As the days grow longer and the farmer’s markets burst with color, it’s time to refresh our kitchens with bright, seasonal flavors that capture the essence of spring. After months of hearty winter meals, these vibrant, easy-to-make dishes celebrate the best spring produce – from crisp asparagus to sweet strawberries.
I’ve carefully developed these recipes through years of seasonal cooking, ensuring each one delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive brunch centerpiece, these dishes will bring sunshine to your table.
Why These Recipes Shine in Spring
✅ Highlight seasonal stars – asparagus, peas, radishes, strawberries & herbs
✅ Lighter yet satisfying – perfect balance after winter comfort foods
✅ Quick preparation – most ready in 30 minutes or less
✅ Beautiful presentation – colorful plates that celebrate the season
✅ Versatile – easily adapted for dietary needs
Pro Tip: For peak flavor, buy vegetables the day you plan to cook them and store them properly – asparagus upright in water, berries unwashed in the fridge.
1. Lemony Asparagus & Pea Pasta
(20 minutes active time, serves 4)
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) linguine or farfalle pasta
- 1 lb (450g) fresh asparagus, tough ends snapped off
- 1 cup (150g) fresh or frozen peas
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
- 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan
- 1/4 cup (10g) chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Ingredients
- Bring large pot of salted water to boil for pasta
- Cut asparagus into 1-inch pieces on diagonal
- Zest and juice lemon, set aside separately
- Grate Parmesan, chop basil, mince garlic
2. Cook Pasta & Vegetables
- Add pasta to boiling water, cook according to package minus 1 minute
- During last 3 minutes of cooking, add asparagus and peas to pasta water
3. Make Sauce Base
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in large skillet over medium
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned
4. Combine Everything
- Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain pasta and vegetables
- Add drained pasta to skillet with garlic oil
- Toss with lemon zest, juice, and 1/2 cup pasta water
- Stir in Parmesan until creamy sauce forms
- Fold in fresh basil
- Season with salt and pepper to taste
5. Serve Immediately
- Divide among bowls
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and basil
- Drizzle with additional olive oil if desired
Make It Your Own:
- Add 1 cup cooked shrimp or chicken for protein
- Substitute ricotta for Parmesan for creamier texture
- Use mint instead of basil for different herbal note
Storage: Best eaten fresh, but leftovers keep 2 days in fridge
2. Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
(15 minutes, no cook, serves 6)
Ingredients:
For Salad:
- 8 cups (240g) baby spinach leaves
- 2 cups (300g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup (75g) crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup (30g) sliced almonds, toasted
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
For Dressing:
- 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp (30ml) apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp (15ml) honey
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Prepare Components
- Wash and dry spinach thoroughly
- Toast almonds in dry skillet over medium heat 3-4 minutes until fragrant
- Slice strawberries, dice avocado, slice onion
2. Make Dressing
- In small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until emulsified
3. Assemble Salad
- In large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, avocado, and onion
- Drizzle with dressing and toss gently
- Sprinkle with feta and toasted almonds
4. Serve Immediately
Pro Tip: Add dressing just before serving to prevent wilting
3. Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken Thighs
(30 minutes plus marinating, serves 4)
Ingredients:
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Make Marinade
- Combine all ingredients except chicken in bowl
- Whisk to blend thoroughly
2. Marinate Chicken
- Place chicken in resealable bag or shallow dish
- Pour marinade over, coating all pieces
- Refrigerate at least 2 hours, up to overnight
3. Grill Chicken
- Preheat grill to medium-high (400°F/200°C)
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off
- Grill skin-side down 6-8 minutes until well-marked
- Flip and cook 8-10 minutes more until 165°F internal temp
4. Rest & Serve
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving
- Garnish with additional fresh herbs
4. Spring Vegetable Frittata
(40 minutes, serves 6)
Ingredients:
- 8 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup sliced leeks
- 1 cup chopped asparagus
- 1/2 cup fresh peas
- 2 oz goat cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chopped chives
Instructions:
1. Sauté Vegetables
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Heat oil in oven-safe skillet
- Cook leeks 3 minutes until softened
- Add asparagus and peas, cook 2 minutes
2. Prepare Egg Mixture
- Whisk eggs with milk, salt, and pepper
3. Combine & Cook
- Pour eggs over vegetables
- Crumble goat cheese on top
- Cook on stovetop 3 minutes until edges set
- Transfer to oven, bake 12-15 minutes until set
4. Serve
- Garnish with chives
- Slice into wedges
5. One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Rice
(35 minutes, serves 4)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp
- 1.5 cups white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 lemon (zest + juice)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp chopped dill
Instructions:
1. Sauté Aromatics
- Melt butter in large pot
- Add garlic and lemon zest, cook 1 minute
2. Cook Rice
- Add rice, stir to coat
- Pour in broth, bring to boil
- Reduce heat, cover, simmer 15 minutes
3. Add Shrimp
- Nestle shrimp into rice
- Cover, cook 5 minutes until pink
4. Finish & Serve
- Stir in lemon juice and dill
- Season to taste
Final Thoughts
These recipes have become my go-to spring favorites because they’re as enjoyable to make as they are to eat. The bright flavors and fresh ingredients truly capture the season’s essence.
Which recipe speaks to you most? I’d love to hear which one you try first!
(You May Also Like My Apple Crumble Cheesecake & Sweet Potato Recipes 🌸🍽️