens when you add plenty of fresh herbs. Mix in chopped dill, parsley, and chives. For extra flavor, include some chopped shallots and capers.
This potato salad makes a delicious side for picnics or spring gatherings. The herbs bring brightness while the potatoes provide satisfying comfort.
9. Grilled Cantaloupe with Salt and Pepper
Grilled cantaloupe offers a delicious twist on this spring fruit by adding smoky flavor and caramelization. Start by cutting a ripe cantaloupe into thick wedges, removing the seeds and rind.
Brush the cantaloupe slices lightly with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Grill them for about 5-7 minutes per side until you see clear grill marks.
The heat transforms the fruit’s natural sweetness. Once grilled, sprinkle with a small amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper for a perfect sweet-savory balance. For extra flavor, you can drizzle with honey or add a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
10. Citrus Ricotta Toast
Citrus ricotta toast makes a perfect spring breakfast or snack. This simple dish combines creamy ricotta cheese with bright citrus flavors.
Start with a slice of sourdough or your favorite bread, toasted until crisp. In a small bowl, mix whole milk ricotta with a touch of lemon zest and a drizzle of olive oil.
Spread the whipped ricotta mixture generously on your toast. You can top it with a light drizzle of honey for sweetness. For extra flavor, add thin slices of fresh citrus fruits or a sprinkle of sea salt.
This refreshing toast works well with seasonal spring greens on the side for a complete meal.
11. Copycat Starbucks Egg Bites
These protein-packed egg bites are easy to make at home and taste just like the ones from Starbucks. You need eggs, cottage cheese, shredded Gruyère (or Monterey Jack), and cooked bacon pieces.
Simply blend the eggs with cottage cheese and most of the shredded cheese. Then pour the mixture into silicone molds, add bacon pieces, and top with remaining cheese.
Bake them until set or use a sous vide method for extra creaminess. They’re perfect for busy mornings when you need a quick, high-protein breakfast. Make a batch on Sunday for grab-and-go breakfasts all week.
12. Air Fryer Spring Rolls
Air fryer spring rolls offer a lighter alternative to traditional deep-fried versions while maintaining that satisfying crunch. They’re simple to make at home with minimal oil.
You can fill your spring rolls with ground chicken, beef, or vegetables based on your preference. The filling options are endless – try cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, and bean sprouts for a classic combination.
Brush or spray the assembled rolls lightly with oil before air frying. This helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior that makes spring rolls so appealing.
Cook them at around 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when the wrapper turns crispy and golden brown.
13. Asparagus and Feta Quiche
Spring brings fresh asparagus, making it the perfect time to create a delicious quiche. This dish combines tender asparagus with tangy feta cheese for a flavorful meal.
You can enjoy this versatile dish for brunch, dinner, or any meal in between. The creamy custard base provides the perfect backdrop for the vegetables and cheese.
To make it, you’ll need eggs, flour, dairy, asparagus, and feta. Some recipes also add spinach, green onions, or mozzarella for extra flavor.
Baking it in a deep-dish pie shell gives plenty of room for all the ingredients. It’s a great way to use asparagus when it’s in season.
14. Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble
Strawberry rhubarb crumble is a perfect spring dessert that balances sweet strawberries with tart rhubarb. The combination creates a delicious filling under a crispy, buttery topping.
To make this simple treat, toss fresh rhubarb stalks and strawberries with sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt in a deep dish. This mixture creates the juicy base of your crumble.
The topping typically includes oats, flour, butter, and brown sugar. When baked, it becomes golden and crisp while the fruit beneath bubbles with flavor.
Serve your crumble warm with vanilla ice cream for a truly satisfying spring dessert.
15. Wild Garlic Pesto Pasta
Wild garlic pesto pasta is a bright and refreshing spring dish that captures the essence of the season. This recipe uses fresh wild garlic leaves, which have a milder flavor than regular garlic.
To make the pesto, blend wild garlic leaves with toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan, olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon juice. You can also use alternative nuts like walnuts or pumpkin seeds for different flavors and textures.
