20 Spring Dishes That Highlight This Season's Fresh Produce

      The arrival of warmer weather, extended daylight, and blossoming flowers brings numerous reasons to welcome spring. However, one aspect of the season I've been eagerly looking forward to all winter is the reappearance of spring produce and the delicious recipes that accompany it. Don’t misunderstand: I enjoy preparing comforting dishes during the cold and gloomy months, but after several months of nothing but stews and heavy winter fare, I'm weary of feeling like I have the diet of a Victorian child.

      Now that spring has finally arrived, I am celebrating by creating light and fresh recipes that incorporate seasonal spring produce like strawberries, carrots, and peas. The truth is that seasonal fruits and vegetables taste better since they are picked at their peak flavor. Furthermore, according to the Mayo Clinic, produce is more nutrient-dense when harvested at the right time, making in-season shopping advantageous for health. Additionally, you could save money at the grocery store, as seasonal produce tends to be less expensive. Continue reading to discover what produce is currently in season for spring and find some of the best recipes to use with your next grocery haul.

      What Produce Is in Season for Spring?

      As per the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the following are the fruits and vegetables that are in season in spring:

      - Apples

      - Apricots

      - Asparagus

      - Avocados

      - Bananas

      - Broccoli

      - Cabbage

      - Carrots

      - Celery

      - Collard Greens

      - Garlic

      - Herbs

      - Kale

      - Kiwi

      - Lemons

      - Lettuce

      - Limes

      - Mushrooms

      - Onions

      - Peas

      - Pineapples

      - Plantains

      - Radishes

      - Rhubarb

      - Spinach

      - Strawberries

      - Swiss Chard

      - Turnips

      Spring Recipes to Try This Season

      Once you have stocked up on seasonal fruits and vegetables, give one of these spring recipes a try to savor the season’s best flavors.

      1. Spring Pea Pasta with Burrata

       Source: What’s Gaby Cooking

       No need to fret—just because we’re leaning towards lighter meals in spring doesn’t mean we’re cutting out pasta. This spring pea pasta is full of flavor and adds a seasonal twist to a beloved dish.

      2. Bright Spring Vegetable Salad

       Source: Love & Lemons

       This salad is loaded with spring produce, making it easy to eat a variety of colorful veggies like radishes and asparagus.

      3. Iced Lemon Pound Cake

       Source: Sally’s Baking Addiction

       This recipe is like a Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf but even better, as it’s homemade. Prepare this zesty pound cake for dessert after dinner or as a lavish breakfast.

      4. Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw

       Source: Pinch of Yum

       There’s something about shrimp that just screams spring to me. Fresh, hearty, and delicious, these spicy shrimp tacos are no exception.

      5. Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

       Source: Salt and Lavender

       I admit I mentioned being tired of soup, but when allergy season hits, a warm bowl of soup can be comforting. The bright lemon flavor is perfect for spring, and the mixture of veggies, orzo, and chicken makes it hearty.

      6. Garlic Shrimp Pasta

       Source: by Erin Clarke of Well Plated

       Although this pasta dish may seem fancy, it’s actually straightforward to prepare. You can easily personalize it with your favorite vegetables or whatever is in season!

      7. Carrot Cake Pancakes

       Source: Ambitious Kitchen

       Why should carrot cake be reserved for dessert? These pancakes are a sweet way to kickstart your day and are also gluten- and dairy-free.

      8. Spring Vegetable Frittata

       Source: Downshiftology

       As a regular egg eater for breakfast, I'm always searching for ways to spice up my usual scramble. This frittata is simple enough for daily breakfast but impressive enough for a special brunch.

      9. Oven Roasted Asparagus Flatbread

       Source: Superman Cooks

       Forget pizza delivery! This pesto-topped flatbread is filled with delightful, seasonal ingredients and can be made faster than a delivery driver can arrive.

      10. Rhubarb Crisp

       Source: Love & Lemons

       In my opinion, spring desserts are unbeatable. There’s something transcendent about sweet, seasonal fruit in a baked recipe, and this rhubarb crisp is no exception.

      11. Mushroom Pasta

       Source: Love & Lemons

       This mushroom pasta strikingly balances rich, creamy flavors without being too heavy, making it an ideal spring meal for when the weather is still slightly cool.

      12. Spicy Tuna Spiralized Spring Vegetable Salad

       Source: Cotter Crunch

       This spicy tuna spring salad is affordable, ready in 10 minutes, and most importantly, delicious. You won’t want