With spring produce coming on the scene, hitting my favorite farm stand on Saturday was a weekend highlight. It was brimming with season all-stars, from tender spring onions to bright baskets of fresh strawberries. I brought home more than my fair share and will be putting everything to good use in my time-tested recipes. With that in mind, below you’ll find a line-up of 12 good things to make and eat this spring.
Honey Stewed Strawberry Rhubarb Compote
Rhubarb season is relatively short, so take advantage of these bright and flavorful stalks. This is relatively quick to make and keeps in the fridge for up to a week. The consistency is somewhere between a syrup and a jam. Spoon it onto plain yogurt, enjoy it over toast, swap it for syrup on pancakes and waffles, or save it for dessert over frozen yogurt or ice cream.
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas, and Radishes
This bright, fresh salad is one I developed for Simply Recipes. It boasts all the best picks from the spring produce department and comes together with a tangy, herby dressing that gets its richness from a touch of crème fraîche. Add a piece of grilled fish or chicken and you have dinner. (photo: Allison Bickel)
Sugar Snap Pea Salad with Roasted Almonds & Parmesan
This salad delivers crunch with a capital C. The combination of sugar snap peas and roasted almonds is a texture bomb that you’ll want to dig into again and again. The sweet flavor of the peas is balanced beautifully with lemon juice and olive oil. For a dash of color, add a few thinly sliced radishes and swap Pecorino for Parmesan.
Shaved Spring Vegetable Salad
I have a version of this salad for every season. This one is a recipe I developed for Simply Recipes and is one I turn to often. When tender and young, vegetables of all kinds are excellent raw and shaved thin. Chopped walnuts and Parmesan cheese are the perfect finishing touches. (photo: Allison Bickel)
Strawberry, Arugula, and Feta Salad
So colorful and easy. The peppery greens are balanced just right by the addition of sweet berries. It’s a gorgeous combination.
Asparagus Tart with Goat Cheese & Smoked Salmon
This tart is pretty to look at and delicious to eat, in part thanks to a layer of smoked salmon hiding beneath that row of asparagus. It makes an elegant addition to brunch or lunch, or can be cut into small squares and served as an appetizer.
Pasta with Asparagus, Peas, and Crème Fraîche
This recipe makes the most of asparagus and peas when they are sweet and tender in the springtime. You don’t need much more than s few spoonfuls of crème fraîche and generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice to make a nourishing pasta that you will want to come back to every spring.
Oven Farro Risotto with Spring Vegetables
The recipe has extra appeal because unlike classic risotto that requires constant stirring, this version demands nothing of you once it goes into the oven. The recipe relies on onions, bacon and lemon to get the flavors going as it cooks. If you don’t each pork, just leave out the bacon (or sub in turkey or tempeh bacon).
Pork Chops with Rhubarb Compote
This recipe is easy enough for a weeknight supper, but you can get fancy with it by brining the chops overnight or giving them at least an hour in a favorite marinade before grilling. The chops are excellent with a side of sautéed garlicky greens.
Instant Pot Artichokes with Lemon Chive Butter
The Instant Pot makes quick and easy work of cooking artichokes. Pair them with a lemony chive butter for a delicious starter or side dish.
Eton Mess with Strawberries & Yogurt Whipped Cream
This is one of my favorite desserts on the planet. It also happens to check all the boxes for easy entertaining: Quick to make, just a few ingredients, and totally delicious.
Lemon Olive Oil Yogurt Cake with Strawberries
A simple, lightly sweetened and tender cake that’s terrific with fresh fruit and whipped cream. Make it a day ahead, if desired, since it holds up well overnight.
What’s happening in your kitchen this Spring?