The pesto pairs perfectly with any pasta shape, but rigatoni or other shapes that hold sauce well are ideal. This dish offers a crunchy bite from the seeds and a creamy texture that tastes like springtime in a bowl.
16. Lemon Herb Grilled Salmon
Lemon herb grilled salmon is a perfect spring dish that combines fresh flavors with healthy protein. You’ll need olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley to create the marinade.
This recipe is highly adaptable. You can swap ingredients based on what you have available – try using lime instead of lemon or basil instead of parsley.
Marinate your salmon for at least 20 minutes before grilling. Cook until the fish flakes easily with a fork but remains moist inside.
Serve your lemon herb salmon with spring vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.
17. Spring Onion and Cheddar Biscuits
These savory biscuits combine the sharp flavor of cheddar cheese with the fresh taste of spring onions. They’re flaky, buttery, and perfect for spring meals.
You can make these biscuits using simple ingredients like self-rising flour, buttermilk, butter, and fresh spring onions. The key to their flaky texture is layering and folding the cheese into the dough.
These biscuits work well as a side for soups and salads. You can also serve them with breakfast or as a snack on their own.
For best results, use sharp cheddar cheese to get that rich, tangy flavor. Fresh spring onions will give them a mild onion taste without being overpowering.
18. English Pea Soup
English Pea Soup is a spring favorite that showcases the sweet flavor of fresh peas. You can make this bright green soup using frozen organic peas for consistent quality and convenience.
For best results, add the peas near the end of cooking to preserve their naturally sweet taste. This technique helps maintain the soup’s vibrant color and fresh flavor.
Consider topping your soup with lemon crème fraîche for a touch of elegance and a complementary tangy note. The creamy swirl creates a beautiful presentation and enhances the soup’s flavor profile.
This classic soup comes together quickly, making it perfect for a light spring lunch or dinner starter.
19. Radish and Cucumber Salad
Radish and cucumber salad is a perfect spring dish that combines crunch and refreshing flavors. This simple salad brings together the peppery bite of crisp radishes with cool, hydrating cucumbers.
For the best results, use fresh spring radishes and Persian cucumbers if you can find them. They provide the perfect texture contrast in every bite.
A light dressing of vinaigrette keeps things bright, or try a creamy sour cream base with fresh herbs for something more indulgent. You can also add red onions for extra zing.
This colorful salad works great as a side dish for spring meals or as a light lunch on its own.
20. Lemon Asparagus Risotto
Lemon Asparagus Risotto brings together the bright flavors of spring in a comforting dish. This creamy rice dish combines tender asparagus, fresh lemon, and rich parmesan cheese.
You’ll find this risotto incredibly versatile. Make it as a main dish or serve it alongside your favorite protein for a complete meal.
The combination of creamy arborio rice with the crispness of asparagus creates a perfect texture contrast. Fresh lemon adds brightness that cuts through the richness.
For extra spring flavor, consider adding sweet peas or fresh basil. Many recipes also include leeks for a mild onion flavor that complements the other ingredients.
21. Fava Bean Dip with Pita
Fava bean dip is a delicious spring appetizer that showcases the seasonal fresh beans at their best. This bright and flavorful dip combines creamy fava beans with garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil for a simple yet satisfying spread.
You can enhance your dip with fresh herbs like mint, parsley, or coriander to add brightness. Many recipes include spices such as cumin or sumac for depth of flavor.
Serve this vibrant green dip with warm homemade pita chips for a perfect spring snack. Simply brush pita bread with olive oil, cut into triangles, and bake until crisp.
For the best flavor, use fresh fava beans when in season, though frozen work well too.
Understanding Spring Ingredients
Spring brings a bounty of fresh, vibrant ingredients that form the foundation of seasonal cooking. Knowing what to look for and how to use these ingredients will elevate your spring recipes from good to exceptional.
Seasonal Vegetables
Spring vegetables offer bright flavors and delicate textures that define the season.
