5 Recipes to Make Spring Vegetables Shine

This meal plan features the stars of the produce department, including vibrant green asparagus and tangy red rhubarb. From salad to stew, savory tarts to skillet cake, this meal plan truly celebrates Spring.

By

Katie Morford, MS, RD

Updated May 12, 2021

"What's for Dinner?" with an asparagus tart set behind the text. — Simply Recipes

I feel like a kid in a candy shop when spring arrives, and farmers’ markets start to fill with seasonal produce. My kitchen becomes a revolving door of asparagus and peas, tender spring lamb dishes, and strawberry desserts on repeat.

Since we are smack dab in the middle of spring, we should take full advantage of what’s fresh right now. You’ll find tender asparagus shine in a scrumptious savory tart, a light, bright spring salad tossed with an herby dressing, and a cozy lamb stew punctuated with young garlic and English peas.

Hit your local market or farmstand and stock up on what’s bound to be a week of winners.

Easy Asparagus Tart with Goat Cheese

Sally Vargas

This vegetarian tart makes for a light weeknight supper that’s easy to pull together. It’s also perfect for Mother’s Day brunch. Add this Shaved Vegetable Salad to the menu for a simple side dish
Spring Vegetable Salad with Asparagus, Peas, and Radishes

Alison Bickel

This bright beauty of a spring salad provides some balance to the heavier dishes in this week’s menu. Make it a main by hard boiling some eggs or grilling chicken and drizzling a little extra dressing over the top.
Spring Shrimp Scampi with Peas and Mint

Sheryl Julian

Fresh English peas and mint are a classic pairing that goes deliciously well in this pasta dish. Consider this Watercress and Strawberry Salad if you want a double dose of vegetables at dinner.
Spring Lamb Stew

Elise Bauer

This cozy dish is good for those days when it’s still feeling a little chilly for Spring. It’s a hearty stew made with spring garlic, new potatoes, peas, and roasted garlic. This one-pot meal makes excellent leftovers for lunch the next day.

Continue to 5 of 6 below.
Risotto with Balsamic Roasted Asparagus and Peas

A spring risotto that’s comforting and hearty, yet fresh and vibrant. Feel free to swap in frozen peas for fresh if you are short on prep time.
Weekend Baking: Rhubarb Almond Skillet Cake

Sally Vargas

This wonderful skillet cake is done in a food processor, making it relatively easy to whip up. Enjoy it for dessert with homemade whipped cream or have it as a part of your weekend brunch with plain Greek yogurt.