During springtime, there’s nothing like strolling through a farmer’s market and filling your basket with vibrant greens, sweet berries, and crisp veggies. But sometimes you want to grab something that looks amazing but have no clue what to do with it. No worries, we’ve got plenty of simple, delicious ideas to make the most of your farmer’s market haul. Grab your apron, because we’re diving into the best spring recipes!
Spring Recipes: Make the Most of Farmer’s Market Produce Today
Spring recipes should feel as easy as a walk through the market. A few fresh vegetables and herbs are all you need to start. These meals are quick to prep and made for real life. Here’s what to cook with what’s in season now.
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Honey-Lemon Dressing 🍓🥗
A good salad should be more than just greens, and this strawberry spinach salad will deliver a new shade. The strawberries provide just enough sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the fresh spinach. Meanwhile,the honey-lemon dressing brightens everything with a refreshing tang. This strawberry spinach salad tastes light but never boring, which is perfect for warm days or quick brunches.
Ingredients:
✅ 4 cups fresh spinach
✅ 1 cup sliced strawberries
✅ ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
✅ ¼ cup toasted pecans, chopped
✅ ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
✅ 3 tbsp olive oil
✅ 1 tbsp honey
✅ Juice of 1 lemon
✅ 1 tsp Dijon mustard
✅ Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
1️⃣ Whisk together all the dressing ingredients until well combined. Then, set aside while you prepare the salad.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, toss the spinach, strawberries, feta, pecans, and onion.
3️⃣ Drizzle the dressing over the salad, then toss gently to coat everything in the sweet and tangy flavors.
Creamy Asparagus and Pea Risotto 🌿🧄
If you love creamy comfort food but prefer them fresh, asparagus and pea risotto is the answer. The Arborio rice turns silky smooth as it soaks up the broth. Meanwhile, the asparagus and peas keep the dish light while the Parmesan adds that rich, cheesy finish. This asparagus and pea risotto is easy enough to prepare during a weeknight and feels fancy enough for a special occasion.
Ingredients:
✅ 1 cup Arborio rice
✅ 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth, warmed
✅ 1 cup fresh asparagus, chopped
✅ ½ cup fresh peas
✅ ½ small onion, diced
✅ 2 tbsp butter
✅ ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
✅ ½ cup dry white wine (optional)
✅ Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
1️⃣ Melt butter in a pan over medium heat and coat the surface before adding the diced onion. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
2️⃣ Stir in and lightly toast the Arborio rice for about a minute.
3️⃣ Pour in the wine (optional), then stir continuously until the rice absorbs the liquid completely.
4️⃣ Add the broth, one ladle at a time, and stir frequently to help the rice absorb the liquid. Continue this process until the rice turns creamy and tender, which should take about 20 minutes.
5️⃣ Once the rice has reached the perfect consistency, stir in the asparagus and peas. Let them cook for 3-4 minutes, just until they become tender and vibrant.
6️⃣ Remove from heat, then mix in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Serve the risotto warm and enjoy!
Lemon-Garlic Roasted Carrots 🥕🍋
A side dish should complement the main course without fading into the background, and these roasted carrots do just that perfectly. The roasting process produces deep, golden edges that feature just enough crispiness. Garlic adds a savory balance to their natural sweetness and makes the flavors more complex. If you think carrots are boring, this recipe will change your mind.
Ingredients:
✅ 1 lb baby carrots or sliced whole carrots
✅ 2 tbsp olive oil
✅ 2 cloves garlic, minced
✅ Juice of ½ lemon
✅ ½ tsp salt
✅ ¼ tsp black pepper
✅ 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions:
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 400°F while you prepare the carrots.
2️⃣ In a mixing bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet.
3️⃣ Roast the carrots for 20-25 minutes and turn them over halfway through the cooking process. Make sure to let all sides to caramelize beautifully.
4️⃣ Once the carrots are tender and slightly golden, remove them from the oven. Drizzle with lemon juice, then sprinkle with parsley before serving for a zesty finish.
Spring on a Plate
These spring recipes bring bold colors, crisp textures, and bright flavors to your table. A quick roast, a simple salad, or a light pasta can turn seasonal produce into something special. No need for complicated recipes when the spring produce is this good! Keep that tote bag handy because there’s plenty more farmer’s market recipes to cook!
FAQs – Spring Recipes
1️⃣ How do I store fresh asparagus?
Trim the ends and place the stalks in a jar of water in the fridge, like a bouquet.
2️⃣ Can I use frozen peas in the risotto?
Yes! Just add them in the last few minutes of cooking so they stay bright and tender.
3️⃣ What can I use instead of feta in the salad?
Goat cheese or shaved Parmesan work great as substitutes.
4️⃣ Do I need to peel carrots before roasting?
Not necessarily. Just wash them well, especially if using organic carrots.
5️⃣ Can I make the salad dressing ahead of time?
Yes, it keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. Shake before using.
6️⃣ What’s the best rice for risotto?
Arborio rice is ideal because it absorbs liquid while staying creamy.
7️⃣ How do I know when roasted carrots are done?
They should be fork-tender with slightly caramelized edges.
8️⃣ Can I add protein to these dishes?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would pair well.
9️⃣ How do I keep strawberries fresh longer?
Store them unwashed in a breathable container lined with paper towels.
🔟 Can I use bottled lemon juice for these recipes?
Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled one works in a pinch.
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