Spring is a time when a variety of fruits and vegetables are in season, ready to be incorporated into delicious dishes. The Department of Agriculture has provided a list of 27 items that are in season during the spring, including fruits like apricots, apples, bananas, kiwifruit, lemons, limes, pineapples, and strawberries, as well as vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, celery, collard greens, garlic, kale, mushrooms, onions, peas, radishes, rhubarb, spinach, Swiss chard, and turnips. These seasonal fruits and vegetables can be used in a variety of recipes to create tasty and healthy snacks and meals.
Apricots are a versatile fruit that can be used as a topping in salads, to make jam, or grilled and added to barbecue skewers. Asparagus pairs well with meat and can be cooked in various ways, such as grilling, blanching, or baking. Avocados, containing healthy fats, can be used in guacamole, sandwiches, salads, and avocado toast. Apples, available year-round, can be added to salads, wraps, chicken salad, or enjoyed on their own dipped in caramel or peanut butter. Bananas are a great addition to fruit salads, smoothies, French toast, pancakes, muffins, bread, and other breakfast dishes.
Broccoli can be added as a side dish for dinner, mixed into pasta, or included in a veggie tray at a cookout. Cabbage is perfect for making coleslaw for barbecues or stir-fries. Carrots can be used in various dishes, salads, or as a snack with hummus or dressing. Celery is a great snack when paired with ranch dressing, added to salads, or used to make “ants on a log” as a fun, healthy snack for kids. Collard greens can be added to green juice, used in southern comfort food dishes, or as a side dish for fried chicken and cornbread.
Garlic can be used to season a variety of dishes, such as focaccia bread, salad dressings, steak marinades, and pasta sauces. Herbs add flavor to recipes and can include basil, parsley, dill, and more. Kale is a popular ingredient for green juice and smoothies. Lemons are versatile and can be used in salad dressings, cheesecakes, cocktails, and as a garnish. Lettuce is ideal for making salads, taco shells, or wraps. Limes can be used in margaritas, lime crema, guacamole, or drizzled over chicken or tacos.
Mushrooms can be added to pasta, chicken, steak, pork, city chicken skewers, burgers, or cooked in a skillet with roasted peppers and onions. Onions are a staple ingredient in numerous recipes, from omelets to soups. Peas are commonly used as a side dish flavored with butter, garlic, salt, pepper, and sugar. Pineapples can be enjoyed as a refreshing snack or grilled for skewers, tacos, or flatbread pizzas. Radishes can be used in tacos, salads, grilled as a side dish, pickled, or roasted. Rhubarb can be used to make stews, smoothies, or blended with other fruits and vegetables.
Spinach can be incorporated into omelets, calzones, pasta dishes, and pairs well with artichoke dip. Strawberries are perfect for making chocolate-covered strawberries, strawberry shortcake, smoothies, salads, or açaí bowls. Swiss chard is a leafy vegetable ideal for salads, pasta dishes, or as a side dish. Turnips can be mashed or roasted and used in a variety of dishes. These seasonal fruits and vegetables provide a variety of options for creating delicious and healthy spring snacks and meals.
