What to cook first when spring produce starts looking this good

When produce starts looking this fresh, it makes deciding what to cook a little easier. These recipes are a natural place to begin. They highlight what’s in season without overcomplicating things. Each one lets the ingredients stand out on their own. If you’re ready to switch things up, start here.

Fresh Pesto Tortellini Salad for Spring

A close up view of cooked tortellini pasta salad in a white bowl. — Pesto Tortellini Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This tortellini salad is bursting with fresh spring flavors and seasonal veggies. Ready in 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a light, colorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini Salad

Quick Grilled Asparagus with Lemon

Grilled asparagus on foil-lined baking sheet with lemon slice. — Grilled Asparagus. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Grilling brings out the natural sweetness in fresh spring asparagus. Ready in 25 minutes, it’s a must-try seasonal side dish.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

Hearty Spring Mushroom Ragù

An image of mushroom ragu in a white bowl with a garnish of basil on top. — Mushroom Ragù. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This mushroom ragù is rich and perfect for fresh spring produce. Serve over pasta or creamy polenta for a seasonal dinner that shines.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Ragù

Crispy Air Fryer Artichokes

A white plate with two grilled artichoke halves and a small stone bowl of dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Artichoke. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Air fryer artichokes get crispy on the outside while staying tender inside. A simple way to showcase seasonal spring vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Artichoke

Spinach Avocado Salad with Radishes

An overhead image of spinach avocado salad in a wooden bowl with lemon in the background. — Spinach Avocado Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This spinach avocado salad blends cherry tomatoes, radishes, and cotija cheese for spring freshness. Finished with lemon vinaigrette, it’s a crisp seasonal favorite.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Avocado Salad

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

An overhead image of sun dried tomato pasta in a rectangular dish. — Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This sun-dried tomato pasta is creamy and perfect for spring dinners. Ricotta adds richness while fresh flavors shine in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Crisp Carrot Salad with Citrus

An overhead image of raw carrot salad on a plate. — Raw Carrot Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This carrot salad is fresh, crunchy, and full of spring flavor. A vibrant dish that celebrates seasonal produce in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Raw Carrot Salad

Kale Salad with Sweet Cranberries

A horizontal image of kale salad with cranberries. — Kale Salad With Cranberries. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Cranberries and crunchy nuts add a sweet touch to fresh kale. This salad is ready in five minutes for a quick spring boost.
Get the Recipe: Kale Salad With Cranberries

Herbed Leek & Mushroom Pasta

Bowl of creamy leek and mushroom pasta topped with Parmesan cheese and black pepper on a light marble surface. — Leek and Mushroom Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Creamy leek and mushroom pasta highlights the best spring produce. A 40-minute recipe that feels elegant yet approachable.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Mushroom Pasta

Zesty Lemon Butter Pasta

An image of lemon butter pasta in a bowl. — Lemon Butter Pasta (Pasta al Limone). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Bright lemon butter pasta highlights spring vegetables and fresh flavors. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a seasonal weeknight winner.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta (Pasta al Limone)

Broccoli Pesto Pasta with Ricotta

An overhead image of broccoli pesto pasta served in a plate. — Broccoli Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Broccoli pesto pasta bursts with lemony freshness and spring flavor. Whipped ricotta adds creamy richness to this quick meal.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Pesto Pasta

Spring Pea Pasta e Piselli

An image of Pasta e Piselli served in a bowl. — Pasta e Piselli. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Classic Pasta e Piselli combines sweet peas and Pecorino for fresh spring flavor. A simple Italian dish that highlights the season.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Piselli

Cheesy Broccoli Mac & Spring Veggies

Overhead image of a plate of creamy Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese. — Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

This broccoli cheddar mac is creamy, cheesy, and perfect for spring vegetables. Ready in 20 minutes, it’s a comforting seasonal dish.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese

Chicken Caesar Pasta for Spring

Top view of chicken caesar pasta salad in a plate. — Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Quick chicken Caesar pasta salad brings fresh spring flavors to your table. Ready in 25 minutes, it’s ideal for weeknights or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Herb-Maple Little Gem Spring Salad

A plate of Little Gem Salad with Herbs, Maple, Lime and Sesame. — Little Gem Salad with Herbs, Maple, Lime and Sesame. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Little Gem lettuce with herbs, maple, and lime is crisp and refreshing for spring. Bright flavors make it a perfect seasonal side.
Get the Recipe: Little Gem Salad with Herbs, Maple, Lime and Sesame

Spring Carrot Bake

An overhead image of baked carrot casserole. — Carrot Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Celebrate spring with this creamy carrot bake full of flavor. Crispy topping adds the perfect seasonal crunch.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Casserole

Cheesy Asparagus Spring Bake

A close up view of a cooked asparagus casserole in a baking dish. — Easy, Cheesy Asparagus Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Melty cheddar and tender asparagus make this dish irresistible. Perfect for a fresh springside that pops on the table.
Get the Recipe: Easy, Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

Lemon Ricotta Spring Pasta

Straight view of cooked one-pot lemon ricotta pasta garnished with rocket and fresh basil leaves placed in a white plate with a fork on the side. — One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Bright lemon and creamy ricotta make this pasta a springtime favorite. Ready in 15 minutes for a fresh, vibrant dinner.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Spring Cheesy Spinach

An overhead image of creamy spinach in a pot. — Creamed Spinach. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Three cheeses make this creamed spinach rich and indulgent. A simple way to enjoy fresh spring greens.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach

Fresh Pesto Trenette

An overhead image of trenette al pesto in a round serving plate. — Trenette al Pesto. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Basil pesto, green beans, and potatoes shine in this spring pasta. It’s a fresh, flavorful dish perfect for seasonal meals.
Get the Recipe: Trenette al Pesto

Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff

An image of mushroom stroganoff and white rice on a plate, with a fork on the side. — Mushroom Stroganoff. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Rich, creamy mushroom stroganoff ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for celebrating spring mushrooms at their peak.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Stroganoff

Pea & Mushroom Spring Pasta

Top view of bowl of spring pasta with peas and oyster mushrooms with garnishes on the side. — Spring Pasta with Peas and Oyster Mushrooms. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Pea shoots and roasted mushrooms make this pasta a spring star. Quick, fresh, and full of seasonal flavor.
Get the Recipe: Spring Pasta with Peas and Oyster Mushrooms

Crispy Brussels Sprouts Latkes

Healthy Brussels sprouts and potato latkes. — Crispy Brussels Sprouts Latkes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These latkes are golden, crispy, and packed with spring flavor. Serve with a zesty avocado-lemon crema for extra flair.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Brussels Sprouts Latkes

Savory Spring Mushroom Tartlets

A close up image of a single mushroom tartlet on a serving plate. — Mushroom Tartlets. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Flaky tartlets filled with creamy mushrooms make a perfect spring appetizer. Elegant and full of seasonal flavor.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Tartlets

Fresh Vegan Caesar

Vegan caesar salad in a bowl drizzled with caesar salad dressing. — Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Crisp romaine and creamy dressing make this vegan Caesar ideal for spring. Ready in 15 minutes for a light, fresh meal.
Get the Recipe: Caesar Salad