Asparagus is a springtime star, available from March through June, with tender stalks that can be roasted, grilled, or added to pasta dishes.
Peas reach their peak sweetness in spring. Fresh peas require only minimal cooking to maintain their vibrant color and flavor. Try them in risottos, salads, or simply steamed with a touch of butter.
Radishes add a peppery crunch to spring meals. Look for firm bulbs with crisp greens attached. They’re perfect raw in salads or quick-pickled as a tangy garnish.
Artichokes, fava beans, and spring onions also shine this time of year. Rhubarb, while technically a vegetable, brings a tart flavor to spring desserts when paired with strawberries.
Fresh Herbs and Spices
Herbs take center stage in spring cooking, adding brightness to winter-weary palates.
Chives, with their mild onion flavor, are among the first herbs to appear and make an excellent garnish for spring soups and egg dishes.
Mint grows abundantly in spring and pairs wonderfully with peas and lamb. Add it to tea, cocktails, or desserts for a refreshing note.
Spring herb trio to grow at home:
- Basil (perfect for pasta and salads)
- Dill (excellent with fish and in light dressings)
- Parsley (versatile for almost any spring dish)
Lighter spices like lemon zest, white pepper, and coriander complement spring ingredients without overpowering their natural flavors. Try combining these with a touch of olive oil for a simple, effective seasoning blend.
Sourcing Organic Produce
For the best spring cooking, seek out locally grown organic produce.
Farmers’ markets often feature the freshest seasonal options and support local agriculture.
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) subscriptions deliver boxes of seasonal produce directly from farms to your home. They’re an excellent way to discover new spring ingredients while supporting sustainable farming.
You can identify truly fresh spring produce by looking for bright colors, crisp textures, and aromatic scents. Don’t be deterred by slight imperfections – they often indicate minimal processing and pesticide use.
Growing your own spring herbs or vegetables is rewarding and ensures maximum freshness. Even a small windowsill garden can provide fresh herbs throughout the season.
When organic options aren’t available, thoroughly wash conventional produce to remove surface pesticides. Focus on seasonal items – they’ll have traveled shorter distances and offer better flavor than off-season imports.
Tips for Cooking Spring Recipes
Spring dishes shine with fresh ingredients and bright flavors. Making the most of seasonal produce requires some specific techniques to preserve their natural qualities and enhance their taste.
Balancing Flavors
When cooking spring recipes, use a light hand with seasonings to let the natural flavors stand out.
Fresh herbs like mint, dill, and chives complement spring vegetables perfectly without overpowering them.
Acid is your friend. A splash of lemon juice or a mild vinegar can brighten any spring dish. Try adding a squeeze of citrus just before serving asparagus or peas to enhance their sweetness.
Consider using lighter cooking methods. Instead of heavy cream sauces, try olive oil with herbs or a yogurt-based dressing. This approach will let the delicate spring flavors shine through.
Don’t overcook spring vegetables. They should remain bright in color and slightly crisp for the best flavor and texture. Blanching greens for just 1-2 minutes often works better than longer cooking times.
Preserving Nutrients
Spring vegetables are nutrition powerhouses. To keep their vitamins intact, cook them quickly using methods like steaming, blanching, or quick sautéing.
Best cooking methods for nutrient retention:
- Steaming (preserves water-soluble vitamins)
- Quick stir-frying
- Light blanching followed by ice bath
- Raw preparations (salads, slaws)
Prepare vegetables just before cooking them. Cutting and leaving spring produce sitting can lead to nutrient loss and flavor deterioration. This is especially true for delicate greens and herbs.
Store spring produce properly in the refrigerator. Most spring vegetables prefer high humidity. Keep them in the crisper drawer in perforated plastic bags to maintain freshness and nutrient content.
Consider eating parts you might normally discard. Carrot tops make excellent pesto, and beet greens are nutritious when sautéed. Using the whole vegetable reduces waste and adds nutrients to your meals.
